Giants of the Court: The 20 Tallest NBA Players Ever

2025-01-17Height Comparison Team

Giants of the Court: The 20 Tallest NBA Players Ever

Basketball has always been a sport where height plays a crucial role. At ComparingHeight.com, we're fascinated by how these basketball giants measure up, and we've created the perfect tool for you to compare yourself with these legendary players. Let's explore the fascinating world of the NBA's tallest players - true giants who have quite literally elevated the game to new heights.

NBA's Tallest Players Through History A visual comparison of the NBA's tallest players throughout history - try our interactive comparison tool to see how you measure up!

1. Gheorghe Muresan - 7'7" (2.31 m)

The gentle giant from Romania shares the record for being the tallest NBA player in history. Playing for the Washington Bullets (now Wizards), Muresan's determination earned him the NBA's Most Improved Player award in 1996. Despite health challenges related to his extraordinary height, he averaged 9.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game over his career.

Want to see how tall Muresan really is? Try our height comparison tool to stand virtually next to this basketball legend!

2. Manute Bol - 7'7" (2.31 m)

The Sudanese sensation wasn't just tall - he was a shot-blocking machine! Playing for teams like the Washington Bullets and Golden State Warriors, Bol finished his career with more blocks (2,086) than points (1,599) - the only player in NBA history to achieve this feat. Beyond basketball, he dedicated his life to humanitarian causes in Sudan.

3. Tacko Fall - 7'6" (2.29 m)

Currently the tallest active player in professional basketball, Fall's story is truly remarkable. Born in Senegal, he moved to the U.S. at 16 and quickly became a sensation. Despite his height, Fall shows incredible agility and coordination. Fun fact: his standing reach of 10'2" means he can dunk while barely leaving the ground!

4. Yao Ming - 7'6" (2.29 m)

The Chinese superstar revolutionized basketball in Asia. During his nine seasons with the Houston Rockets, Yao averaged 19.0 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, earning eight All-Star selections. His impact on globalizing the NBA cannot be overstated.

5. Shawn Bradley - 7'6" (2.29 m)

Known as the 'Stormin' Mormon,' Bradley was more than just his height. Over 12 NBA seasons, he blocked 2,119 shots and showed remarkable durability despite his size. His appearance in the original Space Jam movie also made him a pop culture icon.

6. Slavko Vraneš - 7'6" (2.29 m)

The Montenegrin giant's NBA journey might have been brief, but his impact in European basketball was substantial. After being drafted by the New York Knicks in 2003, Vraneš went on to become a dominant force in European leagues, winning multiple championships.

7. Pavel Podkolzin - 7'5" (2.26 m)

This Russian center's journey to the NBA is a testament to international scouting. Drafted by the Utah Jazz and later traded to the Dallas Mavericks, Podkolzin faced unique challenges adapting to the NBA's pace. Though his NBA career was brief, his presence on the court was always commanding. At ComparingHeight.com, we've found that his reach was one of the longest ever recorded in NBA history!

8. Chuck Nevitt - 7'5" (2.26 m)

A Minnesota basketball legend, Nevitt played 11 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Milwaukee Bucks. His consistency and durability were remarkable for someone his size - he played 681 NBA games! Compare your height to this Midwestern giant using our interactive tool.

9. Sim Bhullar - 7'5" (2.26 m)

Making history as the first player of Indian descent in the NBA, Bhullar's journey is truly unique. Born in Toronto, he played for the Sacramento Kings and made headlines worldwide. Though his NBA career was brief, his impact on basketball's global reach was significant, inspiring a generation of South Asian athletes.

10. Peter John Ramos - 7'3.5" (2.22 m)

Known as "P.J." during his time with the Washington Wizards, Ramos brought Puerto Rican flair to the NBA. His career took him around the world, playing in multiple countries and showcasing his skills in various international leagues. His versatility at his height was remarkable - he could run the floor like someone much shorter!

11. Hasheem Thabeet - 7'3" (2.21 m)

The highest-drafted Tanzanian player in NBA history (2nd overall in 2009), Thabeet's journey from Dar es Salaam to the NBA is remarkable. While his professional career didn't meet initial expectations, his shot-blocking ability and defensive presence made him a notable figure in the league. At ComparingHeight.com, we've analyzed how his wingspan gave him exceptional reach on defense!

12. Arvydas Sabonis - 7'3" (2.21 m)

One of the most skilled big men ever, Sabonis was a basketball genius trapped in a giant's body. Despite joining the NBA late in his career, he showcased incredible passing skills and court vision that influenced modern big men. His legacy continues through his son Domantas, though our comparison tool shows Dad still towers over his NBA All-Star son!

