Last Updated on: 29th April 2024, 06:52 pm
Basketball is a sport that has always been associated with height. In the NBA, players taller than 7 feet are considered giants on the court. These players have an advantage over their opponents regarding blocking shots, rebounding, and dunking.
Throughout history, there have been several players who have stood out for their incredible height and athleticism. We will look at the top 10 tallest NBA players in history.
From Sun Mingming to Yao Ming, these players have left a lasting impact on basketball with their towering presence on the court. Their size alone was enough to intimidate opponents and leave fans in awe of their abilities.
As we delve into each player’s stats and achievements, we’ll see how they contributed to the growth of basketball and set new standards for what it means to be a dominant force in the game.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about these towering athletes, this list will surely impress and inspire you with their greatness on and off the court.
Sun Mingming
You may be intrigued that the individual highlighted in this particular section stands out for their remarkable height, making them a rare and noteworthy figure in the world of professional basketball. Sun Mingming, standing at an impressive 7 feet 9 inches tall, is considered one of the tallest players ever graced the court.
Born in China in 1983, he began playing basketball at age 15 and quickly caught the attention of scouts due to his towering stature. Despite his height advantage, Sun struggled with injuries throughout his career, limiting him from fully showcasing his potential on the court. However, this did not stop him from making history as one of the tallest players in NBA history alongside Manute Bol and Gheorghe Muresan.
After retiring from professional basketball, Sun continued to inspire others by promoting sports programs for children with disabilities. With such a unique physical attribute coupled with a passion for helping others through sports, it’s no surprise that Sun Mingming has left an unforgettable mark on basketball and society.
Moving on from Sun Mingming’s towering presence on the court brings us to another incredible player known for their exceptional height – Manute Bol.
Manute Bol
You’re about to learn about the towering presence of Manute Bol, who holds the record for the highest career block percentage in NBA history. At 7 feet 7 inches tall, he was one of the tallest basketball players ever to play in the NBA. Born in Sudan, Bol first made a name for himself playing college basketball at the University of Bridgeport before being drafted by the Washington Bullets in 1985.
Here are some interesting facts about Manute Bol’s career:
- He led the league twice in blocks per game.
- Despite his height, he wasn’t a prolific scorer and only averaged 2.6 points per game over his career.
- He also had an impressive rebounding average of 4.2 rebounds per game.
- In addition to his impressive physical stature, Bol was known for his humanitarian work and activism on behalf of South Sudan.
With such a formidable presence on the court, it’s no wonder that Manute Bol is regarded as one of the top 10 tallest NBA players in history.
Next up, we’ll take a closer look at another towering athlete: Shawn Bradley.
Shawn Bradley
Get ready to learn about a towering athlete who greatly impacted the court: Shawn Bradley. Standing tall at 7’6′, he’s one of the tallest players to ever play in the NBA.
Bradley played the center position for the Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, and New Jersey Nets. Bradley’s career wasn’t always smooth sailing despite his immense height advantage. He faced several injuries throughout his career that kept him off the court for extended periods. However, when he could play, his ability to block shots and grab rebounds made him an important asset for any team he played for.
Today, he remains one of the most well-known and respected NBA players among game fans.
As we discuss Tacko Fall in our list of the top 10 tallest NBA players in history, it’s worth noting that despite their similarities in height, both players have unique styles and abilities on the court.
Tacko Fall
If you’re a basketball fan and love watching players who can dominate the game with their size and skills, then Tacko Fall is someone you won’t want to miss.
This 7’5′ player has overtaken the league with his height and agility. He plays in the center position for the Boston Celtics, making him a valuable asset to his team.
Tall players have always been essential to basketball history, but Tacko Fall stands out. His towering presence on the court demands fans’ and opponents’ attention.
With his impressive wingspan and excellent footwork, he can quickly move around defenders to make plays that other players cannot. His contribution to any team is undeniable, making him one of the most exciting players in history.
Moving on to another great tall player in Boban Marjanovic, we can see just how much these giants bring to the game without compromising skill or technique.
Boban Marjanovic
As you step onto the court and watch Boban Marjanovic dominate with his massive hands effortlessly grabbing rebounds, it’s clear that he is a true giant among men.
At 7’4′, he towers over most of his opponents and has become one of the tallest players in the history of the NBA.
Marjanovic began playing professional basketball in Serbia before joining the San Antonio Spurs in 2015.
Since then, he has played for several teams, including the Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, and Dallas Mavericks.
Marjanovic is primarily used as a center due to his height advantage over other players on the court.
His size also allows him to be a dominant force on defense, often blocking shots or disrupting plays with his long arms.
