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Insightschevron-rightchevron-rightEducationalchevron-rightTallest Active Basketball Players 2025: Ranking the NBA’s Biggest Giants

Tallest Active Basketball Players 2025: Ranking the NBA’s Biggest Giants

In the world of professional basketball, fans are always fascinated by the giants of the court. Height can be a tremendous advantage, affecting everything from shooting angles to defensive reach. This article ranks the tallest active basketball players in 2025, including the tallest NBA players and international stars. We’ll highlight each player’s height, current team and league, position, key career highlights, and how their towering height impacts their playing style and performance. Whether it’s the tallest basketball player overall or the tallest NBA player this season, these athletes stand quite literally above the rest.

Modern basketball has evolved to value versatility, but these towering players prove that height is still a game-changer. From the 7-foot-6 giants to agile 7-footers, the tallest active basketball players bring a mix of old-school rim protection and new-school skill. Let’s count down the top seven, starting with the tallest of them all. Tacko Fall tops the list at 7'6 being the tallest active player in the NBA.

1. Tacko Fall – 7'6" (2.29 m)

Tacko Fall stands at an astounding 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m), making him the tallest active professional player in the world. The Senegalese center is currently playing for the New Zealand Breakers in Australia’s NBL (National Basketball League). Fall broke onto the scene as a fan favorite with the Boston Celtics (2019–2021) and Cleveland Cavaliers (2021–2022) in the NBA, and has since taken his talents overseas. One of his career highlights came in college at UCF, where he set a record high field-goal percentage and anchored the defense with over 2 blocks per game. He has also become an international star, recently playing in China and Puerto Rico before joining the NBL.

At 7'6", Fall’s height dictates his playing style. He can dunk without leaving his feet and alters opponents’ shots simply by standing near the rim. His 8-foot wingspan allows him to grab rebounds and block shots with ease. Defensively, Fall is an imposing rim protector who forces teams to think twice about driving the lane. However, such extreme height also comes with challenges – agility and stamina can be concerns, and faster players may try to pull him away from the basket. Still, Fall’s towering presence makes him a game-changing force in the paint, exemplifying the phrase “you can’t teach height.”

Tacko Fall
Instagram

2. Sim Bhullar – 7'5" (2.26 m)

Sim Bhullar measures 7 feet 5 inches (2.26 m) tall, securing his spot among the tallest active players. A Canadian center of Indian descent, Bhullar briefly played in the NBA (he appeared in a 2015 game for the Sacramento Kings) and made history with his first NBA basket – it was the first NBA points ever scored by a player of Indian descent. Bhullar spent much of his career in international leagues; he won a championship in Taiwan’s SBL and most recently played for the Tainan TSG GhostHawks of the T1 League (Taiwan). At his massive size, he was officially tied as the sixth-tallest player in NBA history. While his NBA stint was short, he has enjoyed a journeyman career across the G-League and Asian leagues, accumulating experience and fan admiration.

Bhullar’s height gives him a classic back-to-the-basket playing style. In the post, he uses his sheer size to establish deep position and shoot over any defender. On defense, he’s a wall in the lane, making scoring around the rim incredibly difficult for opponents. His height naturally aids in rebounding and shot-blocking, often allowing him to dominate the paint on both ends. However, like many ultra-tall players, mobility has been a challenge – quicker players can exploit him in pick-and-roll situations. Despite that, Bhullar’s presence inside forces teams to adjust their game plan. His career demonstrates how being one of the tallest basketball players can open opportunities globally, even if the NBA transition is tough.

3. Victor Wembanyama – 7'4" (2.23 m)

Victor Wembanyama stands 7 feet 4 inches (2.23 m) tall and is the most heralded young giant in basketball today. The French phenom was the #1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and now plays for the San Antonio Spurs (NBA) as a power forward/center. At 7'4", Wembanyama is tied as the tallest NBA player in the 2024-25 season. He entered the NBA after a stellar stint in the French league, and immediately became a centerpiece of the Spurs’ future. A notable early career highlight was leading his French club to a league finals appearance, and he’s been billed as a generational talent even before playing an NBA game.

What truly sets Wembanyama apart is how he leverages his height with unprecedented skills for a player of his size. He’s been called a “unicorn” for his ability to handle the ball, shoot from the perimeter, and protect the rim – all at 7'4". In fact, Wemby flourishes with old-school defensive prowess as an intimidating shot-blocker, while also displaying new-school offensive weapons as a multi-level scorer. He can dribble up the court, hit step-back three-pointers, and still use his enormous wingspan to grab rebounds and swat shots on defense. His height gives him an almost unfair advantage contesting shots; he can release the ball from a vantage point no one can reach, and on defense he can guard the rim even when he’s a step or two away from it. As one of the tallest NBA players, Wembanyama is already redefining what a big man can do, blending height with agility in a way the league has rarely seen.

