The NBA has seen countless athletes come and go, each leaving their unique mark on the sport. However, a select few have stood head and shoulders above the rest, both figuratively and literally. These are the giants of the NBA, the players who have reached towering heights that make them stand out even in a league full of exceptional talent.
Throughout its history, the NBA has been home to players of various statures, but it’s the towering individuals who have often captured the imaginations of fans worldwide. From dominating the paint to blocking shots with ease, these colossal athletes have left a lasting impact on the game and etched their names into basketball folklore.
From the pioneers who set the stage for future giants to the modern-day skyscrapers that continue to redefine the boundaries of the game, each player has left an indelible impression on basketball enthusiasts. Beyond their extraordinary heights, these players possess a combination of skill, athleticism, and dedication that has enabled them to excel in one of the most competitive sports leagues on the planet.
Here are the 14 tallest players in NBA history and there will be more than a few recognizable names among the giants.
14 – Ralph Sampson
Height: 7’4
Ralph Sampson was a towering figure standing at 7’4” tall, and he was one of the most highly anticipated prospects to enter the NBA in the early 1980s. Drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in 1983 by the Houston Rockets, Sampson quickly proved his worth with his exceptional versatility and skill for a player of his size. He played primarily as a center but had the skills of a forward, making him a unique force on the court.
Sampson’s early years in the league were marked by multiple All-Star appearances and accolades. He formed a formidable “Twin Towers” partnership with fellow 7-footer Hakeem Olajuwon. Unfortunately, injuries plagued Sampson’s career, preventing him from reaching his full potential. Despite the setbacks, he left a lasting impact on the game and showcased the potential of tall players possessing both size and skill. Sampson became an esteemed member of the Hall of Fame due to his size and skill in his position.
13 – Rik Smits
Height: 7’4
Standing 7’4” tall, Rik Smits was a skilled center hailing from the Netherlands. He spent his entire NBA career with the Indiana Pacers after being drafted as the No. 2 overall pick in 1988. Known for his smooth post moves and reliable mid-range jump shot, Smits was an integral part of the Pacers’ success during the 1990s.
His career averages of 14.8 PPG and 6.1 RPG attest to his scoring prowess and efficiency on the court. Smits was a reliable offensive option in the paint, and his height made him a significant presence on defense as well. With an All-Star appearance and an All-Rookie Team selection, the Dutchman was clearly talented enough to be in the NBA which is why his career spanned 12 years.
12 – Mark Eaton
Height: 7’4
Mark Eaton, at an impressive 7’4”, was a defensive juggernaut during his time in the NBA. He spent his entire career with the Utah Jazz after being selected in the 1982 NBA Draft. Eaton’s shot-blocking and defensive skills were legendary, earning him five NBA All-Defensive Team selections and two Defensive Player of the Year awards. The big man averaged a career 3.5 BPG which ranks first all-time among all players.
Despite not being a significant offensive threat, Eaton’s defensive contributions were invaluable to the Jazz, providing them with a formidable defensive anchor in the paint. His shot-blocking ability and intimidating presence forced opponents to alter their shots and played a crucial role in the success of the Jazz during the 1980s and early 1990s.
11 – Priest Lauderdale
Height: 7’4
Standing at an astounding 7’4″tall, Priest Lauderdale had a relatively short-lived NBA career, but his towering height made him one of the league’s most memorable figures. Lauderdale was drafted in the second round of the 1996 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, but he struggled to secure a consistent role due to his limited mobility and agility. Over two seasons, the center only appeared in 74 total games as a result.
While his NBA career didn’t live up to the initial hype, Lauderdale’s height and size were undeniable, and he spent several years playing professional basketball overseas, where he continued to showcase his immense physical presence.
10 – Boban Marjanovic
Height: 7’4
Boban Marjanovic is one of the more recent additions to the list of tallest NBA players. Known for his massive hands and towering height, Marjanovic has become a fan favorite wherever he goes due to his friendly demeanor and unique playing style. The term “gentle giant” clearly belongs to the lovable Serbian who stands 7’4” tall.
While not a regular starter, Marjanovic has carved out a niche as an efficient scoring option in limited minutes. His towering presence in the paint makes him a significant factor on defense, altering shots and grabbing rebounds with ease. Despite not being an athletic marvel, Marjanovic’s skill set, and sheer size have made him a valuable asset off the bench for various teams in the league.
9 – Sim Bhullar
Height: 7’5
Sim Bhullar, who hails from Canada, stood at 7’5”, making him one of the tallest players to ever play in the NBA. Bhullar entered the league as an undrafted player, signing a contract with the Sacramento Kings in 2015. Despite his imposing height, Bhullar’s limited mobility and conditioning hindered his chances of securing a long-term role in the NBA. The center only appeared in 3 games during the 2014-15 season before exiting the NBA.
He spent most of his professional career in the NBA G League and various international leagues, where his size was still an advantage as he was over 350 lbs. Bhullar’s presence in the league showcased the global appeal of basketball and opened doors for other tall players from diverse backgrounds.