Alongside fellow big man Kristaps Porzingis, Marjanovic has helped make the Mavericks one of the league’s toughest teams to score against.
Moving on the next player on our list of top 10 tallest NBA players in history is Gheorghe Muresan…
Gheorghe Muresan
It’s impossible not to feel a sense of awe when you see Gheorghe Muresan, standing at 7’7′, towering over everyone else on the court.
The Romanian basketball player made his NBA debut in the 1993-94 season as a second-round pick for the Washington Bullets.
At that time, he was the tallest player in NBA history, and his size alone was enough to cause problems for opposing teams.
Despite his impressive size, Muresan struggled with injuries throughout his career and only played in five seasons in the NBA.
Nevertheless, he made an impact on the court, averaging 9.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game during his best season with the Bullets.
He may not be as well-known as some other tall NBA players, but Gheorghe Muresan’s size and skill earned him a place among the top ten tallest NBA players in history.
Moving on from Muresan brings us to another exceptional talent – Robert Bobroczkyi.
Robert Bobroczkyi
You probably think you’re tall, but wait until you hear about Robert Bobroczkyi. Standing at a towering height of 7’7′, he is one of the tallest players in NBA history.
Bobroczkyi was born in Romania and began his basketball career at 12. He quickly gained attention for his height and played for several youth teams before being scouted by various professional teams.
Bobroczkyi may be one of the tallest players in NBA history, but he has yet to make it to the big leagues. Despite being drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 2018, he has faced various health issues that have prevented him from playing professionally. However, there’s no denying that Bobroczkyi is an impressive player with much potential.
Here are three other taller-than-average players who made waves in the NBA: Gheorghe Muresan (7’7′), Kristaps Porzingis (7’3′), and Slavko Vranes (7’5′).
As we discuss Slavko Vranes, it’s clear that height can be both an asset and a challenge for players trying to make their mark in the NBA.
Slavo Vranes
Get ready to be amazed by the incredible story of Slavo Vranes, one of the tallest players in NBA history. Born in Serbia, Vranes stood at a towering height of 7 feet 5 inches, giving him an obvious advantage in basketball.
However, his journey to success was filled with numerous obstacles. Despite being recruited by various universities, Vranes decided to forgo college and pursue a career as a professional basketball player. Unfortunately, injuries plagued his career and prevented him from reaching his full potential on the court.
Nonetheless, he continued to work hard and eventually achieved his dream of playing in the NBA. Today, he is remembered as one of the most intriguing players due to his height and perseverance on and off the court.
As we move on to our next player, Yao Ming, it’s important to note that despite their similarities in terms of height, each player had unique challenges and successes throughout their career.
Yao Ming
You’ll be inspired by the incredible journey of Yao Ming, who overcame numerous challenges to become one of the tallest players in NBA history. Standing at 7’6′, Yao was a force to be reckoned with on the court. He played for eight seasons with the Houston Rockets and was selected to the All-Star team eight times.
Yao’s success wasn’t just limited to his height, though. His impressive skill set made him one of basketball’s most dominant centers. His ability to shoot from long range and score in the post made him a nightmare for defenders.
Today, he remains a beloved figure in China and worldwide, inspiring other tall players such as Chuck Nevitt and Tacko Fall to pursue their dreams on the court.
Speaking of tall players, let’s take a look at Slavo Vranes…
Slavo Vranes
As you dive into the story of Slavo Vranes, his towering 7’5′ frame symbolizes his struggles and triumphs both on and off the court.
Standing as one of the tallest people in history, Vranes was a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. However, despite his height advantage, he only played 22 games.
Vranes was drafted by the New York Knicks in 2003 but spent most of his time playing for their developmental team. His lack of playing time can be attributed to his poor performance on the court and ongoing health issues resulting in his being sidelined for extended periods.
Despite this setback, Vranes remains an iconic figure among NBA players due to his exceptional height and unique skill set. He inspires other tall players, such as Luke Kornet, who want to break into professional leagues and make their mark on history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NBA has seen its fair share of towering athletes throughout history. From Sun Mingming at 7’9′ to Slavo Vranes at 7’5′, these players have proven that height can be a major advantage on the basketball court. I mean, what is the minimum height you have to be in order to dunk. And why are a lot (if not all) NBA players tall?
While some of these players may not have been the most skilled or dominant in their careers, their sheer size and presence undeniably impacted their teams. Imagine trying to shoot over someone like Manute Bol or Yao Ming – it’s no wonder they were such intimidating defenders.
The top 10 tallest NBA players in history may be few, but their impact cannot be denied. They testify to how physical attributes can play a significant role in professional sports.
It’s safe to say that watching them play was truly a larger-than-life experience for fans and opponents alike.
