The history of the National Basketball Association has featured some of the most physically dominant athletes in sports, but few things capture fans’ attention more than extreme height. From towering shot blockers to unstoppable rim protectors, the tallest NBA players ever changed the game simply by stepping onto the court.
So who is the tallest NBA player ever?
Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol Share the Record
The tallest players in NBA history are Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol, both officially listed at 7-foot-7 (231 cm).
Their incredible size made them instant fan favorites and defensive nightmares for opponents.
Gheorghe Mureșan
Born in Romania, Mureșan played in the NBA from 1993 to 2000, mainly with the Washington Bullets and later the New Jersey Nets.
Despite injuries limiting his career, Mureșan had an impressive peak. During the 1995–96 season, he averaged 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and led the NBA in field goal percentage at over 58 percent.
His size, soft touch near the basket, and shot-blocking ability made him one of the most unique centers of his era.
Manute Bol
Manute Bol became one of the greatest shot blockers the game has ever seen. The Sudanese center played for teams including the Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, and Philadelphia 76ers.
Bol averaged 3.3 blocks per game for his career and remains one of only a few players in NBA history to record more blocked shots than points scored.
He also became famous for occasionally shooting three-pointers despite his enormous frame.
Other Extremely Tall NBA Players
Several other legendary big men came close to the all-time height record.
Yao Ming – 7-foot-6
Yao Ming became one of the most globally recognized basketball stars ever. Playing for the Houston Rockets, Yao combined elite skill with massive size and helped expand the NBA’s popularity internationally.
Shawn Bradley – 7-foot-6
Shawn Bradley was another towering defensive specialist known for shot blocking during his time with the Dallas Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers.
Tacko Fall – 7-foot-6
Tacko Fall became a fan sensation because of his incredible wingspan and size. Though his NBA playing time was limited, his height made him one of the league’s most recognizable modern players.
Tallest Active NBA Players Today
Currently, some of the tallest active players in the NBA include:
- Victor Wembanyama — 7-foot-4
- Kristaps Porziņģis — 7-foot-2
- Zach Edey — 7-foot-4
The modern NBA continues to evolve, but height remains one of basketball’s most valuable physical advantages.
Why Height Matters in the NBA
Height gives players major advantages in rebounding, rim protection, and finishing near the basket. However, extremely tall players have historically faced durability challenges due to stress on joints and feet.
Even so, giants like Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol left a permanent legacy on the game and remain iconic figures in NBA history.
Tallest NBA Players Ever Ranked
- Gheorghe Mureșan — 7-foot-7
- Manute Bol — 7-foot-7
- Yao Ming — 7-foot-6
- Shawn Bradley — 7-foot-6
- Tacko Fall — 7-foot-6
From dominant rim protectors to global basketball ambassadors, the tallest NBA players ever remain among the sport’s most unforgettable stars.