The Top 10 Tallest Basketball Players of All-Time

By Jocelyn Alano December 15, 2023 00:43

Basketball is a sport that requires a unique blend of skill, athleticism, and physicality. While height is not the only factor that determines success on the basketball court, it certainly provides players with a significant advantage. Over the years, the sport has seen the rise of several exceptionally tall players who have left an indelible mark on the game. In this article, we will explore the top 10 tallest basketball players of all time and delve into their remarkable careers.

1. Gheorghe Muresan (7 ft 7 in)

Gheorghe Muresan, a Romanian-born basketball player, stands tall at 7 feet 7 inches. He played for the Washington Bullets (now known as the Washington Wizards) and the New Jersey Nets during his NBA career. Despite his towering height, Muresan displayed impressive agility and coordination on the court. He won the NBA's Most Improved Player award in 1996 and left a lasting impact on the game with his dominant presence in the paint.

2. Manute Bol (7 ft 7 in)

Manute Bol, a Sudanese-born basketball player, also measured 7 feet 7 inches. Bol is known for his shot-blocking ability and holds the record for the most blocked shots per minute in NBA history. He played for several teams during his career, including the Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, and Philadelphia 76ers. Bol's remarkable defensive skills and unique physical attributes made him a formidable force on the court.

3. Yao Ming (7 ft 6 in)

Yao Ming, a Chinese basketball player, stands at an impressive 7 feet 6 inches. He played for the Houston Rockets throughout his NBA career and quickly established himself as one of the league's most dominant centers. Yao's combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ allowed him to excel on both ends of the court. He was an eight-time NBA All-Star and became a global ambassador for the sport, popularizing basketball in China.

4. Shawn Bradley (7 ft 6 in)

Shawn Bradley, an American former basketball player, measured 7 feet 6 inches. Known for his shot-blocking prowess, Bradley played for the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, and Dallas Mavericks during his NBA career. His towering presence in the paint made it difficult for opposing players to score. Despite facing numerous challenges, Bradley's impact on the defensive end of the court was undeniable.

5. Slavko Vraneš (7 ft 6 in)

Slavko Vraneš, a Montenegrin basketball player, is another member of the 7 feet 6 inches club. Vraneš played for various European basketball teams and represented the Montenegrin national team. Although he never played in the NBA, Vraneš's height and skills made him a dominant force in European basketball. His towering presence in the paint caused problems for opposing teams, and he established himself as one of the tallest players in the sport.

6. Pavel Podkolzin (7 ft 5 in)

Pavel Podkolzin, a Russian former basketball player, stands tall at 7 feet 5 inches. He played for several European teams and also had a brief stint in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks. Although his NBA career was limited, Podkolzin's height and potential made him an intriguing prospect. Despite facing various challenges, his size and skill set made him a formidable presence on the court.

7. Rik Smits (7 ft 4 in)

Rik Smits, a Dutch former basketball player, measured 7 feet 4 inches. He played his entire NBA career for the Indiana Pacers and was known for his scoring ability and versatility as a center. Smits was a key contributor to the Pacers' success during the 1990s and helped lead the team to the NBA Finals in 2000. His height, combined with his shooting touch and footwork, made him a challenging matchup for opposing defenders.

8. Mark Eaton (7 ft 4 in)

Mark Eaton, an American former basketball player, also stood at 7 feet 4 inches. Eaton played his entire NBA career with the Utah Jazz and was one of the most dominant defensive centers of his era. He won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award twice and holds the record for the most blocks per game in a season. Eaton's height, combined with his shot-blocking prowess, made him a force to be reckoned with on the court.

9. Ralph Sampson (7 ft 4 in)

Ralph Sampson, an American former basketball player, measured 7 feet 4 inches. He played for the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, and Sacramento Kings during his NBA career. Sampson was a versatile big man who could score, rebound, and block shots. He was a four-time NBA All-Star and played a pivotal role in the Rockets' success in the 1980s. Sampson's height and skill set made him a dominant force during his prime.

10. Boban Marjanović (7 ft 4 in)

Boban Marjanović, a Serbian basketball player, is the final member of the 7 feet 4 inches club on our list. Marjanović has played for several NBA teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, and Dallas Mavericks. Despite limited playing time, he has become a fan favorite due to his towering height and unique skill set. Marjanović's presence on the court is hard to ignore, and he has proven to be a valuable asset for his teams.

These top 10 tallest basketball players of all time have left an indelible mark on the sport. Their towering height, combined with their skills and abilities, have made them dominant forces on the court. From Gheorghe Muresan to Boban Marjanović, each player has contributed to the game in their own unique way, showcasing the power and impact that height can have in the world of basketball.

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