Andrew Pace
Being seven feet tall is rare, with only about 2,800 people in the world reaching this height. So it's no surprise that NBA players who are seven feet tall represent a small subset of basketball players. These towering athletes bring unique advantages to the game, such as shot-blocking and rim protection, and often become key figures in the basketball world. As of the 2024-25 NBA season, there were 29 players listed at seven feet or taller, with three active players: Victor Wembanyama, Zach Edey, and Bol Bol.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of 7-foot-tall people in the world | 2,800 |
| Number of 7-foot-tall players in the NBA | 33 |
| Percentage of the world's 7-footers in the NBA | 1.18% |
| Tallest NBA player | Gheorghe Mureșan (7-foot-7-inch) |
| Number of 7-foot-3-inch or taller players in the NBA | 29 |
| Number of active 7-foot-3-inch or taller players in the NBA (as of the 2024-25 season) | 3 |
| Names of active 7-foot-3-inch or taller players in the NBA (as of the 2024-25 season) | Victor Wembanyama, Zach Edey, and Bol Bol |
| Tallest player inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame | Yao Ming (7-foot-6-inch) |
| Number of players 7-foot-3-inch or taller inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame | 3 |
| Names of players 7-foot-3-inch or taller inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame | Yao Ming, Ralph Sampson, and Arvydas Sabonis |
| Tallest player ever drafted for the NBA | Yasutaka Okayama (7-foot-8-inch) |
| Number of 7-foot-tall players in the NBA as of the 2024-25 season | 29 |
| Average height of power forwards in the NBA | 6-foot-8 |
| Average height of centers in the NBA | 6-foot-10 |
| Number of 7-foot-tall players in the NBA as of 2023 | 29 |
| Tallest NBA players as of 2022 | Boban Marjanovic and Victor Wembanyama (7-foot-4) |
| 7-foot-tall players in the NBA with the highest 2K Rating | Karl-Anthony Towns, Joel Embiid, and Ivica Zubac |
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What You'll Learn
Tallest players in NBA history
Being seven feet tall is extremely rare, with only about 2,800 people in the world reaching this height. Even more rare is to find someone who is seven feet tall in the NBA, with only 33 players out of 572 listed on the official NBA.com Stats & Information page for the '23-'24 season being seven feet or taller. This means that approximately 1.18% of the world's seven-footers play in the NBA.
The tallest player in NBA history is Romanian Gheorghe Mureșan, who stands at 7 feet 7 inches (2.31 m). He was drafted by the Washington Bullets as the 30th overall pick in the 1993 NBA draft. Following closely behind is Yasutaka Okayama, a 7-foot-8-inch (2.34 m) Japanese basketball player drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1981. However, Okayama was picked in the seventh round, much lower than Mureșan.
As of the 2024-25 NBA season, 29 players have been listed at 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 m) or taller. Three players are active as of this season: Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies, and Bol Bol of the Phoenix Suns. Wembanyama stands at 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 m), while Edey is slightly taller at 7 feet 4 inches (2.24 m). Bol Bol is the son of Manute Bol, one of the tallest NBA players ever, and stands at 7 feet 2 inches (2.18 m).
The tallest player inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is Yao Ming, who stands at 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m). Only three other players at his height or taller have been selected to the Hall of Fame: Ralph Sampson, Arvydas Sabonis, and Yao Ming himself.
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The role of 7-footers in basketball
Being 7 feet tall is an extraordinary height, with only about 2,800 people in the world reaching this height. It is therefore unsurprising that 7-footers are highly sought after in basketball, where their height provides a significant advantage. The allure of a 7-footer in basketball is unlikely to fade, as their towering presence provides a unique skillset, from shot-blocking and rim protection to increasing versatility. They control the area near the basket, making it easier to score and block shots. This physical presence can change how teams defend and attack, and their height advantage is crucial in close games. Teams often design their plays around these players, and they become key figures in the basketball narrative, inspiring future athletes.
While the presence of 7-footers in basketball is still notable, with around 33 of them playing professional basketball, the modern game has seen a shift in dynamics. The small-ball style has gained prominence, with shooting, versatility, and defensive mobility taking priority. This has resulted in a decrease in the average height of power forwards and centers. Consequently, pure post players with limited mobility, even those with significant height advantages, may struggle in crucial situations when teams opt for increased pace and spacing.
Despite this shift, 7-footers continue to make their mark in the NBA. As of the 2024-25 season, there were 29 players listed at 7 feet or taller, with three active players: Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies, and Bol Bol of the Phoenix Suns. Wembanyama, standing at 7'3", has demonstrated versatility in his debut season, showcasing skills in ball handling, playmaking, defense, and scoring.
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Advantages of being a taller player
There are very few people in the world who are seven feet tall, with estimates placing the number at around 2,800. This makes them a rare commodity in the NBA, with only 33 players of this height in the 2023-24 season. Being exceptionally tall is advantageous in basketball, and it is no surprise that some of the tallest players in NBA history have also been some of the best. Here are some of the advantages that taller players bring to the game:
Shot-Blocking and Rim Protection
Taller players can easily block shots and protect the rim. This can change how teams defend and attack, as they control the area near the basket, making it harder for opponents to score. Their height also allows them to reach higher into the air, further increasing their ability to block shots.
