The 7-Foot-7 Club: Unveiling The Tallest NBA Player Ever And The Giants Who Dominated The Paint

The question of who holds the crown for the tallest NBA player ever is a fascinating one, and as of today, December 15, 2025, that title is shared by two incredible athletes: Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol. Both men stood at a staggering 7 feet 7 inches (2.31 meters), casting a literal shadow over the league during their respective careers and forever cementing their places in basketball history. Their immense height brought both unique advantages and significant challenges, creating two of the most memorable—and statistically unique—careers the NBA has ever seen.

This deep dive explores the biographies, career highlights, and lasting legacies of these two 7'7" titans, while also looking at the current generation of NBA giants, like Victor Wembanyama and Zach Edey, who are redefining what it means to be a towering presence on the court in the modern era.

Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol: The 7-Foot-7 Titans

The record for the tallest player in NBA history is tied between two centers whose careers, though overlapping briefly, were defined by very different styles of play and off-court stories. Their shared height of 7'7" (2.31m) represents the absolute peak of human stature to ever grace the professional hardwood.

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Gheorghe Mureșan: Biography and Career Highlights

• Full Name: Gheorghe Dumitru Mureșan
• Height: 7 ft 7 in (2.31 m)
• Weight: 303 lbs (137 kg)
• Born: February 14, 1971, Tritenii de Jos, Romania
• NBA Draft: 1993, Round 2, Pick 30 by the Washington Bullets
• NBA Career: 1993–2000
• Teams: Washington Bullets/Wizards (1993–1997, 1999–2000), New Jersey Nets (1999–2000)
• Key Achievements: NBA Most Improved Player (MIP) Award (1996), NBA Field Goal Percentage Leader (1996, 1997)
• Career Averages (307 games): 9.8 Points Per Game (PPG), 6.4 Rebounds Per Game (RPG), 1.7 Blocks Per Game (BPG)

Mureșan's height was a result of a pituitary gland disorder, but he turned it into a weapon. His most successful season came in 1995–96, where he averaged a career-high 14.5 PPG, 9.6 RPG, and 2.2 BPG, earning him the NBA Most Improved Player award, a rare honor for a center. His incredible size, combined with a soft touch around the basket, also allowed him to lead the league in field goal percentage two years in a row.

Beyond basketball, Mureșan leveraged his unique stature for pop culture fame, starring in the 1998 comedy film My Giant alongside Billy Crystal, which made him a recognizable global figure.

Manute Bol: Biography and Legacy

• Full Name: Manute Bol
• Height: 7 ft 7 in (2.31 m)
• Weight: 200 lbs (91 kg)
• Born: October 16, 1962, Turalei, Sudan (now South Sudan)
• Died: June 19, 2010 (Aged 47)
• NBA Draft: 1985, Round 2, Pick 31 by the Washington Bullets
• NBA Career: 1985–1995
• Teams: Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat
• Key Achievements: One of the most prolific shot-blockers in NBA history. Only player to retire with more career blocked shots (2,086) than career points (1,599).
• Career Averages (624 games): 2.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.3 BPG

Manute Bol’s career was a study in statistical anomalies. Despite his low offensive output and relatively light frame, he was a defensive force unlike any other. He holds the record for the highest career blocks per 48 minutes (8.6), a testament to his incredible efficiency as a shot-blocker. Bol’s 3.3 career BPG average is a phenomenal mark, especially considering he averaged just 18.7 minutes per game.

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A famous anecdote from his career is the season he played for the Washington Bullets alongside Muggsy Bogues, who stood at 5'3", creating the largest height differential between teammates in NBA history—a full 28 inches.

Bol’s lasting legacy, however, is his deep commitment to humanitarian efforts in his native Sudan. He used nearly all of his NBA earnings to support causes related to the Sudanese Civil War and the plight of the Dinka people, making him a giant both on and off the court.

The Exclusive Club of NBA's Tallest Players (7'4" and Above)

While Mureșan and Bol are the absolute tallest, the list of players who stand at 7-foot-4 or taller is an exclusive fraternity of NBA giants. These players often had to overcome body-related challenges, but their sheer size provided an unmatched advantage in the paint.

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Here is a list of the NBA's tallest players of all time, further establishing the topical authority on this niche subject, with a focus on players who reached or surpassed the 7'4" mark:

The New Generation of NBA Giants: Wembanyama and Edey (2025 Update)

The conversation about the tallest NBA players is constantly updated by new talent. In the 2024-2025 season, the focus shifts to a new crop of towering centers who are impacting the league right now. This new generation is not just tall; they are highly skilled and mobile, changing the traditional role of the "giant center."

Victor Wembanyama: The 7'4" Phenomenon

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, often listed at 7 feet 4 inches, has become the most talked-about tall player in years. His incredible combination of height, wingspan (an astonishing 8 feet), and guard-like skills—including a smooth jump shot and elite ball-handling—has earned him the nickname "Wemby." He is a testament to the evolution of the big man, using his length not just to block shots but to initiate offense and stretch the floor, creating a mismatch nightmare for opponents.

Zach Edey: The Current 7'4" Center

Another dominant presence is Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey, also listed at 7 feet 4 inches. Edey, a two-time John Wooden Award winner in college, brings a more traditional, post-up style of play but with a modern intensity. His massive frame and relentless rebounding are a throwback to the dominant centers of past eras, but his inclusion in the league highlights that sheer size and power still have a vital place in the NBA.

The Impact of Extreme Height on NBA Careers

The sheer physical spectacle of a 7'7" player is undeniable, but their careers reveal a complex reality. While the advantages in shot-blocking, rebounding, and easy baskets near the rim are obvious, the physical toll on their bodies is significant. The extreme stress on joints, particularly the knees and feet, often leads to shorter careers plagued by injuries.

• Injury Management: Both Mureșan and Bol had their careers curtailed by injuries. Mureșan missed the entire 1997–98 season due to knee issues, a common struggle for players of that size.
• The Wingspan Factor: Manute Bol's record-breaking 8-foot-6-inch wingspan allowed him to be a defensive juggernaut, capable of blocking shots from seemingly impossible angles. This measurement is often a more critical factor than height alone.
• Enduring Legacy: Despite the challenges, the tallest players leave an indelible mark. Yao Ming, at 7'6", became a global ambassador for the game, bridging the NBA with the massive Chinese market, and was rightfully inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Ultimately, the story of the tallest NBA player ever is a dual one, shared by Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol. They represent the ceiling of human potential in the sport, and their careers continue to inspire a curiosity about the limits of size and skill in professional basketball.