Who is the Tallest NBA Player?
Clicking into this article did the Los Angeles Lakers’ Shaquille O’Neal come to mind? Or perhaps were you thinking of Hasheem Thabeet? The Tanzanian Center who played college basketball for UConn; before being drafted second overall in the 2009 NBA draft by the Memphis Grizzlies. Well, even with both of those guys absolutely towering over most of us mere mortals; standing at 7’1 and 7’3 respectively. The truth is, you may be surprised to know there’s so many other professional basketball players who blow right past them in height. Therefore, who is the tallest NBA Player?
This is a good question to consider; especially because we have to factor in NBA Hoops. Regulation basketball hoops used throughout America have a standard height of 10 feet; (3.05 meters) from the ground. This is the official height of hoops for all players aged 12 or older. Which means players ranging from school children to NBA superstars use a 10 feet high hoop.
Therefore, it’s not rocket science to see why most scouts tend to go for guys who are little more vertically blessed. Being tall in the NBA is an advantage. It helps when defending and probably doesn’t hurt when it comes to dunking.
However, for fans it can still be difficult for us to truly fathom exactly how tall NBA players are unless we see them in person. And when we do see them, they seem so exceptional. Almost mythical. Striking us with a feeling of awe and curiosity.
So then, in the spirit of “height excellence” let’s briefly review some of the tallest guys to play this game. Some are tied. And some held the title for years. Let’s begin.
Who is the tallest NBA Player Ever?
Beginning with some guys currently playing. Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs and Boban Marjanović of the Houston Rockets are currently the tallest NBA players at 7′ 4.”
Bol Bol of the Phoenix Suns is 1 inch shorter at 7’3.”
I just brought up Bol Bol, but Bol Bol’s father, Manute Bol was even taller. Manute Bol played in the NBA from 1985-1995 and is tied for the tallest player in NBA history at 7’7″ tall with Gheorghe Mureșan who played in the NBA from 1991-2000.
Tallest Basketball Player in NBA- Notable Mentions
But wait… there’s more. A few more names that we have to highlight in this piece. Guys who come close, but no cigar. According to basketball-reference, Shawn Bradley, Tacko Fall and Yao Ming are listed as 7’6.” They’re not 7’7” but come on; still ridiculously tall.
For years, Houston Rockets legend Yao Ming made height headlines. During his career Yao Ming is often touted as the tallest active player in NBA basketball.
Lastly, Slavko Vranes, Chuck Nevitt, Pavel Podkolzin and Sim Bhullar come in at 7’5.” So there you have it. A look at some very tall basketball players. Who not only are fascinating for how they play the game; but for winning the “growth spurt” challenge.
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