- NBA players are the greatest athletes in the world
- Most big men have extraordinary wingspans
- There is only one player right now who cleared 8 feet in wingspan
In the high-flying world of the NBA, where athleticism and reach can be the difference between a blocked shot and a slam dunk, the length of a player’s wingspan can be a game-changer. A wingspan is the length of a player with his arms held straight at their sides, indicating their potential reach on the court.
- 20T. Jaren Jackson Jr. – 7’5.25”
- 20T. Jarrett Allen – 7’5.25”
- 18T. Robin Lopez – 7’5.5”
- 18T. Brook Lopez – 7’5.5”
- 18T. Anthony Davis – 7’5.5″
- 18T. Robert Williams – 7’5.5″
- 14T. Kristaps Porzingis – 7’6″
- 14T. Chet Holmgren – 7’6″
- 14T. JaVale McGee – 7’6″
- 14T. Deandre Ayton – 7’6″
- 14T. DeAndre Jordan – 7’6″
- 14T. Thomas Bryant – 7’6″
- 8. Andre Drummond – 7’6.25″
- 7. Mark Williams – 7’6.5″
- 6. Bol Bol – 7’7″
- 5. Udoka Azubuike – 7’7.25″
- 4. Rudy Gobert – 7’8.5″
- 3T. Boban Marjanovic – 7’10”
- 3T. Mo Bamba – 7’10”
- 1. Victor Wembanyama – 8’0″
As we delve into the current landscape of the NBA, it’s intriguing to explore the players who possess the most extended wingspans, the anatomical trait that enables them to contest shots, grab rebounds, and disrupt passing lanes with exceptional ease.
Join us on a journey to discover the towering athletes who spread their wings on the hardwood, causing opponents to think twice before challenging their airspace in the paint or on the perimeter.
20T. Jaren Jackson Jr. – 7’5.25”
Jaren Jackson Jr., the 6’11” power forward/center for the Memphis Grizzlies, boasts an astonishing wingspan measuring 7’5.25”. This remarkable wingspan not only allows him to protect the rim with authority but also makes him a formidable presence in both offensive and defensive facets of the game.
The reigning 2023 Defensive Player of the Year is not an elite rebounder as he only averages a career 5.5 rebounds per game, but he is an instinctive shot blocker who posted 3.0 blocks per game last year, utilizing his exceptional wingspan to get to balls around the rim.
20T. Jarrett Allen – 7’5.25”
Jarrett Allen, the imposing center of the Cleveland Cavaliers, stands out in the NBA with his remarkable wingspan of 7’5.25”. This wingspan is a game-changing attribute for him, as it transforms him into a formidable presence in the paint. On the defensive end, it allows him to be a shot-blocking menace who has averaged at least 1.2 blocks per game every season.
Furthermore, Jarrett Allen’s lengthy wingspan plays a crucial role in his dominance on the boards. He excels at grabbing rebounds, particularly offensive ones, thanks to his extended reach. His ability to reach over opponents and secure second-chance opportunities for his team is invaluable and he averages 8.9 career rebounds per game.
18T. Robin Lopez – 7’5.5”
Robin Lopez, the towering NBA center with a wingspan of 7’5.5”, is a formidable defensive presence in the paint. His exceptional wingspan allows him to disrupt opposing offenses by contesting shots with authority. Whether it’s swatting away attempts or forcing players to adjust their shots, Lopez’s wingspan acts as a defensive deterrent that enhances his team’s rim protection.
In addition to his defensive contributions, Robin Lopez’s extended wingspan plays a significant role in his rebounding prowess. He excels in grabbing boards on both ends of the court, and as mainly a backup center for most of his career, he has averaged 4.8 rebounds per game in only 21.4 minutes of action.
18T. Brook Lopez – 7’5.5”
Brook Lopez, the seven-foot-tall center for the Milwaukee Bucks, possesses a wingspan that measures an imposing 7’5.5”. This remarkable wingspan has played a significant role in his success in the NBA, particularly on both ends of the court.
On the defensive side, Brook Lopez’s wingspan transforms him into a formidable shot-blocker. His ability to contest and reject shots at the rim is a valuable asset for his team’s defense. Opponents often think twice before attempting shots in his vicinity, knowing that his extended wingspan can alter their attempts or lead to rejections.
Starting out as a post player who was actually a defensive liability, Lopez has developed into an elite shot-blocker with the Bucks and has averaged at least 2.0 blocks per game three times in the last five years with the team while being in the running for Defensive Player of the Year last season.
18T. Anthony Davis – 7’5.5″
Anthony Davis, the versatile forward/center for the Los Angeles Lakers, boasts a wingspan that measures an impressive 7’5.5”. This extraordinary wingspan is a cornerstone of his game, making him a force to be reckoned with as an All-Star on both ends of the basketball court.
Defensively, Anthony Davis’s wingspan is a game-changer. It allows him to efficiently contest shots at the rim, often resulting in highlight-reel blocks. His ability to alter the trajectory of opponents’ shots and protect the paint makes him one of the most formidable shot-blockers in the league. In 2023, Davis averaged 2.0 blocks per game.
