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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - NBA players are known for their incredible skills, towering heights, and unmatched precision on the court. These qualities have sparked curiosity among fans eager to discover the tallest NBA players in the sport's history.
In this article, we’ll explore the tallest NBA players in history, from rising stars to legendary retirees who left an unforgettable mark on the court.
10 Tallest NBA Players Ever
Citing Dunkest and The Sporter, Yao Ming, Pavel Podkolzin, and Chuck Nevitt are mentioned as the tallest NBA players ever. Other nominees on the list are as follow:
10. Mark Eaton, 7'4'' (2.24m)
Mark Eaton had a flawless career with a single team, the Utah Jazz, from 1982 to 1993. Throughout the 875 games, the remarkable defensive player secured jaw-dropping career points at 5,216. His skillset on the court was further highlighted by numerous accolades under his belts including NBA All-Defensive team and Defensive Player of the Year.
9. Tacko Fall: 7'5'' (2.26m)
The tallest NBA player in the 2020-2021 season, Tacko Fall, has drawn attention from the basketball enthusiasts not only for his height but also for his great blocking skills. Upon signing with the Cleveland Charge in the NBA’s G-League, Fall previously made some noteworthy points on the court alongside his two former clubs, the Celtics and the Cavaliers.
8. Sim Bhullar, 7'5'' (2.26m)
Sim Bhullar might not have a standout appearance for the games he has played, but his giant figure certainly stole the spotlight. As the first Indian player to have played in the NBA, Bhullar was listed for three major teams, including the Reno Bighorns, the Sacramento Kings, and the Raptors 905. While his career with the NBA didn’t last long, he continues to be a basketball player in Taiwan.
7. Pavel Podkolzin, 7'5'' (2.26m)
Despite his incredible height, Pavel Podkolzin didn’t have all it takes to become a great NBA player. Utah Jazz reportedly signed him for his height in 2004 before being traded to the Dallas Mavericks immediately. Throughout his short career in the NBA, Podkolzin only secured 6 total appearances.
6. Chuck Nevitt, 7'5'' (2.26m)
Chuck Nevitt is the tallest NBA player to ever earn an NBA championship. His impressive appearance, paired with flawless on-court skills, has brought him to play for multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets, the Chicago Bulls, the Detroit Pistons, and the San Antonio Spurs. Thanks to his unwavering dedication, Nevitt acted as a center position for around nine years in the NBA.
5. Yao Ming, 7'6'' (2.29m)
Yao Ming, the iconic face of Asian NBA players, was a beloved star known for his exceptional talent on the court. Unfortunately, injuries forced him into an early retirement, bringing his career with the Houston Rockets to an end in 2011. During his prime, Ming dominated the game, earning eight NBA All-Star selections and racking up an impressive 9,196 career points, securing his well-deserved place in the Hall of Fame.
4. Shawn Bradley, 7'6'' (2.29m)
Having played from 1994 to 2005, the NBA star was most remembered for his appearance in Space Jam. In 1996 alone, Bradley was named as the best blocker for scoring 288 blocks. He enjoyed a flourishing career with various teams including the Philadelphia 76ers, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Brooklyn Nets.
3. Slavko Vranes, 7'6'' (2.29m)
Among the tallest NBA players, Slavko Vranes had a similar career path to what happened with Pavel Podkolzin. Joining the New York Knicks back in 2003, he was then drafted to a 10-day only contract to the Portland Trail Blazers.
2. Manute Bol, 7'7'' (2.31m)
The second tallest NBA player ever, Manute Bol, waived his career from 1985 to 1995 to various teams, including the Golden State Warriors, the Washington Bullets, the Miami Heat, and the Philadelphia 76ers. During his career, Bol had an impressive record as a shot-blocker, securing more blocked shots than points scored. His average per game was 3.3 blocks.
1. Gheorghe Muresan, 7'7'' (2.31m)
Standing at an astonishing 2.31 meters, Gheorghe Murean towers over the competition as one of the tallest players in NBA history.
Early in his career, he made a strong impact, earning the NBA Most Improved Player Award with an impressive stat line, averaging 14.5 points, 2.25 blocks, and 9.6 rebounds per game. Sadly, his promising journey was cut short, as persistent injuries forced him into retirement before he even hit 30.
Height has always been a game-changer in the NBA, and these tallest NBA players ever have left a lasting impact on the sport. Each of these athletes carved their own place in basketball history. For more informed sport news, check out also the richest NFL players here.
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