Table of Contents
Introduction
Basketball has seen its fair share of towering athletes who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Over the years, we’ve witnessed giants dominating the court with exceptional skills and towering presences. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the ten most towering players in the history of basketball, starting from the 10th position and culminating with the first position, along with their remarkable career records in basketball.
Yao Ming
Height: 7’6″ (2.29 m) Basketball Career Records:
- Points per game: 19.0
- Rebounds per game: 9.2
- Blocks per game: 1.9
- Accolades: 8-time NBA All-Star
Yao Ming, the Chinese basketball sensation, was a force to be reckoned with on the court. His towering height and remarkable skills made him one of the most dominant centres of his era. Unfortunately, injuries cut short his career, but he still managed to leave an everlasting impact on the game.
Rik Smits
Height: 7’4″ (2.24 m) Basketball Career Records:
- Points per game: 14.8
- Rebounds per game: 6.1
- Blocks per game: 1.3
- Accolades: 1-time NBA All-Star
Rik Smits, fondly known as the “Dunking Dutchman,” was a key player for the Indiana Pacers during the 1990s. His scoring ability, combined with his towering height, made him a formidable presence in the paint.
Shawn Bradley
Height: 7’6″ (2.29 m) Basketball Career Records:
- Points per game: 8.1
- Rebounds per game: 6.3
- Blocks per game: 2.5
Shawn Bradley’s towering 7’6″ frame earned him a reputation as an intimidating shot-blocker. He swatted away shots with ease and had a significant impact on the defensive end throughout his career.
Gheorghe Mureșan
Height: 7’7″ (2.31 m) Basketball Career Records:
- Points per game: 9.8
- Rebounds per game: 6.4
- Blocks per game: 1.5
- Accolades: 1-time NBA All-Star
Gheorghe Mureșan, the Romanian giant, was one of the tallest players to ever grace the basketball court. His towering height and soft touch around the basket made him a fan favourite during his time in the NBA.
Slavko Vraneš
Height: 7’6″ (2.29 m) Career Records:
- Points per game: 4.1
- Rebounds per game: 1.7
- Blocks per game: 0.8
Slavko Vraneš, the Montenegrin centre, may not have garnered as much attention as some of the other towering players, his height made him a valuable asset in the paint during his professional career.
Pavel Podkolzin
Height: 7’5″ (2.26 m) Basketball Career Records:
- Points per game: 2.5
- Rebounds per game: 2.1
- Blocks per game: 0.7
Pavel Podkolzin, hailing from Russia, showcased glimpses of his potential during his basketball career. Standing at an impressive 7’5″, he posed a challenge for opponents in the low post.
Chuck Nevitt
Height: 7’5″ (2.26 m) Basketball Career Records:
- Points per game: 1.6
- Rebounds per game: 1.5
- Blocks per game: 0.5
Chuck Nevitt’s height made him an intriguing prospect in the NBA. While he didn’t have the most impressive statistics, his towering presence earned him a place on this list.
Manute Bol
Height: 7’7″ (2.31 m) Basketball Career Records:
- Points per game: 2.6
- Rebounds per game: 4.2
- Blocks per game: 3.3
Manute Bol was not only one of the tallest players in basketball history but also one of the most prolific shot-blockers. His defensive prowess and ability to protect the rim were unparalleled.
Sun Mingming
Height: 7’9″ (2.36 m) Basketball Career Records:
- Points per game: 7.7
- Rebounds per game: 5.7
- Blocks per game: 1.1
Chinese former professional basketball player, While Sun Ming Ming’s basketball figures were impressive, he faced numerous challenges in his career and personal life. Everyday tasks were more complicated due to his height, but he never let these challenges hold him back. His determination and resilience led him to triumph in the face of adversity.
Sim Bhullar
Height: 7’5″ (2.26 m) Basketball Career Records:
- Points per game: 2.1
- Rebounds per game: 1.3
- Blocks per game: 0.3
Topping the list is Sim Bhullar, the towering Indian centre. Despite limited playing time in the NBA, his inclusion on this list emphasizes the rarity of players of his stature.
Conclusion: The basketball world has witnessed remarkable athletes, and these ten tallest players have made their mark in the sport’s history. Their towering height, combined with their skills, has left a lasting legacy in the minds of fans and fellow players alike.
FAQs
- Who is the tallest basketball player ever? The tallest basketball player ever is Sun Mingming, standing at a staggering 7 feet 9 inches (2.36 meters).
- Who holds the record for the most blocked shots in a career? Manute Bol holds the record for the most blocked shots in a career, with an impressive average of 3.3 blocks per game.
- How tall was the shortest player in NBA history? The shortest player in NBA history was Muggsy Bogues, who stood at just 5 feet 3 inches (1.60 meters) tall.
- Has any player taller than 8 feet ever played in the NBA? No player taller than 8 feet has ever played in the NBA. The tallest players in the league’s history are all around 7 feet 7 inches tall.
- Are there any current NBA players who are exceptionally tall? While there are no players currently as tall as the ones on this list, some players stand around 7 feet tall and continue to have a significant impact on the game
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