4. Zach Edey – 7'4" (2.24 m)

Zach Edey is another 7-foot-4 (2.24 m) giant, and as of 2025 he holds the distinction of being the tallest player in the NBA. The Canadian center plays for the Memphis Grizzlies, who drafted him in 2024. Edey rose to prominence in college at Purdue University, where he was the consensus National Player of the Year in 2023. In fact, he won the John Wooden Award twice in college – a testament to his dominance at that level. Now in the NBA, Edey is beginning his professional career with high expectations. His massive frame (listed around 305 lbs) and collegiate accolades suggest he could become a key interior presence for Memphis in the years to come.

On the court, Edey uses his towering height and strength to excel in the paint. Offensively, he is a classic low-post center: he establishes position near the rim, where he can turn and shoot over any defender without having his shot blocked. His soft touch around the basket, combined with his height, made him a hugely efficient scorer in college. Defensively, Edey’s size makes him a formidable rim protector and rebounder – he clogs the lane and forces opponents to shoot over a 7'4" obstacle. One of the impacts of his height is that he can grab rebounds or catch high passes that others simply can’t reach. However, adjusting to the speed of the NBA is an ongoing challenge; smaller, faster players will test his pick-and-roll defense. Even so, being the tallest NBA player means Edey provides a rare matchup advantage. His mere presence around the rim can alter the opponent’s game plan, proving that traditional big-man skills still have a place in today’s game.

5. Boban Marjanović – 7'4" (2.24 m)

Serbian center Boban Marjanović is a 7-foot-4 (2.24 m) fan favorite known as much for his personality as his immense size. Boban enjoyed a lengthy NBA career from 2015 to 2024, playing for teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, and Houston Rockets. As his NBA opportunities waned, Marjanović took his talents overseas: in 2023-24 he signed with Serbian club Crvena zvezda briefly, then moved to Fenerbahçe in Turkey, and by early 2025 he joined the Zhejiang Lions in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Despite being in his mid-30s, he continues to play professionally, bringing his towering presence to new crowds internationally.

Boban’s height heavily shapes his playing style. At 7'4" and nearly 290 pounds, he is an imposing low-post scorer – when he catches the ball near the hoop, he simply rises over defenders for easy baskets. His field-goal percentages in the NBA were consistently high, reflecting how efficiently he converts shots in the paint. Marjanović is also an excellent rebounder by virtue of his size and long arms; even NBA big men struggled to outrebound him when he was on the floor. On defense, his lack of foot speed could be a liability, but in a half-court setting he would protect the rim by using his massive reach to contest shots. In fact, as he has aged, his mobility has slowed, but teams have used him in situations that maximize his strengths – for example, short bursts against opposing centers or in zone defenses where his size is maximized and quickness is less tested. Beyond the stats, Boban’s height made him a beloved figure: he’s known for playful moments with much shorter teammates and even appeared in a Hollywood movie (demonstrating how his giant stature captures public imagination). In sum, Marjanović’s career exemplifies how a towering height can be both an advantage and a limitation – but when used correctly, it turns a player into an efficient contributor and a crowd favorite.

6. Kristaps Porziņģis – 7'3" (2.21 m)

Kristaps Porziņģis, nicknamed “The Unicorn,” stands at 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 m) tall and is one of the most skilled big men in the NBA. The Latvian-born star is currently a centerpiece for the Boston Celtics, primarily playing power forward/center. Porziņģis was an NBA All-Star in 2018 and has career averages of around 20 points and 8 rebounds per game. He first made a name for himself with the New York Knicks as the 4th overall pick in 2015, quickly earning the Unicorn moniker for his rare combination of height and guard-like skills. After stints with the Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards, Porziņģis joined Boston in 2023 and has since been a key part of the Celtics’ frontcourt. His career highlights include that All-Star appearance and multiple seasons scoring over 20 points per game, demonstrating that he’s far more than just tall – he’s talented as well.

Porziņģis’s height impacts his game in multifaceted ways. Offensively, at 7'3" he can shoot over anyone, which makes his perimeter game especially deadly. Uniquely, Porziņģis has deep three-point range for a player of his size, often pulling opposing big men away from the basket. This ability to stretch the floor is a byproduct of his height and skill – as an athletic 7'3" shooter, he’s nearly impossible to block on jump shots. He has averaged over two three-point attempts per game throughout his career, something virtually unheard of for players above 7'2" in earlier eras. Defensively, his height and long arms make him a formidable shot-blocker; he’s averaged around 2 blocks per game over his career. He uses his height to be a rim protector and also to grab high rebounds. However, Porziņģis has faced some challenges due to his frame – injuries have been a concern, perhaps in part because coordinating a 7'3" body that moves like a smaller forward can put stress on joints. When healthy, Porziņģis truly embodies the “unicorn” label: he leverages towering size and wingspan to dominate around the rim, yet plays with the finesse and shooting touch of a much smaller player. This combination makes him one of the toughest matchups in the league when it comes to tallest active basketball players with elite skills.

