When you think of some of the most influential players in NBA history, the legends often come to mind—Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Magic Johnson. But there’s a special group of players who not only played but fundamentally changed the game because of their height. Let’s chat about some of the tallest NBA players and how they impacted the sport.
First on our list is Gheorghe Muresan. Standing at 7 feet 7 inches, or about 231 cm, Muresan was not only one of the tallest players to ever grace the NBA but also brought a level of play that forced teams to rethink their strategies. For instance, in the 1995-96 season, Muresan averaged 14.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. His towering presence made it nearly impossible for opponents to shoot over him, and he led the league in field goal percentage that year, making 58.4% of his shots. With an estimated reach close to 8 feet, Muresan could easily alter shots, making him a defensive juggernaut.
Next, let’s talk about Manute Bol, another player who stood at an impressive 7 feet 7 inches. Bol specialized in shot-blocking, an aspect of his game that left an indelible mark on NBA history. Over his career, Bol recorded 2,086 blocks, averaging 3.3 blocks per game. In his rookie season, he tallied 397 blocks—an average of 5 blocks per game, which is just insane! His incredible wingspan of 8 feet 6 inches made him a formidable defender. Bol’s blocking ability often forced teams to alter their game plans entirely, opting for more perimeter shots and avoiding the paint whenever possible.
Then there’s Yao Ming, who, at 7 feet 6 inches (229 cm), became a global icon for basketball. Selected as the first overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, Yao was not just about height; he was about skill. In his rookie season, he averaged 13.5 points and 8.2 rebounds and made the All-Star team, thanks to millions of votes from fans worldwide. His impact went beyond the court, as he helped globalize the sport, particularly in China, where basketball saw a significant rise in popularity due to his presence in the NBA. Yao’s footwork and touch around the basket were exceptional for someone his size, and he made 83.3% of his free throws during his career, an excellent percentage for a big man.
Shawn Bradley, also measuring at 7 feet 6 inches, played 12 seasons in the NBA. Though often criticized for his lack of bulk at just 235 pounds, Bradley was an essential part of any team’s defense. In the 2000-01 season, he averaged 3.0 blocks per game and maintained a career average of 2.5 blocks per game. During his time with the Dallas Mavericks, Bradley’s presence in the paint allowed the team to focus more on perimeter defense, making it tougher for opponents to score. His blocking ability and shot-altering presence provided a deceptive layer of security for his team.
Finally, let’s give a nod to Mark Eaton. At a towering 7 feet 4 inches, Eaton was a shot-blocking machine. Playing for the Utah Jazz, Eaton recorded an average of 3.5 blocks per game over his career. In the 1984-85 season, he set the record for most blocks in a single season with 456, making an average of 5.6 blocks per game—a record that still stands today. Eaton’s defensive prowess earned him the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award twice, in 1985 and 1989. His ability to patrol the paint was unparalleled, making driving to the basket a daunting task for even the most skilled players.
These towering athletes changed the game in ways that go beyond mere stats and records. They forced rule changes, shifted the focus of team strategies, and brought global attention to the NBA. If you are interested in learning more about these players and their impact on the game, you can find additional resources and anecdotes by visiting tallest nba player history.