Who is the Tallest NBA Player Ever? Unveiling the 7-Foot Tall Phenomenon in the League – Are you ready to meet the towering titan of the NBA? Brace yourself, because we’re about to dive into the world of giants and unveil the answer to the age-old question: Who is the 7-foot tall person in the NBA? Prepare to be amazed as we introduce you to the larger-than-life athlete who’s taking the basketball court by storm. Get ready to look up, way up, as we embark on a journey that will leave you in awe of this extraordinary player. So, grab your basketball and let’s shoot some hoops with the towering figure who’s redefining the meaning of “big man” in the NBA.
## The Giants of the Court: A Look at the NBA’s Tallest Players
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has always been a stage for exceptional athleticism and towering figures. Among these athletes, the seven-footers stand as literal giants of the sport, captivating fans with their imposing presence. We’re going to dive into the world of the NBA’s tallest players, looking closely at those who have stretched the tape measure to the extremes.
### The Pinnacle of Height: Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol
At the zenith of NBA height, we find Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol, both reaching an extraordinary 7-foot-7. These two players not only dominated the paint with their size but also became icons for towering athletes worldwide.
#### Gheorghe Muresan: A Towering Figure of Inspiration
Gheorghe Muresan, hailing from Romania, not only made his mark by his height but also through his skill set that made him more than just a tall player in the league. Muresan’s career in the NBA, although marred by injuries, showed glimpses of how effective a 7-foot-7 player could be on both ends of the court.
#### Manute Bol: More Than Just Height
Similarly, Manute Bol from Sudan, with his incredible wingspan and timing, became one of the most feared shot-blockers in NBA history. Bol’s impact on defense was a testament to how a player’s height, combined with skill, could change the game’s dynamics.
### The 7-foot-6 Phenoms: Tacko Fall, Yao Ming, and Others
Yao Ming: The Great Wall on the Court
Standing at 7-foot-6, Yao Ming redefined what a big man could do in the NBA. The Chinese center’s footwork, shooting touch, and intelligence made him an eight-time All-Star and Hall of Famer.
Tacko Fall: The Senegalese Sensation
Tacko Fall is another player who, at 7-foot-6, brought excitement every time he stepped on the court. Though not as decorated as Yao, Fall’s presence is a spectacle, a reminder of the sheer variety of talent the NBA attracts.
#### Other Giants in the 7-foot-6 Club
Alongside Yao Ming and Tacko Fall, Slavko Vranes and Shawn Bradley also stood at 7-foot-6. Bradley, particularly, had a notable NBA career with his shot-blocking ability, while Vranes had a brief stint in the league, but his height alone was enough to make him memorable.
### The 7-foot-5 Contingent: Chuck Nevitt, Pavel Podkolzin, and Sim Bhullar
Just an inch shorter, players like Chuck Nevitt, Pavel Podkolzin, and Sim Bhullar made it to the 7-foot-5 mark. Each of these players brought something unique to their teams, whether it was Nevitt’s veteran presence, Podkolzin’s potential, or Bhullar’s distinction as the first player of Indian descent to play in the NBA.
### The Modern-Day Colossi: The 29 Big Men of Today’s NBA
In today’s NBA, 29 big men stand at or above 7 feet tall, representing a significant portion of the league’s height spectrum. These players continue the legacy of their towering predecessors, altering shots, controlling the paint, and redefining what it means to be a big man in a league that increasingly values versatility and mobility.
### The Tallest of Them All: Boban Marjanovic and Victor Wembanyama
As of the 2023-24 season, the title of the tallest player is shared by Boban Marjanovic and the newcomer Victor Wembanyama, both standing at a staggering 7-foot-4-inches.
#### Boban Marjanovic: The Gentle Giant
Boban Marjanovic, with his enormous hands and exceptional height, has become a fan favorite. His ability to score efficiently and his affable personality off the court have made him one of the most recognizable figures in the league.
#### Victor Wembanyama: A New Breed of Big Man
Entering the league at 7-foot-4, Victor Wembanyama is not only tall but also uniquely talented. His size, combined with his skill set, makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in NBA history. Wembanyama’s potential to shoot, handle the ball, and protect the rim at his height could revolutionize the role of big men in the NBA.
### The Relative Shortness at 6’4″
Interestingly, in a league of giants, a player at 6’4″ would be considered below the average height, highlighting just how extraordinary these seven-footers are. The average height of an NBA player hovers around 6’7″, making anyone below this mark comparatively shorter.
### The Future of the NBA’s Giants
The evolution of the NBA’s big men has been remarkable. From pure size and shot-blocking to versatile players who can step out and shoot, the role of the seven-footer has transformed. As we witness players like Wembanyama enter the league, it’s clear that the future will continue to challenge our perceptions of what a big man can do on the basketball court.
### Conclusion: Celebrating the Sky-Scrapers of the NBA
The NBA’s seven-footers are more than just tall players; they are athletes who have defied expectations and redefined their positions. As we continue to marvel at their size and skill, let’s also appreciate the diversity and evolution of the game that allows these giants to shine. The NBA remains a place where height is celebrated, but it’s the talent and hard work of these players that truly make them stand out.
FAQ & Common Questions about 7 Foot Tall Players in the NBA
Q: Who is the tallest person to ever play in the NBA?
A: The tallest people to ever play in the NBA are Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol, both standing at 7-foot-7.
Q: How many 7-foot tall players are currently in the NBA?
A: Currently, there are 29 big men standing at 7 feet in the NBA.
Q: Is Kevin Durant a 7-footer?
A: Kevin Durant revealed that he is recorded at 6’10” and three-quarters with no shoes, but with his shoes on, he measures 7 feet.
Q: Is Kevin Durant really 6’10”?
A: Kevin Durant confirmed that he is recorded at 6’10” and three-quarters with no shoes, but with his shoes on, he measures 7 feet.
Q: Who is the tallest man alive?
A: The tallest man alive is Sultan Kosen. However, this question is not directly related to the NBA.