Who Are the Tallest NBA Players?

<p>Standing out on a basketball court isn’t just about skill because, let’s be honest, height can be a game-changer too.<br /> Over the years, some of the NBA’s most unforgettable players have been its tallest. And while Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol stand at 7 feet 7 inches (231 cm) as the tallest players in NBA history, other hardwood heroes have also made their height a powerful asset.<br /> Watching players that tall run the floor is always a spectacle and brings a strange kind of thrill to the game. Ever wondered what it’s really like for these giants, both on and off the court? You’re in good company.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <h2>Who are the Tallest Players in NBA history?&nbsp;</h2> <p>Some basketball players are so tall they hardly even need to jump to reach the rim. When the conversation turns to the tallest NBA players, Gheorghe Mureşan and Manute Bol always come up because they both stood at a record height of 7 feet 7 inches (231 cm).&nbsp;<br /> Mureşan played for the Washington Bullets and New Jersey Nets back in the '90s while Bol, known for blocking just about everything when he was on the court, made his mark in the late '80s and early '90s with a number of teams including the Washington Bullets and the Golden State Warriors.<br /> Not far behind are two other greats of the game, Shawn Bradley and Yao Ming, both standing at 7 feet 6 inches.<br /> More recently, players like Tacko Fall and Slavko Vraneš joined the list, though they didn’t get as much playing time as the legends above.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <h3>Importance of Height in Basketball</h3> <p>Height gives you a real edge in basketball because taller players can block shots, snag rebounds, and score near the basket with less effort compared to ‘shorter’ players.<br /> If you’re over 7 feet, you almost always play centre, anchoring the defence and making it tough for opponents to get easy buckets.<br /> But let’s not kid ourselves: height isn’t everything. To be more than just a ‘very tall basketball player’ and build a true and successful career in a competitive environment like the NBA, you still need skill, quickness, and a good feel for the game.<br /> That’s why the ones in the list stand out for more than just their height; Yao Ming brought touch and passing to his size, while Manute Bol blocked shots like crazy - even if scoring wasn’t really his thing.<br /> For readers who also keep an eye on<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-us/nba"> NBA betting odds</a>, knowing how an elite 7‑footer can tilt possessions is real currency.<br /> The same insight helps when you’re scanning <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-us/nba-player-awards">nba most improved player odds</a>, putting together your<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nba/tips"> nba multi tips</a>, or deciding <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nba/nba-news/how-to-stream-the-nba">where to watch nba in Australia</a> so you can follow your wagers live.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <h3>Comparing Average NBA Heights</h3> <p>The average NBA player now stands around 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm), so guys over 7 feet are still a rare find on the hardwood.<br /> Guards are usually the shortest, generally at 6 feet to 6’5”. Centres and power forwards are the giants - although that’s not always the rule, since with today’s game, you’ll see tall players shooting threes or dribbling like guards.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>The Tallest NBA Players Ever: Detailed Profiles</h3> <p>Size can tilt the court in your favour, but the names in our list brought unique challenges and left their own marks - sometimes even in ways you might not expect.</p> <p><strong>Gheorghe Mureșan: At the Top</strong><br /> Gheorghe Mureșan holds the title for the tallest NBA player ever at 231 cm (7 ft 7 in). He grew up in Romania and played for the Washington Bullets and New Jersey Nets back in the '90s.<br /> His impressive size made him tough to stop near the rim. In 1996, he earned the NBA’s Most Improved Player award after putting up 14.5 points and 9.6 rebounds a game.<br /> Injuries, though, kept him off the court more than anyone wanted - and that, as we will see later in this guide, seems to be something that goes hand in hand with the height of the tallest players.