Who Has the Largest Hand in NBA History?

By Jocelyn Alano May 03, 2024 21:56

When it comes to physical attributes, hand size is an often overlooked but crucial factor in the game of basketball.

In the NBA, where players come in all shapes and sizes, the size of one's hands can significantly impact a player's ability to handle the ball, shoot, and defend.

Boban Marjanovic: A Giant Among Giants

Boban Marjanovic hands compared to Uno cards 😳 pic.twitter.com/EbJJwz9hDF
— Sportsville (@Sportsville_) December 15, 2023

Boban Marjanovic, the 7'3" Serbian center, holds an unofficial title as the player with the largest hands in NBA history. Although there are no official measurements, Marjanovic's hand span of 12 inches and hand length of 10.75 inches are nothing short of remarkable, making his hands the biggest ever in NBA history.

His enormous hands have drawn attention not only for their size but also for the visual impact they have on the court. When holding a basketball, it appears diminutive in his hands, giving him a unique advantage when handling the ball compared to his peers.

Marjanovic's intriguing physical attribute has undoubtedly contributed to his on-court prowess, reflected in his impressive on-field scoring rate of 58% every time he's on the court.

Wilt Chamberlain: A Dominant Force

Wilt Chamberlain, the legendary center, is another player known for his impressive hand measurements. Standing at 7'1" with a hand span of 11.5 inches and a hand length of 9.5 inches, Chamberlain's hands have contributed to making him one of the most dominant players in NBA history.

Julius Erving: The Dunking Maestro

Julius Erving, a renowned small forward, earned a reputation as one of the best dunkers in NBA history, thanks in part to his huge hands and insane finger strength. His exceptional grip on the ball, made possible by his large hands, enabled him to perform dunk shots that would have been challenging for players with average hand sizes.

Royce White: Intimidating Hand Size

Royce White, a center/power forward, possesses a hand size that can feel intimidating to opponents. Although he was labeled a "draft bust," White's wide hand span gave him a physical advantage on the court, showcasing the impact that large hands can have in the game of basketball.

Elgin Baylor: A Legacy of Greatness

Elgin Baylor, considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time, is known for his remarkable basketball skills. While there are no exact measurements for Baylor's hand size, it is widely believed that his hands are larger than average. Comparisons with Michael Jordan have led to assumed measurements of his hands, adding to the mystique of Baylor's physical attributes.

Notable Mentions

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks forward, is also recognized for having some of the biggest hands in the league, with his hands measuring 9.85 inches long and 12 inches wide.
NBA journeyman Noah Vonleh, with a 9.75/11.75-inch pair of hands, is another player whose hand size has been noted, although he has not lived up to the expectations placed on him.

The NBA has seen its fair share of players with extraordinary hand sizes, with Boban Marjanovic standing out as the player with the largest hands in NBA history.

While the impact of hand size on a player's performance is not always quantifiable, it is undeniable that large hands can provide a unique advantage on the basketball court, influencing various aspects of the game from ball handling to shooting and defensive play.