The National Basketball Association (NBA) has long been celebrated for its high-flying action and remarkable athleticism. Yet, alongside its fast-paced play, the league has also been home to some incredibly tall athletes whose presence on the court is nothing short of monumental. From altering shots to dominating the paint, these towering individuals have left indelible marks on the game. Here, we explore the list of top 11 tallest nba player ever who stand above the rest, quite literally.
Tallest nba player ever
1. Gheorghe Mureșan - 7 feet 7 inches
Gheorghe Mureșan, sharing the title of the tallest player in NBA history, made his mark primarily with the Washington Bullets (later Wizards). Hailing from Romania, Mureșan's career was highlighted by his receipt of the NBA's Most Improved Player Award in the 1995-1996 season. Despite challenges with injuries, he had a notable impact in the games he played due to his sheer size and ability to block shots and secure rebounds.
2. Manute Bol - 7 feet 7 inches
Manute Bol of Sudan also stood at 7 feet 7 inches, tying with Mureșan for the tallest NBA player. Bol was renowned not just for his height but for his incredible shot-blocking abilities, which remain among the best in NBA history. Over his career, Bol played for several teams, including the Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, and Philadelphia 76ers. His extensive wingspan and timing allowed him to alter the offensive strategies of opposing teams significantly.
3. Shawn Bradley - 7 feet 6 inches
At 7 feet 6 inches, Shawn Bradley is another one of the NBA’s tallest players ever. Playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, and Dallas Mavericks, Bradley was best known for his shot-blocking skills. While his overall career did not always meet the high expectations set for him, his ability to change games defensively was undeniable. His presence under the basket was a formidable obstacle for opponents.
4. Yao Ming - 7 feet 6 inches
Next in our list of tallest nba player ever is Yao Ming, the Chinese phenom. He not only matched Bradley in height but also in influence. Yao was an eight-time NBA All-Star during his tenure with the Houston Rockets. He was pivotal in popularising the NBA globally, especially in Asia. Yao's skills were not limited to defence; he was an effective scorer and a reliable rebounder. His career, however, was hampered by injuries, leading to an early retirement. Despite this, Yao Ming's impact on the game and its global outreach is well-remembered, earning him a place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
5. Slavko Vraneš - 7 feet 6 inches
Montenegrin giant Slavko Vraneš, though less well-known, also stands at 7 feet 6 inches. He had a brief NBA stint, appearing in just one game for the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2003-2004 season before continuing his career in Europe. While his time in the NBA was limited, his height and the potential he carried from his play in European leagues made him a notable figure during his draft year.
6. Tacko Fall - 7 feet 6 inches
Tacko Fall, originally from Senegal, is one of the most recent additions to this list and currently part of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Undrafted but not unnoticed, Fall quickly became a fan favorite due to his remarkable height and warm personality. While he has primarily played in the G-League, his moments on the NBA court have showcased not just his ability to block shots and rebound but also his potential to learn and adapt in the fast-paced environment of the league.
7. Chuck Nevitt - 7 feet 5 inches
Chuck Nevitt’s career spanned nine seasons with teams like the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls, and San Antonio Spurs. Known as the tallest nba player ever during his time, Nevitt’s role was primarily as a backup centre. His career averages were modest, but his ability to provide size and depth off the bench was valuable. Nevitt’s height made him an effective shot-blocker and a decent rebounder when called upon.
8. Pavel Podkolzin - 7 feet 5 inches
Russian giant Pavel Podkolzin was selected by the Utah Jazz in the 2004 NBA Draft and was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks. His NBA career was limited, marked by injuries and limited playing time, but he continued to play professionally in Russia. Standing at 7 feet 5 inches, Podkolzin showed potential in blocking and rebounding during his brief appearances on the court.
9. Sim Bhullar - 7 feet 5 inches
Sim Bhullar made history as the first player of Indian descent to appear in an NBA game. Though his time with the Sacramento Kings was short, Bhullar’s size was a significant talking point. After his stint in the NBA, he continued his career in leagues around the world, where he utilized his height more effectively, particularly in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
10. Mark Eaton - 7 feet 4 inches
Mark Eaton is a celebrated figure in Utah Jazz history and was known for his defensive prowess. During his career, he was a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and still holds the record for the most blocks in a single season with 456. Eaton’s ability to alter shots and control the paint was a cornerstone of the Jazz’s defensive strategies during his tenure.
11. Rik Smits - 7 feet 4 inches
Dutch-born Rik Smits spent his entire NBA career with the Indiana Pacers, earning an All-Star spot in 1998. Known as "The Dunking Dutchman," Smits was a skilled center who could score, rebound, and block shots effectively. His height gave him a significant advantage, but it was his soft shooting touch and ability to perform in clutch situations that made him a valuable player for the Pacers.
Conclusion
While height is certainly an advantage in basketball, the players mentioned above in the list of tallest nba player ever have proven that skill, determination, and hard work are equally essential. Their impressive statures have allowed them to dominate the court, but it is their dedication to the game that has truly cemented their legacies. As we celebrate these giants of the NBA, we are reminded that greatness often comes in unexpected packages, inspiring us to reach new heights in our own pursuits.
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