Offensively, Davis’s wingspan gives him a significant advantage when finishing at the rim and grabbing offensive rebounds. He can reach over defenders to secure crucial second-chance opportunities for his team. Moreover, his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting complements his inside game, making him a versatile offensive threat. His averages of 25.9 points and 12.5 rebounds per game on 56.3% from the field show how his wingspan greatly helps him in the paint.
18T. Robert Williams – 7’5.5″
Defensively, Robert Williams’s wingspan makes him a formidable shot-blocker and rim protector. His ability to contest and swat away shots at the basket is a game-changing asset for the Boston Celtics‘ defense. Opponents often find it challenging to score in the paint when faced with the imposing presence of Williams and his extended wingspan.
Offensively, Williams’s wingspan is advantageous for finishing around the rim and securing offensive rebounds. He can reach over defenders to grab missed shots and create second-chance opportunities. Additionally, his lob-catching ability and agility in the pick-and-roll game are enhanced by his wingspan. With averages of 8.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game, Williams has a chance to be Defensive Player of the Year one day.
14T. Kristaps Porzingis – 7’6″
There seems to be a shift in what the Boston Celtics are trying to do, trading for another big man with exceptional length. At 7’3” tall, the towering Latvian forward/center for the Dallas Mavericks, possesses one of the most remarkable wingspans in the NBA, measuring an astonishing 7’6”.
Defensively, Kristaps Porzingis’ wingspan is a game-changing asset. It allows him to be a shot-blocking force in the paint, where he can contest and reject shots with authority. Teams will struggle to score against Porzingis and Robert Williams in the paint together, making the team’s defense scarier than expected in 2024. The fact that Porzingis can shoot over defenders is another major advantage to his game.
14T. Chet Holmgren – 7’6″
The No. 1 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Chet Holmgren has a ton of expectations heading into the 2023-24 season after missing the previous season entirely through injury. Even if he has elite offensive skills and basketball IQ, his defense is what his calling card should be considering he has an incredible 7’6” wingspan.
Holmgren is extremely lanky and while critics might point to his perceived lack of physical strength or muscle, that actually helps him get off his feet to block shots and succeed around the rim. The talented youngster will be trying to stay healthy and build a solid team in Oklahoma City this year.
14T. JaVale McGee – 7’6″
JaVale McGee, the experienced NBA center, possesses an incredible wingspan measuring 7’6”. This exceptional wingspan has been a pivotal asset throughout his career, particularly in his role as a shot-blocker and rim protector. Defensively, McGee’s extended wingspan enables him to contest and alter opponents’ shots in the paint with remarkable ease as he averages
On the offensive end, McGee’s wingspan aids him in finishing around the basket and securing offensive rebounds. Additionally, his agility and lob-catching skills, combined with his wingspan, make him an effective target in pick-and-roll situations. Overall, JaVale McGee’s wingspan is a defining feature of his game, elevating his impact as a versatile and impactful player in the NBA.
14T. Deandre Ayton – 7’6″
Deandre Ayton, the young and promising center for the Portland Trail Blazers, boasts an impressive wingspan that has quickly made him a standout player in the NBA, impacting various aspects of his game despite his involvement in constant trade rumors. Defensively, Ayton’s extended wingspan transforms him into a formidable rim protector and shot-blocker.
He can contest and alter shots at the basket and has been a crucial asset for the Suns’ defense in recent years and hopes to do the same in Portland. Offensively, Ayton’s reach aids him in finishing around the rim and grabbing offensive rebounds, and he averages a career 10.4 rebounds per game including 3.4 offensive rebounds.
14T. DeAndre Jordan – 7’6″
DeAndre Jordan, a veteran center in the NBA, possesses an extraordinary wingspan along with being 6’11” and 265 lbs. This remarkable physical attribute has been a hallmark of his career, contributing significantly to his impact on both ends of the basketball court. Defensively, Jordan’s 7’6” wingspan makes him a formidable rim protector and shot-blocker even as he ages.
His shot-blocking prowess not only adds to his individual defensive statistics but also serves as a deterrent for players attempting to drive to the rim. Moreover, his wingspan facilitates his dominance on the boards, as he can reach over opponents to secure rebounds, providing his team with crucial extra possessions. Even if he is way past his prime, Jordan was a defensive phenom in his day by making two All-Defensive Teams.
14T. Thomas Bryant – 7’6″
Thomas Bryant, a talented center who can contribute offensively more than anything, possesses an impressive wingspan measuring 7’6”. This extraordinary wingspan plays a pivotal role in his effectiveness as a player, particularly in scoring around the rim and even from deep. Bryant can let shots fly from deep and his height lets him remain consistent for his size (career 36.6% 3-PT FG).
Additionally, his wingspan aids him in grabbing rebounds on both ends of the floor, allowing him to secure missed shots and provide his team with valuable second-chance opportunities. The big man is averaging 5.7 rebounds per game in limited minutes over his career, and as he continues his journey to find a team he can call home, his wingspan will always be needed in the NBA.