8 – Tacko Fall
Height: 7’5
Tacko Fall, hailing from Senegal, stands at a remarkable 7’6” tall. His towering height and infectious personality quickly endeared him to NBA fans when he signed with the Boston Celtics as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Fall’s height and exceptional wingspan make him a formidable shot-blocker and rebounder, despite his relative inexperience in high-level basketball.
Though his playing time has been limited, Fall’s presence on the court always attracts attention, and he has become a cult figure among fans and players alike. As he continues to develop his skills, Fall’s potential to become a valuable contributor to an NBA team remains an intriguing possibility.
7 – Pavel Podkolzin
Height: 7’5
Pavel Podkolzin was a Russian center selected No. 21 overall in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz. However, he only played 6 games in the NBA, which makes him one of the tallest players to have never been given enough run time although most of it was the player’s fault. At 7’5”, perhaps he was not given the chance to use his abnormal size to be an impactful player.
Podkolzin struggled with injuries and conditioning issues during his career, preventing him from making the desired impact in the NBA. Despite his lack of NBA success, his towering height and potential remained a talking point during his time in the draft and among basketball enthusiasts.
6 – Chuck Nevitt
Height: 7’5
Chuck Nevitt was a journeyman center who played for several NBA teams during the 1980s and early 1990s. While Nevitt’s playing time was limited throughout his career, he was often brought in as a situational player due to his height and shot-blocking ability. At 7’5”, it would be supremely foolish to not give him time to dominate the paint.
Nevitt’s size made him a useful asset in certain defensive schemes, and he provided a defensive presence off the bench when needed. Though not a star player by any means, Nevitt’s towering height and unique journey through the NBA have made him a memorable figure in basketball history over his 10 seasons played.
5 – Yao Ming
Height: 7’6
One of the most iconic figures in NBA history, Yao Ming, stands an impressive 7’6”. The Chinese superstar became an international sensation and is credited with helping to expand the popularity of the NBA globally. Yao was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets and quickly lived up to the hype surrounding him.
Yao was not only a dominant force on the court but also a global ambassador for the sport, using his platform to promote basketball and humanitarian causes. Unfortunately, injuries cut short his career, but his impact on the game remains significant, leaving a legacy that continues to shape basketball’s international landscape.
4 – Shawn Bradley
Height: 7’6
Shawn Bradley, at 7’6”, was one of the most recognizable figures in the NBA during the 1990s and early 2000s. Known for his shot-blocking and defensive skills, Bradley was selected second overall in the 1993 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He later played for the New Jersey Nets and Dallas Mavericks.
Bradley’s shot-blocking ability made him a feared presence in the paint, and he finished his career as one of the league’s all-time leaders in blocked shots. Though he faced criticism for his lanky frame and offensive limitations, Bradley’s impact on the defensive end of the court was undeniable.
3 – Slavko Vranes
Height: 7’6
Slavko Vranes was another giant who hailed from Serbia. He was drafted in the second round of the 2003 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks but never managed to secure a spot on an NBA roster. Vranes struggled with injuries and conditioning issues, which limited his chances of making an impact in the league. At 7’6” tall, that was a bit of a shame.
While he only appeared in one NBA game, Vranes’ height and potential made him an intriguing prospect during his time in the draft, leaving fans to wonder what might have been if he had been able to overcome his challenges and fulfill his potential.
2 – Manute Bol
Height: 7’7
Manute Bol, at an incredible 7’7”, was one of the most iconic and enigmatic players in NBA history. Hailing from Sudan, Bol possessed incredible shot-blocking ability, and his height made him one of the most intimidating defensive players in the league. He was drafted in the second round of the 1985 NBA Draft by the Washington Bullets. Bol played for several NBA teams throughout his career, including the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat.
Beyond his defensive prowess, Bol was also known for his exceptional three-point shooting ability, which was unusual for a player of his height during that era. Tragically, Bol’s life was cut short when he passed away at the age of 47, but his legacy lives on as a symbol of basketball’s global reach and an inspiration to all players worldwide.
1 – Gheorghe Muresan
Height: 7’7
At an almost incomprehensible 7’7”, Gheorghe Muresan is the tallest player in NBA history. The Romanian center was drafted in the second round of the 1993 NBA Draft by the Washington Bullets. Despite facing challenges due to his height, Muresan’s exceptional size and skill allowed him to carve out a successful career in the NBA. Over six seasons, Muresan averaged 9.8 PPG and 6.4 RPG over 307 games played with the Washington Bullets and New Jersey Nets.
In the 1995-1996 season, Muresan achieved the pinnacle of his career when he was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player and earned a spot on the All-NBA Second Team. His height made him an effective shot-blocker and rebounder, and he provided an imposing presence in the paint for his opponents.
Beyond his on-court accomplishments, Muresan’s journey from a humble background in Romania to becoming an NBA star served as an inspiration to aspiring basketball players around the world, showcasing the potential of talent and determination to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.