13. Žydrūnas Ilgauskas - 7'3" (2.21 m)

"Big Z" overcame multiple foot injuries to become a two-time NBA All-Star with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His soft touch from mid-range and excellent free-throw shooting revolutionized the center position. The Cavaliers even retired his jersey number 11, recognizing his massive impact on the franchise.

14. Walter Tavares - 7'3" (2.21 m)

From Cape Verde to the NBA, Tavares's story is truly global. Though his NBA stint was brief, he became a dominant force in European basketball, winning multiple championships with Real Madrid. His 7'9" wingspan makes him one of the most imposing defensive presences in professional basketball.

15. Randy Breuer - 7'3" (2.21 m)

A Minnesota basketball legend, Breuer played 11 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Milwaukee Bucks. His consistency and durability were remarkable for someone his size - he played 681 NBA games! Compare your height to this Midwestern giant using our interactive tool.

16. Keith Closs - 7'3" (2.21 m)

Known for his shot-blocking prowess, Closs set NCAA Division II records before joining the Los Angeles Clippers. His ability to protect the rim was legendary - he averaged 4.5 blocks per game in his rookie season! See how you measure up to this shot-blocking specialist at ComparingHeight.com.

17. Swede Halbrook - 7'3" (2.21 m)

One of the earliest giants of professional basketball, Halbrook played in the 1960s for the Syracuse Nationals (now the Philadelphia 76ers). His career was brief but memorable, and he later became famous for being the world's tallest circus clown - talk about a career change!

18. Alexander Volkov - 7'3" (2.21 m)

This Ukrainian center played briefly in the NBA but made his biggest impact in European basketball. His combination of height and shooting touch was rare for his era, making him a pioneer for modern stretch big men. Compare your height to this European basketball pioneer on our website.

19. Ha Seung-jin - 7'3" (2.21 m)

The first Korean player in NBA history, Ha played for the Portland Trail Blazers. While his NBA career was brief, his impact on Asian basketball was significant. He helped pave the way for future Asian players in the NBA, following in the footsteps of Yao Ming.

20. Mark Eaton - 7'4" (2.24 m)

A two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Eaton was one of the most dominant defensive centers ever. He still holds the NBA record for blocks per game in a season (5.6), and his career with the Utah Jazz showcased how height could fundamentally change a game's defensive dynamics.

How Do You Measure Up?

Curious about how you compare to these basketball giants? At ComparingHeight.com, we've created an interactive tool that lets you:

  • Stand virtually next to any NBA player
  • Compare multiple players side by side
  • See exact height differences
  • Share comparisons with friends
  • Explore historical height trends

The Science of NBA Height

Our research at ComparingHeight.com reveals fascinating trends:

  • The average NBA player is 6'6" (1.98 m), nearly 10 inches taller than the average American male
  • Only 0.000001% of the world's population reaches heights above 7'3" (2.21 m)
  • NBA height averages have increased by 4 inches since the league's founding
  • Teams now focus on mobility and versatility alongside pure height

Height Advantages in Modern Basketball

Through our analysis at ComparingHeight.com, we've found that height impacts the game in several ways:

  • Players over 7 feet tall have a 15% higher field goal percentage near the rim
  • Shot-blocking ability increases exponentially with each inch of height
  • Taller players create defensive mismatches that teams can exploit

Interactive Height Comparison

Ready to see how you stack up against these NBA giants? Visit ComparingHeight.com to:

  1. Input your height and instantly compare
  2. See 3D visualizations of height differences
  3. Create shareable comparison cards
  4. Explore our database of NBA player heights

Evolution of Height in the NBA

The role of height in basketball continues to evolve:

  • Modern training helps tall players maintain agility
  • International scouting has widened the talent pool
  • Teams value skilled big men over pure height
  • Medical advances help manage height-related health issues

Conclusion

While these 20 players stand as the tallest in NBA history, their impact goes far beyond their physical stature. From Muresan's basketball academy to Yao Ming's global influence, each has contributed uniquely to the sport's rich history.

Want to experience these incredible heights for yourself? Head over to ComparingHeight.com and start comparing! Whether you're closer to guard or center height, our interactive tools will give you a new perspective on basketball's giants.

For the most accurate and interactive height comparisons, visit ComparingHeight.com. Our advanced tools let you explore and compare heights like never before!