Height has always been a game-changer in the NBA, and some players have taken it to another level—literally. These towering athletes didn’t just stand out on the court; they left lasting impacts on the game itself. Whether using their incredible wingspans for shot-blocking dominance, altering offensive strategies, or simply becoming fan favorites due to their sheer size, these giants have shaped basketball in unforgettable ways.
From legends like Manute Bol to rising stars like Victor Wembanyama, here’s a look at the tallest players in NBA history and the marks they’ve left on the sport.
15. Victor Wembanyama (7’4″)
Victor Wembanyama, the French phenom, entered the NBA in 2023 as the tallest active player. At 7’4″ with an 8-foot wingspan, he’s revolutionizing the game with his unique combination of size, skill, and agility.
14. Priest Lauderdale (7’4″)
Priest Lauderdale, standing at an impressive 7’4″, played for the Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets during his brief NBA career from 1996 to 1998. Despite his towering height, Lauderdale’s impact was limited, averaging just 3.4 points and 1.9 rebounds per game over 74 appearances. His NBA journey was short-lived, but his stature remains memorable.
13. Rik Smits (7’4″)
Known as “The Dunking Dutchman,” Rik Smits towered at 7’4″ during his 12-year NBA career with the Indiana Pacers. The 1988 second overall draft pick became an All-Star in 1998 and reached the NBA Finals in 2000. Smits averaged 14.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game throughout his career.
12. Ralph Sampson (7’4″)
Ralph Sampson, a 7’4″ center, dominated college basketball before joining the NBA in 1983. He earned Rookie of the Year honors in 1984 and was a three-time All-Star. Sampson’s career, though shortened by injuries, showcased his unique blend of size and skill, averaging 15.4 points and 8.8 rebounds per game over nine seasons.
11. Mark Eaton (7’4″)
Mark Eaton, the towering center for the Utah Jazz, dominated the paint from 1982 to 1993. A two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Eaton holds the record for most blocks in a single season (456) and highest career blocks-per-game average (3.50). His defensive prowess earned him an All-Star selection in 1989.
10. Boban Marjanovic (7’4″)
Standing at an impressive 7’4″, Boban Marjanovic is one of the tallest active NBA players. The Serbian center currently plays for the Zhejiang Lions in the Chinese Basketball Association after stints with several NBA teams. Known for his towering presence and fan-favorite personality, Marjanovic has become a cult figure in basketball circles.
9. Sim Bhullar (7’5″)
Sim Bhullar, born in Toronto, made history as the first player of Indian descent in the NBA. The 7’5″ center played briefly for the Sacramento Kings in 2015, appearing in three games. Despite his short NBA career, Bhullar continued playing professionally in other leagues, including Taiwan’s T1 League from 2022 to 2024.
8. Pavel Podkolzin (7’5″)
Pavel Podkolzin, a Russian center, stood at an impressive 7’5″ (226 cm). Drafted by the Utah Jazz in 2004, he played briefly for the Dallas Mavericks. Despite his towering height, Podkolzin’s NBA career was short-lived, spanning only 6 games over two seasons due to various health issues.
7. Chuck Nevitt (7’5″)
Chuck Nevitt, standing at 7’5″, played for five NBA teams over nine seasons. Despite his impressive height, Nevitt’s career averages were modest at 1.6 points and 1.5 rebounds per game. He won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1985 and earned the nickname “Human Victory Cigar.”
6. Slavko Vranes (7’6″)
Slavko Vranes, born in 1983, holds the distinction of being one of the tallest players in NBA history. The Montenegrin-Serbian center was drafted by the New York Knicks in 2003 but played only one game for the Portland Trail Blazers in 2004. Despite his brief NBA career, Vranes continued to play professionally in Europe until 2018.
5. Tacko Fall (7’6″)
Tacko Fall, born in Senegal, stands at an impressive 7’6″ (2.29 m). He played for the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA from 2019 to 2022. Fall’s extraordinary height made him a fan favorite and a formidable shot-blocker. He currently plays for the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL.
4. Shawn Bradley (7’6″)
Shawn Bradley, nicknamed “The Stormin’ Mormon,” towered over opponents at 7’6″. Playing for the 76ers, Nets, and Mavericks from 1993 to 2005, Bradley was a formidable shot-blocker, averaging 2.5 blocks per game. Despite his height advantage, he faced challenges with his slender frame against more physical centers. Bradley’s career highlights include leading the league in blocks during the 1996-97 season.
3. Yao Ming (7’6″)
Yao Ming, the Chinese basketball sensation, stood at an impressive 7’6″ (229 cm). He played for the Houston Rockets from 2002 to 2011, earning eight All-Star selections. Yao’s height made him the tallest active player in the NBA during his final season, dominating the court with his imposing presence and skillful play.
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2. Manute Bol (7’7″)
Manute Bol, the Sudanese-born center, played 10 NBA seasons from 1985 to 1995. Known for his exceptional shot-blocking ability, Bol averaged 3.3 blocks per game over his career. He also surprised fans with his three-point shooting, once hitting 6 threes in a single game against the Phoenix Suns in the 1992-93 season.
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1. Gheorghe Muresan (7’7″)
Gheorghe Muresan stands as the tallest player in NBA history at 7’7″ (2.31 m). The Romanian center played for the Washington Bullets (now Wizards) and New Jersey Nets from 1993 to 2000. Muresan’s best season came in 1995-96 when he won the NBA Most Improved Player Award, averaging 14.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.
