In the world of professional basketball, height plays a pivotal role. The National Basketball Association (NBA) has seen its fair share of towering athletes who dominate the court with their sheer stature. But who holds the title of the tallest NBA player? Let’s delve into the heights, records, and fascinating stories of these giants.
Contents
The Top Contenders
1. Gheorghe Mureșan
- Height: 7 feet 7 inches (2.31 meters)
- Weight: 303 pounds (137 kilograms)
- Teams: Washington Bullets (1993–1998), New Jersey Nets (1998–2000)
- Notable Achievements: Mureșan won the 1996 NBA Most Improved Player Award.
- Fun Fact: He remains the tallest player to have ever played in the NBA.
2. Manute Bol
- Height: 7 feet 7 inches (2.31 meters)
Weight: 200 pounds (91 kilograms) - Teams: Washington Bullets (1985–1988, 1994), Golden State Warriors (1988–1990, 1994), Philadelphia 76ers (1990–1993, 1994), Miami Heat (1993–1994)
- Notable Achievements: Bol played alongside the shortest player in NBA history, Muggsy Bogues, during the 1987–88 season for the Washington Bullets. Their height difference was a staggering 28 inches (71 centimeters).
- Fun Fact: Manute Bol’s legacy extends beyond the court; he was a humanitarian and advocate for peace in his native Sudan.
3. Tacko Fall
- Height: 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 meters)
- Weight: 311 pounds (141 kilograms)
- Teams: Boston Celtics (2019–2021), Cleveland Cavaliers (2021–2022)
- Notable Achievements: Fall’s imposing presence made him a fan favorite, even though his playing time was limited.
- Fun Fact: His nickname, “Tacko,” originated from his childhood love for tacos.
4. Yao Ming
- Height: 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 meters)
- Weight: 310 pounds (141 kilograms)
- Team: Houston Rockets (2002–2011)
- Notable Achievements: Yao Ming was not only a dominant center but also the tallest player to participate in at least one NBA All-Star Game. His induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame solidified his place in basketball history.
- Fun Fact: Yao’s impact extended beyond the court; he helped popularize basketball in China and bridged cultures.
5. Shawn Bradley
- Height: 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 meters)
- Weight: 275 pounds (125 kilograms)
- Teams: Philadelphia 76ers (1993–1995), New Jersey Nets (1995–1997), Dallas Mavericks (1997–2005)
- Notable Achievements: Bradley, born to American parents in West Germany, had a solid NBA career as a shot-blocker and rebounder.
- Fun Fact: His height made him an imposing figure on defense, and he remains a memorable part of NBA history.
6. Rik Smits
- Height: 7 feet 4 inches (2.24 meters)
- Weight: 250 pounds (113 kilograms)
- Team: Indiana Pacers (1988–2000)
- Notable Achievements: Smits, known as the “Dunking Dutchman,” was a skilled center with a soft shooting touch. He played his entire NBA career with the Pacers.
- Fun Fact: Smits’ height allowed him to shoot over defenders effortlessly, earning him a place in Pacers lore.
7. Mark Eaton
- Height: 7 feet 4 inches (2.24 meters)
- Weight: 275 pounds (125 kilograms)
- Team: Utah Jazz (1982–1993)
- Notable Achievements: Eaton was a defensive force, leading the league in blocked shots for four consecutive seasons. His shot-blocking prowess earned him two NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards.
- Fun Fact: Eaton’s wingspan was an astonishing 7 feet 10 inches (2.39 meters), making him a human eraser on the court.
8. Yasutaka Okayama
- Height: 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 meters)
- Weight: 286 pounds (130 kilograms)
- Team: New Jersey Nets (1989–1990)
- Notable Achievements: Okayama, a Japanese center, played a single season in the NBA. His height made him a curiosity, but injuries limited his impact.
- Fun Fact: Okayama’s journey from Japan to the NBA remains an inspiring tale of determination.
9. Slavko Vraneš
- Height: 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 meters)
- Weight: 260 pounds (118 kilograms)
- Team: New York Knicks (2004–2005)
- Notable Achievements: Vraneš, a Montenegrin center, had a brief stint in the NBA. His size intrigued scouts, but injuries hampered his career.
- Fun Fact: He once dunked without jumping, showcasing his incredible reach.
10. Sim Bhullar
- Height: 7 feet 5 inches (2.26 meters)
- Weight: 360 pounds (163 kilograms)
- Team: Sacramento Kings (2014–2015)
- Notable Achievements: Bhullar, of Indian descent, became the first player of Indian origin to play in the NBA. His massive frame made headlines.
- Fun Fact: Sim Bhullar’s journey inspired young basketball enthusiasts in India.