1. Gheorghe Mureșan – 7’7” (231 cm)
Gheorghe Mureșan, standing at 7’7”, holds the distinction of being the tallest player in NBA history, tied with Manute Bol. The Romanian-born center played for the Washington Bullets (now Wizards) and the New Jersey Nets in the 1990s and early 2000s. Despite his towering frame, Mureșan had a surprising level of agility and skill, earning the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award in 1996. His presence in the paint was formidable, and his height made him an ideal target for lob passes.
2. Manute Bol – 7’7” (231 cm)
Manute Bol, who also stood at an incredible 7’7”, was one of the most iconic shot-blockers in NBA history. Born in Sudan, Bol played in the NBA from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s. While he didn’t possess an elite offensive game, Bol’s defense was legendary. He averaged 3.3 blocks per game over his career and holds the record for the most blocks in a single game (15). Despite his height, Bol was incredibly athletic and had impressive mobility, making him a unique defensive force in the league.
3. Shawn Bradley – 7’6” (229 cm)
Shawn Bradley was another giant who played in the NBA, standing at 7’6”. The German-American center played for the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, and Dallas Mavericks during his career. While he wasn’t known for his offensive prowess, his height and shot-blocking ability made him a valuable asset on defense. Bradley averaged 2.5 blocks per game over his career, and his presence in the paint often altered opposing offenses. His height made him an ideal rim protector, and he remains one of the most notable giants in NBA history.
4. Yao Ming – 7’6” (229 cm)
Yao Ming, one of the most famous international players to ever play in the NBA, stood at 7’6”. Hailing from China, Yao played for the Houston Rockets from 2002 to 2011. A skilled and well-rounded center, Yao was not just tall but also exceptionally skilled for his size. He averaged 19 points and 9 rebounds per game over his career and was a dominant force both offensively and defensively. Yao’s height, combined with his basketball IQ and touch around the basket, made him one of the most successful big men of his era. He was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2016.
5. Kristaps Porzingis – 7’3” (221 cm)
While not as tall as the giants listed above, Kristaps Porzingis, standing at 7’3”, is one of the tallest modern players in the NBA. The Latvian-born forward has made a name for himself as a versatile player, capable of both shooting from outside and playing effectively near the basket. Known as the “Unicorn” for his unique skill set, Porzingis has the ability to block shots, hit three-pointers, and rebound. His height gives him a natural advantage in defending against shots and being a rim protector, as well as being an imposing figure on offense.
6. Dwight Howard – 6’10” (208 cm) (Honorable Mention)
Although Dwight Howard isn’t as tall as the other players on this list, his physical stature and dominance in the paint merit recognition. Standing at 6’10”, Howard was one of the most physically imposing players in the NBA for years. Known for his rebounding and shot-blocking skills, Howard dominated the boards and became a defensive stalwart. While his height may not have matched the giants listed above, his combination of strength, size, and athleticism made him a force to be reckoned with.
How Height Affects the Game
The benefits of height in basketball are clear. Taller players are able to:
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Reach the Rim Easily: Dunking, blocking shots, and finishing near the basket become much easier with added height.
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Defend More Effectively: Taller players can contest shots from a greater distance and block shots that shorter players may struggle to reach.
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Control the Paint: Whether it’s securing rebounds or defending against opposing centers, height gives a massive advantage in the key areas of the court.
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Intimidation Factor: Tall players naturally intimidate opponents with their size, often forcing them to alter their shots or avoid attacking the basket altogether.
| Player | Height | Drafted By |
|---|---|---|
| Gheorghe Mureșan | 7 feet 7 inches (231 cm) | Washington Bullets (1993) |
| Manute Bol | 7 feet 7 inches (231 cm) | Washington Bullets (1985) |
| Yao Ming | 7 feet 6 inches (229 cm) | Houston Rockets (2002) |
| Shawn Bradley | 7 feet 6 inches (229 cm) | Philadelphia 76ers (1993) |
| Slavko Vraneš | 7 feet 6 inches (229 cm) | Undrafted |
| Tacko Fall | 7 feet 6 inches (229 cm) | Boston Celtics (Undrafted, 2019) |
| Gheorghe Mureșan | 7 feet 6 inches (229 cm) | Denver Nuggets (1993) |
| Sim Bhullar | 7 feet 5 inches (226 cm) | Sacramento Kings (Undrafted, 2014) |
| Rik Smits | 7 feet 4 inches (224 cm) | Indiana Pacers (1988) |
| Mark Eaton | 7 feet 4 inches (224 cm) | Utah Jazz (1982) |
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