<br /> After basketball, Mureșan stuck around the game, mentoring young players and popping up at events. Fans love his easy-going personality, and people still talk about his size to this day.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Manute Bol: Defensive Powerhouse</strong><br /> Manute Bol matched Mureșan at 231 cm (7 ft 7 in). Born in Sudan, Bol became a legend for his shot-blocking with teams like the Bullets and Warriors.<br /> He led the league in blocks and averaged 3.3 per game. Bol’s focus was always on defence, making him a one-of-a-kind player who would sometimes finish a game with more blocks than points<br /> Off the court, Bol was just as memorable for his charity work, especially back home in Sudan. He made a real difference, far beyond basketball. Sadly, Bol passed away in West Virginia in 2010 after complications from Stevens–Johnson syndrome.</p> <p><br /> <strong>Shawn Bradley: Tower on the Court</strong><br /> Shawn Bradley, at 229 cm (7 ft 6 in), played from the '90s into the early 2000s. Born in Germany, raised in the US, he spent most of his career with the 76ers and Mavericks.<br /> Bradley blocked shots at a high rate and his special skills pushed other teams to change their attacking strategies every time he was on the floor. He didn’t score much, but his presence altered plenty of shots.<br /> He was known for working hard and always pitching in for the team. Although injuries slowed him down later in his career, he still managed to log in over 800 NBA games.</p> <p><br /> <strong>Sim Bhullar and Tacko Fall: New Generation of Giants</strong><br /> Sim Bhullar made headlines as the first NBA player of Indian descent. At 226 cm (7 ft 5 in), he had a brief stint with the Sacramento Kings back in 2015, but his presence inspired a lot of young players, especially internationally.<br /> Tacko Fall, also at 226 cm (7 ft 5 in), hails from Senegal and played for the Celtics and Cavaliers. Fans love his height and upbeat vibe, even if he mostly came off the bench.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <h3>Other Notable Tall NBA Players</h3> <p><br /> The NBA had its share of tall players who didn’t always grab headlines or rack up stats like Mureșan and Bol. Still, some left a mark by changing the game or just by being memorable presences.</p> <p><br /> <strong>Yao Ming</strong><br /> Yao Ming, at 229 cm (7 foot 6 inches), played eight seasons for the Houston Rockets. His size made him a force inside, but it was his skill and awareness that really set him apart. He averaged 19 points and 9.2 rebounds per game.<br /> The story of Yao Ming is one that is destined to be remembered in the history of the game, as he is the one who truly helped put basketball on the map in China. His All-Star appearances and likeable personality contributed to making the NBA more global, even boosting broadcasts in Asia.<br /> Defenders had a hard time dealing with his size, but Yao could also pass and hit jumpers. He made eight All-Star teams and eventually landed in the Hall of Fame in 2016.</p> <p><br /> <strong>Mark Eaton</strong><br /> Mark Eaton, standing at 224 cm (7 foot 4 inches), played for the Utah Jazz from 1982 to 1993. Eaton scored just 6 points per game, but his defence changed everything.<br /> He led the league in blocks four times and still holds the record for most blocks in a season (456 in 1984-85).&nbsp;<br /> Given these numbers, it’s no surprise that teams had to completely rethink their offense when they played against him.<br /> Eaton’s size and timing made him a nightmare in the paint; over the course of 11 NBA seasons (all with the Utah Jazz), he won two Defensive Player of the Year awards and was respected for protecting the rim. His average blocks per game still hasn’t been matched.</p> <p><br /> <strong>Slavko Vraneš and Chuck Nevitt: Rare Appearances</strong><br /> Slavko Vraneš and Chuck Nevitt are mostly remembered for their height and brief NBA time. Vraneš, at 229 cm (7 foot 6 inches), played just one NBA game for the Trail Blazers in 2003–04.<br /> Chuck Nevitt, 226 cm (7 foot 5 inches), spent nine seasons with teams like the Rockets and Lakers, but mostly in short stints. He played 155 games and scored sparingly, but fans liked his unique look and attitude.