When it comes to NBA players, height is often considered an essential advantage on the court. While the league has seen its fair share of towering athletes, there are those who stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Brace yourself for the entrance of Victor Wembanyama, an extraordinary prospect whose colossal stature sets him apart. With an exceptional blend of size, ball-handling skills, and shooting prowess, Wembanyama aims to leave an indelible mark, distinguishing himself from the giants who preceded him.
Victor Wembanyama — 7-foot-4
Victor Wembanyama, the towering NBA prospect, concluded his remarkable season in the LNB Pro A league with Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92. Despite falling short in a thrilling French league championship series against AS Monaco Basket, Wembanyama showcased his immense talent on the court.
In the decisive Game 3 at Roland-Garros in Paris, the young phenom led Mets 92 with a jaw-dropping performance. He recorded an impressive 22 points, seven rebounds, four blocks, two assists, and a steal, solidifying his status as one of the most promising tall players in the game.
As the projected No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, Wembanyama’s exceptional skills and contributions continue to captivate fans and experts alike. Keep a close eye on this rising star as he prepares to make his mark in the world’s most prestigious basketball league.
As we eagerly await Wembanyama’s NBA debut, let’s take a nostalgic glance back at the select few players who have exceeded the towering height of 7-foot-4 and graced the hardwood for over 100 NBA games.
Shawn Bradley — 7-foot-6
NBA debut: 1993 | Games played: 832
Following an illustrious college career at BYU, Bradley soared into the NBA as the Philadelphia 76ers’ second overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft. Recognized for his defensive prowess, Bradley averaged an impressive 3.4 blocks per game during his first five seasons. After stints with the Sixers and Nets, he ultimately settled in with the Dallas Mavericks, where he concluded his career spanning over eight seasons.
Bradley retired with solid career averages of 8.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks over his remarkable 12-year journey. Tragically, in 2021, Bradley’s life took an unexpected turn when a devastating cycling accident left him paralyzed.
Ralph Sampson — 7-foot-4
NBA debut: 1983 | Games played: 456
Ralph Sampson, the highly anticipated rookie from the University of Virginia, emerged as the first overall pick for the Houston Rockets in 1983. Amidst tremendous hype, Sampson exceeded expectations during his debut NBA season, securing Rookie of the Year honors with an impressive stat line of 21.0 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game.
Despite grappling with injuries, he showcased his talents for nine seasons before retiring in 1992. Sampson’s career averages of 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks earned him a well-deserved induction into the esteemed Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
Yao Ming — 7-foot-6
NBA debut: 2002 | Games played: 481
Yao Ming, the first overall pick in 2002 and a global sensation, amassed immense acclaim even before joining the Houston Rockets. Boasting five successful seasons in China, including an MVP title in 2001, Yao immediately made his mark in the NBA. During his rookie season, he notched an impressive 13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game while earning his first of eight consecutive All-Star selections. Yao’s prowess continued to grow as he achieved three consecutive seasons of 20-plus points (2005-08).
Concluding his career with averages of 19.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks over eight seasons, Yao was rightfully enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. Presently, he serves as the president of the Chinese Basketball Association, cementing his enduring influence on the sport.
Now, poised to join the annals of NBA history, Victor Wembanyama eagerly awaits his moment to shine. Blessed with extraordinary height and an impressive skill set, Wembanyama possesses the potential to revolutionize the game. As the anticipation builds, basketball enthusiasts worldwide are fervently counting down the days until they witness this young prodigy take his place among the ranks of the tallest NBA players in history. Stay tuned to witness the birth of a new legend!
