Who Is the Tallest NBA Player Ever and How Did His Height Impact His Career?

When people ask me about the tallest NBA player in history, I always find myself drawn to the story of Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol—both officially listed at 7 feet 7 inches. As someone who’s followed basketball for decades, I’ve always been fascinated by how extreme height shapes a player’s career, for better or worse. It’s not just about the inches; it’s about how those inches translate on the court, in the locker room, and throughout a player’s life. Interestingly, while researching this topic, I came across a recent update about June Mar Fajardo—a dominant center in the PBA—who narrowly avoided a serious calf injury. It got me thinking: how do players with extraordinary physical attributes navigate the fine line between advantage and vulnerability?

Let’s talk numbers first. Gheorghe Muresan, the Romanian center, played for the Washington Bullets and New Jersey Nets in the 1990s. Standing at 7’7", he was a literal giant, and his height earned him the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 1996. But here’s the thing—being that tall isn’t just a blessing. Muresan’s career was plagued by injuries, particularly back and foot issues, which limited him to just 307 games over six seasons. On the other hand, Manute Bol, also 7’7", had a slightly longer tenure, playing 624 games across ten seasons. He was a shot-blocking phenom—averaging 3.3 blocks per game—but offensively, he struggled, shooting just over 40% from the field. Personally, I think Bol’s impact was more defensive; he altered games without needing to score, something you don’t see often today.

Now, contrast that with June Mar Fajardo, the 6’10" center for San Miguel in the PBA. While not as tall as Muresan or Bol, Fajardo’s height has been a cornerstone of his success, helping him dominate the Philippine basketball scene with his rebounding and inside scoring. But here’s where it gets relatable: Fajardo was recently spared from a serious right calf injury, making him available for the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup playoffs. As a fan, I breathed a sigh of relief—it’s a reminder that even the most physically gifted players walk a tightrope. Injuries can derail careers, and when you’re taller, the stress on joints and muscles is often magnified. I’ve seen too many promising big men, like Yao Ming, whose 7’6" frame contributed to chronic foot problems that cut his career short.

What’s often overlooked, though, is the psychological and practical side of being exceptionally tall. Imagine Muresan or Bol trying to fit into a standard airline seat or finding shoes that fit—it’s not just a basketball challenge, it’s a life challenge. From my perspective, the tallest players often face unfair expectations. Fans and coaches assume they’ll be unstoppable, but the reality is more nuanced. For every successful giant like Shawn Bradley (7’6"), who had a solid 12-year career, there are others who never quite adapted. I remember watching Muresan in his prime; his height gave him an edge in rebounding and close-range shots, but his lack of mobility made him a liability in fast-paced games. It’s a trade-off, and one that I believe modern basketball, with its emphasis on speed and three-point shooting, would struggle to accommodate.

In wrapping up, the stories of the tallest NBA players teach us that height alone doesn’t guarantee longevity or success. It’s a double-edged sword—offering unmatched defensive presence and scoring opportunities near the basket, while also increasing the risk of injuries and mobility issues. Reflecting on Fajardo’s recent scare, I’m reminded how crucial health is, regardless of stature. As the game evolves, I hope we appreciate these giants not just for their height, but for their resilience. After all, in a sport that’s increasingly about versatility, being the tallest ever is as much a burden as it is a badge of honor.