The National Basketball Association (NBA) has been home to some of the tallest athletes in the world, with several players standing out for their extraordinary height. These towering figures have captivated fans with their dominance on the court, often redefining the game with their unique abilities. Here’s a look at the top 10 tallest NBA players of all time:
1. Gheorghe Muresan – 7 ft 7 in (2.31 m)
Career Highlights: Drafted by the Washington Bullets in 1993, Muresan won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in the 1995-96 season. He is widely recognized as the tallest NBA player of all time, edging out Manute Bol by a few millimeters.
2. Manute Bol – 7 ft 7 in (2.31 m)
Career Highlights: Known for his defensive prowess, Bol led the league in blocks as a rookie and was named to the All-NBA Defensive Team. His humanitarian work off the court left a lasting legacy.
3. Tacko Fall – 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
Career Highlights: Fall’s height and athleticism made him a fan favorite, though his NBA career was limited to just 37 games. He continues to play professionally in other leagues.
4. Yao Ming – 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
Career Highlights: A dominant center from China, Yao Ming was an eight-time NBA All-Star before injuries cut his career short. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
5. Shawn Bradley – 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
Career Highlights: Known for his shot-blocking ability, Bradley played for several teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks, over a 12-year career.
6. Slavko Vranes – 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
Career Highlights: Despite playing only one game in the NBA, Vranes’s height made him a notable figure. He had a successful career in European leagues.
7. Chuck Nevitt – 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)
Career Highlights: Nevitt is the tallest player to win an NBA championship, achieving this with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1985. He played for several teams over nine seasons.
8. Pavel Podkolzin – 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)
Career Highlights: Drafted by the Utah Jazz in 2004, Podkolzin’s NBA career was limited to just six games. He played professionally in Europe and Russia.
9. Sim Bhullar – 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)
Career Highlights: Bhullar became the first player of Indian descent to play in the NBA when he debuted for the Sacramento Kings in 2015. His career was marked by brief stints in the league.
10. Zach Edey – 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m)
Career Highlights: Currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, Edey is one of the tallest active players in the NBA. He was drafted in 2023 and is part of a new generation of tall talents.
These players have left an indelible mark on the NBA, showcasing the impact that extraordinary height can have on the game. Their stories are a testament to the diversity and talent that define basketball’s premier league.
