In the world of basketball, where giants roam the court, there are always players who stand out from the crowd. One such player is Victor Wembanyama, a highly anticipated draft prospect set to join the exclusive group of NBA players taller than 7-foot-4. With his exceptional combination of size, dribbling skills, and shooting ability, Wembanyama aims to differentiate himself from other big men who have come before him.
Before Wembanyama officially starts his NBA career, let’s take a look back at some of the players who have already made their mark in the league at such towering heights. From Gheorghe Muresan to Boban Marjanovic, these players have not only dominated the court but have also left a lasting impact on the game and the fans.
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Gheorghe Muresan — 7-foot-7
- NBA debut: 1993
- Games played: 307
Tied with Manute Bol as the tallest player in NBA history, Gheorghe Muresan made his mark after being drafted by the Washington Bullets in the 1993 NBA Draft. Despite the challenges of injuries, Muresan showcased his skills and won the Most Improved Player award in the 1995-96 season. His career averages of 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game solidify his place among the NBA giants.
Manute Bol — 7-foot-7
- NBA debut: 1985
- Games played: 625
Manute Bol’s journey to the NBA was anything but ordinary, coming from Sudan and playing for the University of Bridgeport before entering the league. Known for his incredible shot-blocking ability, Bol led the NBA in blocks during his rookie season with a record-setting average of 5.0 blocks per game. He made a significant impact on the defensive end throughout his career and is remembered as a humanitarian and advocate for human rights in Sudan.
Shawn Bradley — 7-foot-6
- NBA debut: 1993
- Games played: 832
Shawn Bradley, a dominant force during his collegiate career at BYU, was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the second overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft. Known for his shot-blocking prowess, Bradley averaged an impressive 3.4 blocks per game over his first five seasons. He continued to make an impact with the Dallas Mavericks, tallying career averages of 8.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. His career unfortunately ended due to a devastating cycling accident in 2021.
Yao Ming — 7-foot-6
- NBA debut: 2002
- Games played: 481
An international sensation, Yao Ming brought his talents from China to the NBA when he was selected as the first overall pick by the Houston Rockets in 2002. Yao wasted no time making an impact, averaging 13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game during his rookie season. He went on to earn eight consecutive All-Star selections and retired with impressive career averages of 19.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks. Yao’s contributions to the game earned him a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Chuck Nevitt — 7-foot-5
- NBA debut: 1982
- Games played: 155
Chuck Nevitt played for multiple teams during his nine-season NBA career, showcasing his skills as a towering presence on the court. Standing at 7-foot-5, Nevitt’s height makes him the tallest player in NBA history to win a championship, achieving this feat as a member of the 1985 Lakers.
Mark Eaton — 7-foot-4
- NBA debut: 1982
- Games played: 875
Mark Eaton, despite being selected with the 72nd overall pick in the 1982 NBA Draft, made a name for himself as a dominant defensive player. Known for his shot-blocking prowess, Eaton won the Defensive Player of the Year award twice and was a consistent presence on the All-Defensive teams. He holds the record for the highest career and single-season blocks per game averages in NBA history. Unfortunately, Eaton passed away in 2022 at the age of 64, leaving behind a legacy of defensive excellence.
Rik Smits — 7-foot-4
- NBA debut: 1988
- Games played: 867
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Rik Smits, a Dutch player, had a successful career in the NBA as a center for the Indiana Pacers. Selected as the second overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft, Smits showcased his scoring ability throughout his 12-season career, averaging double-digit points every season. His career highlights include an All-Star selection in 1998 and a career-high average of 18.5 points during the 1995-96 season.
Ralph Sampson — 7-foot-4
- NBA debut: 1983
- Games played: 456
Ralph Sampson, one of the most highly anticipated rookies in NBA history, had a stellar career after being selected first overall by the Houston Rockets in 1983. Sampson lived up to the hype, winning the Rookie of the Year award and earning four consecutive All-Star selections. Injuries plagued his career, but Sampson retired with impressive career averages of 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
Boban Marjanovic — 7-foot-4
- NBA debut: 2015
- Games played: 296
Boban Marjanovic, known for his dominant play in Europe, joined the NBA as an undrafted free agent with the San Antonio Spurs in 2015. Since then, he has carved out a role for himself as a reliable bench player on multiple teams. In addition to his basketball skills, Marjanovic has gained fame through his acting roles, including a memorable appearance in “John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum.”
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about NBA players taller than 7-foot-4:
-
Who is the tallest player in NBA history?
The tallest player in NBA history is Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol, both standing at 7-foot-7. -
Who has the most blocks in NBA history?
Hakeem Olajuwon holds the record for the most blocks in NBA history, with 3,830 blocks. -
Are there any current NBA players taller than 7-foot-4?
As of now, the tallest active NBA player is Tacko Fall, who stands at 7-foot-6.
Summary
In the realm of basketball, where height can be a game-changer, players taller than 7-foot-4 have made their presence felt in the NBA. From the likes of Gheorghe Muresan and Yao Ming to Boban Marjanovic, these players have left an indelible mark on the game, showcasing their unique skills and abilities. Victor Wembanyama, a rising star, hopes to continue the legacy of these towering players as he sets foot in the NBA. Follow his journey and witness history in the making.
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