Top 10 Tallest Players in NBA History

(last updated on October 5, 2025)

The NBA is a league dominated by giants. In a sports league where the average height is around 6 feet 7 inches, these guys stand out, even among those giants. However, just being tall doesn’t mean that you are going to be a great player in the league. So, let’s have a look at the tallest players in NBA history and dive briefly into how their careers played out. 

Gheorghe Mureșan, the towering Romanian center, left an indelible mark on the NBA during his career. Standing at a staggering 7 feet 7 inches, Mureșan was an imposing force on the court. He played for the Washington Bullets and New Jersey Nets from 1993 to 2000, showcasing his unique combination of size and skill. Mureșan’s most memorable season came in 1995-1996 when he won the NBA Most Improved Player award, averaging 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. However, his career was hampered by injuries, limiting his time on the court. Despite this, Mureșan’s impact transcended his statistics, as he inspired many with his determination and perseverance. Today, his legacy as one of the NBA’s tallest players remains intact, earning him a special place in basketball history.

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Born in Sudan, Bol’s incredible height made him a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court. Bol’s defensive prowess was unparalleled, blocking shots with ease and altering opponents’ strategies. Manute had a decade-long career playing for multiple franchises including the Bullets, the Warriors and the 76ers. Beyond his physical attributes, Bol’s humanitarian work and commitment to his homeland showcased his true character. His legacy continues to resonate, reminding us that greatness is not solely measured by athletic achievements, but also by the lives we touch.

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Tacko Fall, a towering presence in the NBA, captured the attention of fans worldwide. Standing at 7 feet 6 inches tall, Fall’s stature alone is awe-inspiring. After an impressive college career at the University of Central Florida, he joined the Boston Celtics as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and lasted for three seasons. Although his playing time was limited, Fall’s impact extended beyond the court. His warm personality and genuine interactions with fans made him a beloved figure in the league. Fall’s remarkable journey from Senegal to the NBA is a testament to his perseverance and dedication.

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Shawn Bradley, standing at an astounding 7 feet 6 inches, left an indelible mark on the NBA during his career. Born to play basketball, Bradley’s height and remarkable wingspan made him a formidable force on the defensive end of the court. Drafted as the second overall pick in 1993, he showcased his shot-blocking prowess, earning a reputation as a defensive stalwart. Bradley’s journey included stints with the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, and Dallas Mavericks. While injuries marred parts of his career, his impact on the game was undeniable. Off the court, Bradley’s humility and resilience endeared him to fans worldwide. Bradley ended his career with one of the highest blocks per game (2.55) averages in NBA history.

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Standing tall at 7 feet 6 inches, Yao Ming was not just a basketball player … he was a game-changer. Born in Shanghai, China, Yao’s entry into the NBA in 2002 marked a turning point for international players in the league. With his remarkable skill set, towering presence, and soft touch, Yao dominated the paint like few others. He was an eight-time All-Star and an icon in China, where his impact extended beyond basketball. Unlike most other guys of his stature, Yao moved incredibly well and was one of the toughest players to guard on the court.

Despite recurring injuries shortening his career, Yao’s influence on the game was undeniable. This Hall of Famer bridged cultures and broke down barriers, paving the way for a new era of global talent in the NBA. Yao Ming remains an enduring symbol of international excellence and the power of basketball to unite people across borders.

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Slavko Vraneš was a Serbian basketball player who was drafted by the New York Knicks in 2003 with the 39^th overall pick. Standing at a staggering 7 feet 6 inches, Vraneš was an imposing figure, and there were hopes that he could dominate the paint and intimidate opponents with his sheer size. However, he was able to play only one game in his career (for the Portland Trailblazers) and was unable to get any more playing time.

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Standing at a remarkable 7 feet 5 inches tall, Chuck Nevitt was drafted 63^rd overall by the Houston Rockets in the 1982 NBA Draft. Nevitt’s career spanned across a decade, with stints on multiple teams including the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Detroit Pistons. However, Nevitt was never able to make a significant impact on any of those teams due to a lack of playing time. Beyond the numbers, Nevitt’s towering stature made him an unforgettable figure in the history of the NBA.

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Pavel Podkolzin, a towering Russian center, was drafted by the Utah Jazz in 2004 and was then sent to the Mavs. Standing at 7’5″ and weighing 260 pounds, Podkolzin’s physical attributes were undeniable. Even though he stuck around with the Dallas Mavericks for a couple of seasons, he struggled to find his footing in the league due to limited playing time and conditioning concerns. He was able to suit up for only six games and played only a total of 28 minutes for his career.

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Sim Bhullar, standing at a towering 7 feet 5 inches, made history in the NBA as the first player of Indian descent. Born in Canada to Indian parents, Bhullar’s journey to the NBA was marked by sheer determination and perseverance. After a successful college career, he signed with the Sacramento Kings in 2014, breaking barriers and inspiring millions. Although his NBA tenure was short-lived, Bhullar’s impact extended far beyond the court. He became a symbol of hope for aspiring basketball players from diverse backgrounds, showcasing the potential for Indian players in the basketball world. Bhullar continued to play in the NBA’s G League for some time and later moved overseas to continue his professional basketball career.

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Mark Eaton was one of the most intimidating defensive presences in NBA history. He left an indelible mark on the game with his formidable defensive prowess. Standing at an astonishing 7’4″, Eaton was an imposing force in the paint, renowned for his shot-blocking abilities. He played his entire 11-year career with the Utah Jazz, anchoring their defense and earning two Defensive Player of the Year awards. Eaton’s intimidating presence altered countless shots and deterred opponents from even attempting to attack the rim. Beyond his shot-blocking prowess, he was a very good rebounder and a vital cog in the Jazz’s success during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Mark Eaton’s impact on the defensive end will forever be remembered as one of the most dominant forces the NBA has ever seen.

All these stories show that, even though basketball is a sport dominated by giants, there is a lot more that goes into the making of a successful NBA career. While some of those factors are controllable, a lot of them are not. 

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This entry was posted on Monday, June 19th, 2023 at 9:36 pm and is filed under Top 10 Lists. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.