How’s the weather up there? That’s a phrase the tall people of the world hear much too often. But while the tall folks can look down on us, they have another special benefit: their stature helps them in the NBA.

The NBA has seen its fair share of towering athletes who have left an indelible mark on the league due to their exceptional height. These players, often referred to as "big men" or "centers," have dominated the game with their size, strength, and unique skill sets. Let's explore some of the tallest players in NBA history who have stood head and shoulders above their peers.

10.) Victor Wembanyama (Top 10 Tallest Active NBA Player)

Several players have been 7’4 inches tall and played in the NBA. Perhaps the most gifted is current NBA rookie Victor Wembanyama, who stars for the San Antonio Spurs. Wembanyama is unique in that he’s a 7-foot giant but plays on the perimeter and handles the basketball like a point guard when needed.

9.) Slavko Vrane?

The tall man from Montenegro, Slavko Vrane? is unique in that he got taller after he was cut from the NBA. At 7 feet and 5 inches in height, Vrane? appeared in only one game for Portland in the 2004 season. He was clearly overmatched, and never played in the league again. After he was released, the 21-year old kept growing: reaching 7’7 according to some sources.

8.) Tacko Fall

Somewhere along the line, when he was about 12 years old, Tacko Fall sprung up almost 12 inches in six months. That growth spurt continued until the young man from Senegal was 7 feet, 6 inches tall. At the 2019 NBA Combine, Fall set a record for tallest size at that event in shoes, at 7’8.

7.) Sim Bhullar

Canada produces some tall people too. One of them was Sim Bhullar, who grew to 7’5 and tipped the scales at an estimated 360 pounds. He may have been the largest man to ever play professional basketball. Bhullar was solid in college for New Mexico State, and earned a three-game trial with the Kings in 2014-15. But that was it for the big guy, and he spent the rest of his pro career in Europe.

6.) Mark Eaton

Mark Eaton stood out not only because of his 7’4 height, but due to his mountain man beard. This top 10 tallest NBA player of all time played 11 seasons, all of them with the Utah Jazz. Predictably, Eaton used his massive wing span to lead the NBA in blocks several times, four in all. He was durable, appearing in 80 games or more in nine of his seasons.

5.) Chuck Nevitt

Only a handful of basketball fans remember the name of Chuck Nevitt. But if you ever saw him, you wouldn't forget it. Nevitt was 7’5, but only weighed 215 pounds. He was thin with knobby knees and thin, lanky arms. The former Georgia Bulldog never made a dent in The Association, appearing in just 155 games in a nine-year career, averaging only 1.6 PPG and 1.5 RPG.

4.) Shawn Bradley

Shawn Bradley, a 7-foot-6-inch center, made a name for himself as a shot-blocker during his NBA career in the 1990s and early 2000s. The towering presence of Bradley patrolling the paint made him a defensive force for teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, and Dallas Mavericks. His shot-blocking ability and overall defensive impact contributed to his legacy as one of the tallest players in NBA history.

3.) Yao Ming

Yao Ming, a Chinese basketball legend, made a significant mark in the NBA during his career. Ming was 7 feet 6 inches and a dominant center for the Houston Rockets. Despite injury setbacks that shortened his career, Yao was an eight-time NBA All-Star and showcased exceptional skill for a player of his size. His global popularity also played a role in expanding the NBA's reach into international markets.

2.) Manute Bol

Manute Bol, a Sudanese-born player, is another name synonymous with towering height in the NBA. At 7 feet 7 inches, Bol was not only known for his extraordinary height but also for his shot-blocking abilities. Bol led the league in blocks per game during the 1985-86 and 1988-89 seasons. His impact as a defensive force in the paint earned him widespread recognition.

1.) Gheorghe Mure?an

One of the most iconic giants in NBA history is Gheorghe Mure?an, a Romanian center who played in the 1990s. Standing at a towering 7 feet 7 inches, Mure?an is tied for the title of the tallest player to have ever played in the NBA. He played for several teams, including the Washington Bullets/Wizards and the New Jersey Nets, and achieved success as the NBA's Most Improved Player in the 1995-96 season.

Final take:

• These towering figures have not only left an impact on the game due to their height but also showcased remarkable skill sets that contributed to their success in the NBA.
• Whether dominating in the paint, blocking shots, or influencing the global popularity of the sport, these tallest players in NBA history have become integral parts of basketball lore.