8. Andre Drummond – 7’6.25″
There is no doubt that Andre Drummond is one of the greatest rebounders of all time. He has led the NBA in rebounds per game four times and has a career average of 12.7. Even if the game has moved on and left Drummond behind, he will always command a roster spot because even in limited minutes, his height (6’10”) and wingspan (7’6.25”) allow him to swallow rebounds against any opposition.
The former two-time All-Star will likely never be a starter in the NBA again because small-ball and floor spacing are prevalent, but he will be a solid backup big man who can use his extreme length to grab rebounds and even block shots consistently. It will never be easy to move Drummond off the block which is why he has had a 11-year career so far.
7. Mark Williams – 7’6.5″
Mark Williams, a solid talent possesses an extraordinary wingspan measuring an impressive 7’6.5”. This remarkable physical attribute has already begun to make waves in the basketball community, hinting at a promising future in the sport as he was taken No. 15 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. Williams’s wingspan is a game-changing asset, particularly on the defensive end.
It enables him to be a formidable shot-blocker and rim protector. He is already averaging 1.0 blocks per game in only 19.3 minutes per game of action. As he continues to develop his skills and adapt to the competitive landscape of professional basketball, Mark Williams’s extended wingspan is poised to play a pivotal role in his success.
6. Bol Bol – 7’7″
The son of NBA legend Manute Bol, Bol Bol, the intriguing and uniquely gifted forward/center for the Phoenix Suns, possesses one of the most exceptional wingspans in the history of the NBA, measuring an astonishing 7’7”. This extraordinary physical attribute has sparked considerable curiosity and excitement among fans and basketball enthusiasts alike.
Defensively, Bol’s 7-foot-7-inch wingspan makes him an imposing shot-blocker and rim protector. He also has a nice offensive game and with his wingspan, he can shoot over most defenders. However, Bol has bounced around many teams but has a chance to show what he can do with the Phoenix Suns in 2024.
5. Udoka Azubuike – 7’7.25″
Udoka Azubuike, the former Kansas Jayhawks standout and current NBA player for the Phoenix Suns, boasts an extraordinary wingspan that measures an impressive 7’7.25”. This remarkable physical attribute has been a key factor in his basketball journey, shaping his effectiveness as a player. Defensively, Azubuike’s 7-foot-7.25-inch wingspan is a game-changing asset.
His size (6’10” and 280 lbs) makes him an imposing rim protector and shot-blocker but his wingspan certainly helps. His ability to contest and alter shots at the basket is a significant deterrent for opponents, often forcing them to second-guess their attempts in the paint. Hopefully, he can play an important role for the Suns next year as the team needs size in the interior.
4. Rudy Gobert – 7’8.5″
Based on resume alone, Rudy Gobert is one of the greatest defensive players of all time. He has three Defensive Player of the Year awards, six All-Defensive Team selections, four All-NBA Team selections, and led the NBA in rebounds and blocks one time. His basketball IQ on the defensive end is certainly high, but he greatly benefits from his size (7’1” and 258 lbs) and ridiculous wingspan.
Known as the “Stifle Tower”, Gobert’s remarkable wingspan is a game-changing attribute that has redefined the art of rim protection in the modern NBA. His wingspan also contributes to his rebounding dominance, as he can reach over opponents to secure boards, creating valuable second-chance opportunities for his team. With career averages of 11.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game, there has not been a more dominant defensive center since Dwight Howard.
3T. Boban Marjanovic – 7’10”
Boban Marjanovic is beloved by NBA fans not only due to his laid-back attitude but also because he is a sight to behold on the court. The towering center known for his immense size and presence on the basketball court possesses an awe-inspiring wingspan that measures an astonishing 7’10”. This extraordinary wingspan is not just a part of his game; it’s a defining feature that sets him apart as one of the most unique players in NBA history.
Marjanovic has mainly been a backup big man for most of his career because while he averages 3.6 rebounds and 0.3 blocks per game in 8.9 minutes of action, he tends to struggle to keep up with players due to his incredible height (7’3”). In terms of wingspan, however, Boban is one of the best the league has ever seen.
3T. Mo Bamba – 7’10”
Mo Bamba has not met the expectations originally on him entering the NBA. Still, there is no doubt that the center is a physical specimen. Defensively, Mo Bamba’s 7’10” wingspan is one of the best the league has seen. It transforms him into a formidable shot-blocker and rim-protector when he is given the right playing time.
Opponents often find it daunting to attack the basket when confronted by Bamba’s towering presence and extended wingspan, which can result in highlight-reel rejections. Hopefully, he can earn more than his career average of 18.0 minutes per game going forward.
1. Victor Wembanyama – 8’0″
The hype is real. Victor Wembanyama is not only incredibly skilled as a 7’4” center, but he has the longest wingspan in the NBA. It is easy to tell how athletic he is by just looking at him, as Wembanyama towers over most NBA players. At only 209 lbs, however, there are doubts about the center’s strength but that will come with time.
The fact that Wembanyama can dominate the court on both ends of the court makes him one of the most hyped prospects in NBA history. The San Antonio Spurs franchise is solidified with a talented star for the foreseeable future and we get to see the freakish big man use his wingspan to dominate players very soon as the 2023-24 season approaches.