Rebounding
Height provides an advantage in grabbing rebounds. Taller players have longer limbs, giving them a larger wingspan. This makes it easier to reach under the basket and gain possession of the ball, which is crucial for both offensive and defensive strategies.
Dunking and Shooting
Being closer in height to the basket means that taller players can shoot with greater accuracy and less force. They can also more easily dunk the ball, almost always guaranteeing a score.
Court Vision and Strategy
With their elevated plane of vision, taller players can take in the entirety of what is happening on the court. This provides a strategic advantage, allowing them to plan their next move more effectively.
Media Appeal and Endorsements
The media often highlights taller players, drawing attention to their unique skills and size. These players become key figures in the basketball narrative, inspiring future athletes and garnering more endorsements and media coverage.
While there are many advantages to being a taller player, it is important to note that the modern game is shifting towards an emphasis on shooting, versatility, and defensive mobility. Shorter players can be more agile and mobile, making them better suited for certain positions and strategies. Additionally, extremely tall players may face increased injury risks and shorter career lengths. However, height remains a significant factor in basketball, and taller players continue to bring a unique set of skills and advantages to the game.
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Number of 7-footers in the NBA
There are very few 7-foot-tall players in the NBA, and they are considered a rare breed. As of the 2024-25 season, there were 29 players listed at 7 feet or taller, with only three active players: Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies, and Bol Bol of the Phoenix Suns. The presence of 7-footers in the NBA is notable, as they make up a tiny fraction of the world's tallest individuals. It is estimated that only 1.18% of the world's 7-footers play in the NBA, which is a small percentage considering the already small number of people who reach this height.
The impact of 7-footers in the NBA is significant, and they bring several benefits to their teams. Their height provides physical advantages, such as shot-blocking and grabbing rebounds, which can change how teams defend and attack. Taller players also tend to attract more endorsements and media coverage, helping to promote the sport and attract new fans. However, being extremely tall can also come with challenges in the NBA. Statistical analysis suggests that players 7'3" and taller tend to have shorter careers due to an increased risk of injuries, particularly foot and knee problems.
Some notable 7-footers currently or previously in the NBA include Karl-Anthony Towns, Joel Embiid, Ivica Zubac, Chet Holmgren, Boban Marjanovic, Kristaps Porzingis, Dirk Nowitzki, Yao Ming, Gheorghe Mureșan, Shawn Bradley, and Nikola Jokić. These players have defied traditional stereotypes and showcased diverse skill sets, including shooting three-pointers, handling the ball, and defending multiple positions.
While the presence of 7-footers in the NBA is notable, it is important to note that the league has been progressively embracing a small-ball style. The average height for certain positions has decreased over the years, and contemporary big players must possess skills beyond their height to thrive. The role of 7-footers in the NBA has evolved, and they are now expected to be versatile and mobile, adapting to the league's shift to pace-and-space offenses.
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7-footers in other basketball leagues
While 7-footers are a rare breed in the general population, they are even rarer in basketball leagues outside of the NBA. The NBA's focus on height and athletic ability means that it actively seeks out and attracts tall players, resulting in a higher concentration of 7-footers compared to other leagues.
In recent years, the NBA has had around 29 to 33 seven-foot players, which is a significant number considering the rarity of people reaching this height. However, it is important to note that the league has shifted away from traditional 7-foot centers, prioritizing shooting, versatility, and defensive mobility instead. This has led to a decrease in the number of pure post players, even those with significant height advantages.
Outside of the NBA, there is limited information on the exact number of 7-footers in other basketball leagues. However, it is safe to assume that their presence is even more scarce. One source mentions that there are probably close to 40 percent of 7-footers playing overseas or in the D-league, indicating that a significant number of tall players choose to pursue basketball careers outside of the NBA.
While the exact numbers are unknown, it is clear that 7-footers in other basketball leagues are a rare sight. Their presence may be due to various factors, such as choosing a league that better suits their playing style or seeking opportunities in leagues that prioritize height to a lesser extent.
It is worth noting that the impact of 7-footers in basketball cannot be understated, regardless of the league they play in. Their towering presence and physical advantages can change the dynamics of a game, making them valuable assets to any team they play for.
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Frequently asked questions
As of the 2024–25 NBA season, there are 29 players who are 7 feet tall or taller. Only three players are active as of the 2024–25 season: Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies, and Bol Bol of the Phoenix Suns.
Taller players bring several benefits to basketball. They can block shots and grab rebounds more easily. They also have an advantage when shooting over defenders. Their height can change how teams defend and attack, and they can control the area near the basket.
Statistical analysis suggests that extremely tall NBA players (7'3" and above) tend to have shorter careers on average due to an increased risk of injuries, particularly foot and knee problems.
As of the 2024-25 NBA season, Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies stands as the tallest active player at 7'4"
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