The NBA has been home to some of the most towering and skilled athletes in basketball history, showcasing an impressive lineup of players with exceptional height.
This list ranks the top 10 tallest NBA players of all time, highlighting their remarkable physical stature and contributions to the sport. From dominant centers controlling the paint to agile forwards showcasing versatility, these players have left an indelible mark on basketball history.
Their towering presence commanded attention on the court and redefined the game with their unique skills and abilities. This ranking offers a glimpse into the remarkable careers of these legendary athletes, illustrating how their average height became a defining factor in their success and impact on the sport.
Let’s delve into the heights of these tallest NBA players and celebrate their enduring legacy within basketball lore.
List of 10 Tallest NBA Players of All-Time
| Player Name | Height | Career Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Gheorghe Muresan | 7 ft 7 in (2.31 m) | Played for the Bullets and Nets (1993-2000), known for his height and shot-blocking, won the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 1996. |
| Manute Bol | 7 ft 7 in (2.31 m) | Played for various teams (1985-1995), holds the record for the highest career blocks per game average, known for his humanitarian work in Sudan. |
| Slavko Vraneš | 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m) | Brief stint with the Trail Blazers (2003-04), spent most of his career in Europe, winning multiple titles with KK Budućnost Podgorica. |
| Yao Ming | 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m) | Played for the Rockets (2002-2011), 8-time NBA All-Star, helped popularize basketball in China, career cut short by injuries. |
| Shawn Bradley | 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m) | Played for various teams (1993-2005), known for his shot-blocking, led the league in blocks per game in 1997, known for his charitable work and faith. |
| Chuck Nevitt | 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m) | Played for various teams (1982-1994), known for his height and role as a backup center, won an NBA championship with the Lakers in 1985. |
| Pavel Podkolzin | 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m) | Brief stint with the Mavericks (2004-05), spent most of his career in Europe, had success with CSKA Moscow and Dynamo Moscow. |
| Sim Bhullar | 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m) | Briefly played for the Kings (2014-15), becoming the first player of Indian descent in the NBA, spent most of his time in the G League and played professionally in Taiwan and Canada. |
| Tacko Fall | 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m) | Played for the Celtics and Cavaliers (2019-2022), known for his height and positive attitude, spent time in the G League, named to the All-Defensive Team in 2020. |
| Mark Eaton | 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m) | Played for the Jazz (1982-1993), 2-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, holds the record for the highest career blocks per game average, named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team three times, worked as a restaurateur and motivational speaker after his playing career. |
1. Gheorghe Muresan – 7 feet 7 inches (2.31 meters)
Gheorghe Muresan, a Romanian center, played for the Washington Bullets and New Jersey Nets from 1993 to 2000. Known for his incredible height and size, Muresan was a fan favorite and a unique presence on the court. Despite his limited mobility, he was an effective shot-blocker and rebounder.
Muresan’s best season came in 1995-96 when he averaged 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, earning him the NBA Most Improved Player Award. Muresan appeared in the 1998 film “My Giant” off the court alongside Billy Crystal, showcasing his acting skills and comedic timing.
2. Manute Bol – 7 feet 7 inches (2.31 meters)
Manute Bol, a Sudanese center, played for various teams, including the Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, and Philadelphia 76ers from 1985 to 1995. Bol was known for his incredible height, long limbs, and shot-blocking ability.
He has the record for the highest career blocks per game average (3.34) and is the only player in NBA history to have more career blocked shots than points scored.
Bol was also known for his humanitarian work in his home country of Sudan, using his NBA earnings to support various causes and charities. Sadly, Bol passed away in 2010 at the age of 47.
3. Yao Ming – 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 meters)
Yao Ming, a Chinese center, played for the Houston Rockets from 2002 to 2011 and was an 8-time NBA All-Star. Ming was one of the tallest NBA players in history and one of the most skilled and influential. He had an impressive combination of size, strength, and finesse, with a soft touch around the basket and a reliable mid-range jumper.
Ming helped popularize basketball in China and opened doors for future Chinese players in the NBA. Despite his success, Ming’s career was cut short by injuries, leading to his retirement in 2011.
4. Slavko Vraneš – 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 meters)
Slavko Vraneš, a Montenegrin center, had a brief stint in the NBA, playing for the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2003-04 season. Vraneš was drafted by the New York Knicks in the second round of the 2003 NBA Draft but was traded to the Trail Blazers on draft night. He appeared in only one NBA game, playing for three minutes, and recorded no statistics.
