The 10 Tallest Players To Ever Hit The NBA Court

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Size matters in basketball, but just how much? The NBA has seen giants whose height made the rim look like a toy. These towering players stood out for their size while using their towering presence to block shots and dunk easily. Let’s explore the 10 of the game’s giants and their unforgettable impact.

Gheorghe Muresan: 7’7″ (231 cm)

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Gheorghe Muresan had an agility that was very impressive. The Romanian giant played primarily for the Washington Bullets/Wizards, where he earned the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award in 1996. Throughout his career, Muresan’s presence was impossible to ignore because of his apt ability to block shots and finish strong at the rim.

Manute Bol: 7’7″ (231 cm)

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Bol was a defensive powerhouse. With an uncanny ability to swat away shots, he retired as one of the top shot-blockers in NBA history. His most famous game involved swatting 15 shots in a single contest. Bol’s contributions stretched beyond basketball—his humanitarian work earned him admiration around the globe.

Yao Ming: 7’6″ (229 cm)

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An eight-time NBA All-Star, Yao Ming dominated both offensively and defensively for the Houston Rockets. He was the 2002 first-overall pick named to the All-NBA Team five times. As the tallest Hall of Fame inductee, Yao became the face of international basketball and promoted it globally.

Shawn Bradley: 7’6″ (229 cm)

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The towering center played for the Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks. His combination of height and agility allowed him to conquer defensively. Bradley was a two-time NBA All-Star who once recorded 13 blocks in a single game and remains a memorable figure in basketball history, often appearing in pop culture references.

Tacko Fall: 7’6″ (229 cm)

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As a fan favorite with his magnetic personality, Tacko Fall made waves in the NBA with the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite going undrafted, Fall showcased his potential with impressive performances. His engaging social media presence and community involvement have made him a beloved figure.

Slavko Vranes: 7’6″ (229 cm)

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At 7’6″, Slavko Vranes was unforgettable despite a brief NBA career. Selected by the Knicks in 2003, he played only one game for the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2003-04 season. Though his time was limited, his shot-blocking and rebounding left a notable impression and continued his career in Europe.

Pavel Podkolzin: 7’5″ (226 cm)

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Standing out for his size and strength, the 7’5″ Russian center made his mark with the Dallas Mavericks after being selected in the 2004 NBA Draft. Recognized for his shot-blocking potential, Podkolzin averaged 6.0 rebounds in the Summer League. Despite a brief NBA career, he continued playing professionally in Russia.

Chuck Nevitt: 7’5″ (226 cm)

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Chuck Nevitt, one of the tallest players to win an NBA Championship, claimed the title with the 1984-85 Lakers. His height and adaptability on a stacked roster made him a champion. Nevitt also played for several teams, including the Detroit Pistons, and was known for his comedic personality.

Sim Bhullar: 7’5″ (226 cm)

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Bhullar became the first NBA player of Indian descent. In the D-League, he recorded a triple-double with 26 points, 17 rebounds, and 11 blocks. He later signed with the Sacramento Kings. Bhullar also averaged 9.6 points and 6.9 rebounds with the Raptors 905.

Mark Eaton: 7’4″ (224 cm)

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This two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year was extraordinary while playing for the Utah Jazz. He led the league in blocks multiple times and helped define the Jazz’s identity in the 1980s and 1990s. Eaton’s ability to patrol the paint made him among the best shot-blockers in the NBA’s history.

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