7. Bol Bol – 7'3" (2.21 m)

Bol Bol is a 7-foot-3 (2.21 m) forward/center known for his intriguing potential and famous lineage. He is the son of the late Manute Bol (who, at 7'7", was one of the tallest NBA players ever), and Bol Bol has inherited much of that towering height. Currently, Bol Bol is a member of the Phoenix Suns in the NBA. He began his NBA career with the Denver Nuggets and later played for the Orlando Magic, but it was during the 2022–23 season with Orlando that he started turning heads. In that stretch, Bol Bol delivered highlight-reel plays, including coast-to-coast dribbles and three-point shots, showcasing a skill set that’s rare for someone so tall. As of 2025, he’s a young player still finding his footing in the league, but his height alone keeps him in the conversation of the tallest pros.

Bol Bol’s height impacts his game in both expected and unexpected ways. Like his father, he uses his long arms and height to block shots and deter inside scoring – he’s shown flashes of being an excellent rim protector. Standing 7'3" also makes him a lob threat on offense; teammates can throw passes high above the rim for easy dunks that only Bol can reach. What surprises many observers is Bol’s agility and shooting touch for his size. He has a smooth jump shot and can even hit three-pointers, and his height means he releases the ball practically at rim level, making it nearly unblockable. He also possesses decent ball-handling skills: there have been plays where Bol grabs a defensive rebound and then dribbles the length of the court to score, an almost guard-like play from a 7'3" player. This unique blend of height and skill fits the modern NBA trend where even some of the tallest NBA players possess skills of much smaller players. On the flip side, Bol’s slender build (around 220 lbs at his height) means he can be out-muscled by stronger centers, and durability is something he is still proving. As he continues to develop, Bol Bol exemplifies how a towering player can also have a versatile, face-up game. His presence on this list underscores that being one of the tallest players isn’t just about standing tall – it’s about playing tall with a modern twist.

Can you imagine being that tall?

From Tacko Fall, the tallest basketball player in the world at 7'6", to NBA giants like Victor Wembanyama and Zach Edey at 7'3"-7'4", these players show that height remains a defining feature in basketball. Each of the tallest active basketball players leverages their size in unique ways – some have developed perimeter skills (the “unicorns” like Wembanyama and Porziņģis), while others dominate the paint with traditional big-man prowess (like Edey and Boban). Their career highlights, from college awards to NBA stardom or international success, demonstrate that being the tallest NBA player or towering over competition in other leagues can translate into on-court impact and fan fascination. Yet, as we’ve seen, height is a double-edged sword: it confers almost unfair advantages around the rim, but often comes with challenges in speed, conditioning, and health.

Ultimately, these seven-footers (and then some) prove that basketball will always have a place for the giants. The game continues to evolve, asking even the tallest players to be more skilled and mobile. And these towering athletes are meeting the challenge – blocking shots into the third row, dunking with ease, stretching defenses with three-pointers, and capturing imaginations worldwide. Whether it’s the tallest active NBA players battling under the basket or international big men thrilling their home crowds, these giants of the court stand as a testament to basketball’s enduring love affair with height. They remind us that while not everyone can be 7 feet tall, in basketball, the tallest towers often create the most unforgettable moments.

FAQ – Tallest Basketball Players

Who is the tallest active basketball player in 2025?

Tacko Fall, at 7'6" (2.29 m), is the tallest active professional basketball player, currently suiting up for the New Zealand Breakers in Australia’s NBL.

Who are the tallest NBA players this season?

Victor Wembanyama and Zach Edey share the title of tallest NBA player in 2025, each standing 7'4" (2.23–2.24 m).

Does height always guarantee success in basketball?

Height provides clear advantages—rim protection, rebounding, and high-percentage shots—but agility, skill, and durability are equally crucial for sustained success.

Which tall player is known for perimeter skills?

Kristaps Porziņģis (7'3") exemplifies the modern “unicorn,” combining deep three-point range with classic rim-protecting size.

How does extreme height affect a player’s health and longevity?

Ultra-tall athletes often face challenges with mobility, endurance, and joint stress, leading teams to manage their minutes and training carefully to minimize injury risk.

Disclosure: This list is intended as an informational resource and is based on independent research and publicly available information. It does not imply that these businesses are the absolute best in their category. Learn more here.

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Arash F

Junior JournalistBrand Vision Insights

Arash F. serves as a Research Specialist and Junior Journalist at Brand Vision Insights. With a background in psychology and scientific writing, he offers practical insights into human behavior that shape brand strategies and content development. By blending data-driven approaches with a passion for storytelling, Arash creates helpful insights in all his articles.

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