Tallest Players in NBA History [Updated 2024]

The NBA is often considered the big men’s game. Tall and towering figures have often drawn attention to the court, dominating the paint. The tallest among NBA players have not necessarily excelled over the rest, but they have sometimes had an edge.

While big men like Yao Ming and Shaquille O’Neal have had their fair share of glory, a few others could not live up to the ‘towering’ expectations surrounding them. Here are some of the tallest NBA players who graced the courts with their towering presence.

Top 5 Tallest NBA Players

Over the years, the league has witnessed the emergence of extraordinary players who stood head and shoulders above the rest – literally and figuratively. From the towering 7-foot 7-inches of Gheorghe Muresan to the imposing 7-foot 6 inches of Yao Ming, the NBA has been home to some of the tallest players in all of sports. Here are the five tallest NBA players in the history of the league.

5. Yao Ming – 7 feet 6 inches (229 cm)

The Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming stood at a towering 7 feet 6 inches. He was a dominant force in the NBA during his career with the Houston Rockets from 2002 to 2011.

Yao was not just tall, but he was also incredibly skilled. He was a two-time NBA All-Star and an eight-time All-NBA Team selection. His career averages of 19.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game are a testament to his impact on the court.

Injuries ultimately forced Yao Ming to retire prematurely, but his dominance in the NBA set up his iconic rivalry with the likes of Shaquille O’Neal. Yao Ming is the tallest NBA player in the history of the league to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

4. Slavko Vraneš – 7 feet 6 inches (229 cm)

Hailing from Montenegro, Slavko Vraneš was one of the NBA’s tallest players, standing at 7 feet 6 inches. He had a brief stint in the league, playing for the New York Knicks during the 2006–2007 season.

Vraneš primarily served as a backup center and made limited appearances in the NBA. His height provided a defensive presence in the paint, but he struggled to establish a long-lasting career in the league. While Slavko Vraneš did not leave a lasting impact in the NBA, his remarkable height made him stand out among the rest.

3. Tacko Fall – 7 feet 6 inches (229 cm)

Tacko Fall standing at 7 feet 6 inches had quickly gained recognition for his exceptional height in the NBA. Born in Senegal, Fall made his NBA debut in 2019 with the Boston Celtics.

Affectionately known as “Taco,” he became an instant fan favorite due to his remarkable height, humble demeanor, and shot-blocking ability. Tacko Fall patrolled the paint, altering shots and providing valuable rim protection during his appearances. Fall last signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA in 2021 and is now playing overseas in the Chinese Basketball Association.

2. Manute Bol – 7 feet 7 inches (231 cm)

Originally from Sudan, Manute Bol was an imposing presence in the NBA due to his extraordinary height of 7 feet 7 inches. He entered the league in 1985 with the Washington Bullets.

Manute Bol was well known for his shot-blocking prowess. He led the NBA in blocks per game for two seasons and swatted an incredible 2,086 shots in his career. 

Despite his limited offensive contributions, he was a valuable asset for any team in need of rim protection. He was also a humanitarian, using his NBA earnings to support various charitable causes in Africa. 

1. Gheorghe Muresan – 7 feet 7 inches (231 cm)

Romanian giant Gheorghe Muresan stood at a towering 7 feet 7 inches. He made his NBA debut in 1993 with the Washington Bullets. Muresan’s immense height was an advantage, but his skills were equally impressive. He won the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 1996.

Gheorghe Muresan was a center known for his shot-blocking and rebounding abilities. He averaged 9.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game during his career. Despite his remarkable stature, he moved with agility on the court. Injuries cut short Muresan’s career, but he remains the tallest player in NBA history to date.

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