Vraneš spent most of his professional career playing in Europe, where he had a successful stint with KK Budućnost Podgorica, winning multiple league titles and cups. He also represented the Serbian and Montenegrin national teams in international competitions.
5. Shawn Bradley – 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 meters)
Shawn Bradley, an American center, played for various teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, and Dallas Mavericks, from 1993 to 2005. Bradley was known for his incredible height and shot-blocking ability, using his long arms to alter and reject shots.
He showed the league in blocks per game during the 1996-97 season, averaging 3.4 blocks per contest. Bradley was also an effective rebounder and a reliable presence in the paint. Off the court, Bradley was known for his charitable work and devotion to his faith as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
6. Chuck Nevitt – 7 feet 5 inches (2.26 meters)
Chuck Nevitt, an American center, played for various teams, including the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Detroit Pistons, from 1982 to 1994. Nevitt was known for his towering height and his role as a backup center. He was a fan favorite due to his unique appearance and enthusiasm on the bench.
Despite his limited playing time, Nevitt was a respected teammate and a positive presence in the locker room. He won an NBA championship with the Lakers in 1985, albeit in a limited role. After his playing career, Nevitt worked as a broadcaster and a coach.
7. Pavel Podkolzin – 7 feet 5 inches (2.26 meters)
Pavel Podkolzin, a Russian center, had a brief stint in the NBA, playing for the Dallas Mavericks during the 2004-05 season. Podkolzin was drafted by the Utah Jazz in the first round of the 2004 NBA Draft but was traded to the Mavericks on draft night. He appeared in only six games for the Mavericks, averaging 0.7 points and 0.8 rebounds per game.
Injuries and a lack of playing time hindered Podkolzin’s NBA career. He spent most of his experienced career playing in Europe, where he succeeded with various teams, including CSKA Moscow and Dynamo Moscow.
8. Sim Bhullar – 7 feet 5 inches (2.26 meters)
Sim Bhullar, a Canadian center of Indian descent, played briefly for the Sacramento Kings during the 2014-15 season, becoming the first player of Indian descent to play in the NBA. Bhullar went undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft but signed with the Kings as a free agent.
He appeared in three games for the Kings, totaling two points and one rebound. Bhullar spent most of his time in the NBA G League, where he played for the Reno Bighorns and the Raptors 905. He also played professionally in Taiwan and his native Canada.
9. Tacko Fall – 7 feet 5 inches (2.26 meters)
Tacko Fall, a Senegalese center, played for the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers from 2019 to 2022. Fall pushed undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft but signed with the Celtics as a free agent. He became a fan favorite due to his height and positive attitude.
Fall appeared in 26 games for the Celtics over two seasons, averaging 2.7 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. He also paid time in the NBA G League, where he was named to the All-Defensive Team in 2020. Fall signed with the Cavaliers in 2021 and appeared in 11 games for the team.
10. Mark Eaton – 7 feet 4 inches (2.24 meters)
Mark Eaton, an American center, played for the Utah Jazz from 1982 to 1993 and was a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Eaton was known for his incredible shot-blocking ability, using his height and wingspan to intimidate and reject opposing players.
He showed the league in blocks per game four times and holds the record for the highest career blocks per game average (3.50). Eaton was also a reliable rebounder and a key piece of the Jazz’s defense.
He was called to the NBA All-Defensive First Team thrice and was an All-Star in 1989. After his playing career, Eaton worked as a restaurateur and a motivational speaker.
Final Note
The top 10 tallest NBA players of all time represent a unique aspect of basketball history, showcasing the remarkable height and physical presence that some athletes brought to the court.
These players left an indelible mark on the game, from dominating the paint to altering opponents’ shots with their towering stature. Their contributions highlight the diversity of basketball skills and demonstrate the importance of size and reach in certain positions.
While height played a significant role in their careers, these players also showcased talent, determination, and perseverance, allowing them to succeed at the highest level of professional basketball.
Their legacy serves as a reminder of the diversity of talent and the awe-inspiring nature of the NBA, where players of all sizes and backgrounds can leave a lasting impact on the sport and inspire future generations of athletes.