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <h3>Emerging Tall Stars in Modern NBA</h3> <p><br /> Fresh faces are turning heads, thanks to their height and growing skill sets. Right now, Victor Wembanyama and Zach Edey are two of the tallest current NBA players grabbing attention.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Victor Wembanyama</strong><br /> Victor Wembanyama, from France, stands 7-foot-4 and plays for the San Antonio Spurs. He was the top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and, while his height is quite remarkable, it’s his agility and skill set that really make him special.<br /> Wembanyama shoots from deep and blocks shots inside. He’s surprisingly nimble for his size, even handling the ball like a guard, and coaches rave about his quick feet and defensive instincts.<br /> In his first season, he quickly became a fan favourite. He’s already racked up highlights, whether it’s a dunk, a three-pointer, or a huge block.<br /> Sadly, Wembanyama is now recovering from a serious injury that has put a premature end to his last NBA season. In April 2025, he opened up about the fact that a blood clot, identified as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), was discovered in his shoulder and forced him to end his season already in February.<br /> “There's a lot of excitement for next season,” Wembanyama shared with the media when he spoke about his health. “I'm not going to expand much on that because I have much to do. But I'm eager and ready.”</p> <p><br /> <strong>Zach Edey</strong><br /> Zach Edey has become a name to watch, especially if you follow college hoops or the NBA draft. The Canadian centre, now with the Memphis Grizzlies, stands 7-foot-4 and made waves at Purdue University.<br /> Edey’s strengths are his post moves and sheer physicality; he rebounds, sets tough screens, and scores close to the basket. He’s not as quick as Wembanyama, but he uses his size to muscle out opponents and protect the rim.<br /> He was named National Player of the Year in college, which got NBA teams interested. Scouts like his work ethic and hope he’ll keep up with the NBA’s speed..<br /> &nbsp;</p> <h3>Positions and Roles for the Tallest Players</h3> <p><br /> Tall players in the NBA get noticed, partly because their roles are so specific. Their height shapes team strategy, especially around the basket.<br /> Centre Dominance<br /> The centre spot usually goes to the tallest guy on the team, typically between 6'10" and 7'7". Centres defend the rim, rebound, and score close in.<br /> But it’s not just about height—footwork and strength matter too. Centres set screens, block shots, and anchor the defence. Gheorghe Mureșan, at 7'7", played centre and used his size for easy dunks and blocks.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p>Here’s what the centre does best:</p> <ul> <li>Scoring near the basket</li> <li>Rim protection</li> <li>Rebounding on both ends</li> <li>Setting screens for teammates</li> </ul> <p>Historically, teams build their defence around a tall centre. Most of the tallest NBA players have played this position, where size really pays off.</p> <h3><br /> Frequently Asked Questions</h3> <p><br /> <strong>Who currently stands as the tallest giant lacing up in the NBA?</strong><br /> Right now, Zach Edey is the tallest player in the league at 7 feet 4 inches. He’s head and shoulders above almost everyone else out there.</p> <p><br /> <strong>Can you name the players in the NBA who tower over seven feet as of this year?</strong></p> <p>Plenty of NBA players break the seven-foot mark. Notables include Victor Wembanyama (7’4”), Kristaps Porziņģis (7’3”), and Bol Bol (7’2”). These guys use their height to make an impact at both ends.</p> <p><strong>How do the heights of NBA players stack up in centimetres?</strong><br /> NBA height is usually listed in feet and inches, but here’s a quick conversion:</p> <ul> <li>7'0" = about 213 cm</li> <li>7'2" = about 218 cm</li> <li>7'4" = about 224 cm</li> </ul> <p>Multiply feet by 30.48 and inches by 2.54, then add them together for the metric number.</p> <p><br /> <strong>In the list of all-time greats, which NBA big men make the top 10 for their towering stature?</strong><br /> Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol (7’7”/231 cm) top the list. Others in the top ten: Shawn Bradley (7’6”), Yao Ming (7’6”), and Slavko Vraneš (7’6”). Most of these guys were known for blocking shots and protecting the rim.<br /> &nbsp;</p>