Who are the tallest players in NBA history? Where does Wembanyama rank?

In the world of professional basketball, size often matters, but these players took it to a whole new level. Standing head and shoulders above the competition, the NBA has witnessed some towering figures who left a lasting impact on the game. Let’s take a closer look at some of the tallest players to ever grace the hardwood.

Gheorghe Mureșan - Romania (7 ft 7 in, 315 lb)

Gheorghe Muresan, a basketball player from Romania, made a name for himself in the NBA while playing for the Washington Bullets and later the New Jersey Nets. Standing at an impressive height of 7 feet 7 inches and weighing a solid 315 pounds, Muresan was a dominant force in the paint. He received the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 1996.

Manute Bol - Sudan (7 ft 7 in, 200 lb)

Manute Bol, the Sudanese basketball player, was a dominant force during his time in the NBA. He was renowned for his shot-blocking abilities and played for several teams, including the Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat. Bol’s slender 7-foot-7-inch frame and remarkable wingspan enabled him to reject shots with ease. Interestingly, he played alongside Muggsy Bogues, the shortest player in NBA history.

Tacko Fall - Senegal (7 ft 6 in, 311 lb)

Tacko Fall, hailing from Senegal, brought his towering 7-foot-6-inch stature to the Boston Celtics and later the Cleveland Cavaliers. Fall’s height, combined with a remarkable shooting percentage, made him a unique presence on the court.

Slavko Vraneš - Montenegro (7 ft 6 in)

Slavko Vraneš, a former basketball player, played only one Game in the NBA for the Portland Trail Blazers. Although he was officially listed as 7 feet 5 inches, his height has remained a topic of discussion. According to most sources, Vraneš has grown even taller, and he finished his career at an impressive 7 feet 6 inches.

Shawn Bradley - United States/Germany (7 ft 6 in)

Shawn Bradley, who played for the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, and the Dallas Mavericks, brought versatility to the court with his 7-foot-6-inch frame. Interestingly, Bradley was born to American parents in the former West Germany, adding an international touch to his basketball journey. Bradley has competed internationally for Germany; he and Dallas teammate Dirk Nowitzki were members of the German national basketball team that finished in fourth place at the EuroBasket 2001 in Turkey.

Yao Ming - China (7 ft 6 in)

Yao Ming, the legendary basketball player from China, is widely known for his impressive career with the Houston Rockets. Standing at 7 feet and 6 inches, he showcased his towering frame and exceptional skills on the court. Yao Ming became the tallest player to participate in an NBA All-Star Game and earned a place in the Hall of Fame for his remarkable achievements.

Chuck Nevitt - United States (7 ft 5 in)

Chuck Nevitt, who played for several NBA teams, including the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls, and San Antonio Spurs, was the tallest player to win an NBA Championship. His 7-foot-5-inch height added a unique dimension to his teams.

Pavel Podkolzin - Russia (7 ft 5 in)

Pavel Podkolzin, representing the Dallas Mavericks, was a towering presence in the league at 7 feet 5 inches. Despite his limited playing time, his size and potential were undeniable.

Sim Bhullar - Canada (7 ft 5 in)

Sim Bhullar, the first NBA player of Indian descent, made history with his 7-foot-5-inch frame during his brief debut for the Sacramento Kings in April 2015.

Victor Wembanyama - France (7 ft 4 in)

Victor Wembanyama drafted first overall in the 2023 NBA draft, promises an exciting future with the San Antonio Spurs due to his towering 7-foot-4-inch height.