Basketball often shines the spotlight on towering athletes, and the NBA has seen its share of giants on the court. From long-time legends to players who had a brief stint in the league, towering heights have been both an awe factor for fans and a strategic advantage for teams. While height alone doesn’t define a player’s skill or success, it’s certainly an attribute that can reshape the game under the rim. Here are the top 10 tallest players who ever graced the NBA, starting at number 10 and working our way to the tallest of the tall.
#10: Ralph Sampson (7’4″)
Ralph Sampson’s name might be familiar even to casual fans of basketball. Standing at an impressive 7 feet 4 inches, Sampson played during the 1980s and early ’90s, primarily known for his time with the Houston Rockets. His college career at the University of Virginia was remarkable, as he was a three-time College Player of the Year. In the NBA, his height combined with agility earned him Rookie of the Year honors in 1984 and a spot in several All-Star games. Injuries, unfortunately, shortened what could have been an even more storied career.
#9: Mark Eaton (7’4″)
Also standing at 7’4″, Mark Eaton was a defensive force during his time with the Utah Jazz. Eaton’s massive wingspan was a critical component of his game, allowing him to become one of the best shot-blockers in NBA history. He holds the record for the highest career average of blocks per game and the single-season record for total blocks. Eaton was awarded the NBA Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career.
#8: Pavel Podkolzin (7’5″)
Pavel Podkolzin is a lesser-known name on this list mainly because his NBA career was brief. The Russian center was listed at 7 feet 5 inches and was selected by the Utah Jazz in the 2004 NBA Draft but was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks. His NBA career, unfortunately, was beset by injuries and he only played in a handful of games over two seasons. Despite his size, Podkolzin was unable to carve out a lasting career in the league.
#7: Chuck Nevitt (7’5″)
Chuck Nevitt’s height of 7 feet 5 inches is NBA-level exceptional, to say the least. However, like Podkolzin, Nevitt is another player whose career in the NBA was relatively short-lived. Over his nine-year career, he played for several different teams in short stints, including the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers. Nevitt did get his taste of championship success; he was a member of the Lakers during their 1985 title run, although he played a very limited role.
#6: Slavko Vranes (7’5″)
Montenegrin giant Slavko Vranes is yet another player who clocked in at 7 feet 5 inches tall. His presence was enough to make any opponent think twice before driving to the basket. Vranes was drafted by the New York Knicks in 2003, but his tenure in the NBA was so brief it barely registered, having played only one game in the NBA before taking his talents overseas. His career in Europe was much more substantial, playing for several teams across various leagues.
#5: Tacko Fall (7’5″)
Among current players, Tacko Fall is a fan favorite because of his incredible height of 7 foot 5 inches. Born in Senegal, Fall went undrafted in 2019 but was signed by the Boston Celtics for their Summer League team. His height and wingspan (which measures at a staggering 8 feet 2 inches) give him a significant edge in shot-blocking and rebounding. Outside of his height, Fall is known for his work ethic and humble personality, quickly making him a beloved figure wherever he plays.
#4: Shawn Bradley (7’6″)
Shawn Bradley is one of the most recognizable names when it comes to tall NBA players, towering at 7 feet 6 inches. The German-born American player was famed for his shot-blocking abilities, and although he was sometimes criticized for not being physically imposing, his height made him a permanent threat on defense. Bradley played for the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, and Dallas Mavericks during his career, and he retired with over 2,000 blocked shots.
#3: Yao Ming (7’6″)
Yao Ming’s impact on basketball, especially concerning the NBA’s global reach, is profound. The Chinese center was not only tall at 7’6″ but also had the skills that made him one of the most dominant big men of his era. Yao was an 8-time NBA All-Star and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. His career with the Houston Rockets put him face to face with other NBA greats, and he held his own in scoring, rebounds, and blocks. Like many others of his size, injuries unfortunately shortened Yao’s career.
#2: Manute Bol (7’7″)
The late Manute Bol was renowned for his incredible shot-blocking ability, which stemmed from his height of 7 feet 7 inches. Originating from Sudan, Bol’s wingspan and timing made him a fearsome defender and he once averaged 5 blocks per game over a season. Despite his thin frame, Bol had a lengthy NBA career and is remembered as one of the most unique players in the history of the league. Off the court, he was also known for his charitable work and activism.
#1: Gheorghe Muresan (7’7″)
Tied with Manute Bol, Gheorghe Muresan shares the title of the tallest player in NBA history, also standing at 7 feet 7 inches. The Romanian player was known for more than just his height. Muresan was skilled and had a decent offensive game to complement his shot-blocking and rebounding. He was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 1996 when he averaged career highs in points and rebounds. Muresan was not just a novelty; he had the ability and skill set to match his size, making him a formidable player during his tenure in the league with the Washington Bullets and the New Jersey Nets.
This list of the top 10 tallest NBA players showcases the exceptionality that comes with size in the world of basketball. While height alone can’t guarantee success, it has undoubtedly helped these players leave their mark on the game. From shot-blocking specialists to all-around skilled centers, the heights that these athletes reached—both literally and figuratively—have inspired both awe and admiration from fans and fellow players alike.