Height has always been a key factor in the game of basketball, with NBA players of impressive stature dominating the league over the years.
Vertical length is an attribute usually associated with frontcourt players, but it also defines the way how modern-day guards play. Players like Yao Ming and Manute Bol had absurd heights, but they combined their size and skill to go down in the NBA history books as legendary players.
There are also tall players in the current generation who could emulate the aforementioned duo's exploits in the game. On that note, here's a take a look at the five tallest players in the NBA at the moment:
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#5 Bol Bol - 7' 2"
NBA legend Manute Bol's son Bol Bol was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the 2019 draft. Bol Bol has played for the Denver Nuggets for two seasons, averaging two points per game on 43% shooting from the field.
Despite being over seven feet tall, Bol Bol is adept in handling the ball and progressing the ball up the court. However, his rebounding is weak for his size, and the power forward needs to improve his strength to execute his role better on the court.
#4 Moses Brown - 7' 2"
Drafted by the OKC Thunder in the 2019 NBA draft, young center Moses Brown will play for the Dallas Mavericks in the 2021-22 season. Brown played 43 games for a young OKC Thunder team last season, tallying eight points and as many rebounds per game.
Moses Brown possesses strong potential to become a productive role player due to his height, someone who can rebound well and make his presence felt on the defensive end. Only 21 now, his best years are quite likely ahead of him.
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Note - Free-agent center Luke Kornet is also listed at 7' 2'', same as Bol Bol and Moses Brown.
#3 Kristaps Porzingis - 7' 3"
Given the 'Unicorn' moniker by NBA legend Kevin Durant due to his rare combination of size and shooting, Kristaps Porzingis has failed to live up to his name over the years. The Dallas Mavericks signed the Latvian power forward to fill the role of a second star, but Porzingis has failed to deliver for the Mark Cuban-owned franchise.
Porzingis stands at 7' 3", and his height has played a pivotal role in helping him become one of the premium shot blockers in the NBA. He is also adept in shooting, making 36% of his threes.
#2 Boban Marjanovic, 7' 4"
Known for his pleasant demeanor more than his on-court skills, Boban Marjanovic is the second-tallest NBA player at the moment. He recently signed a multi-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks, and will return for the 2021-22 NBA season.
Marjanovic saw decent game time last season, averaging eight minutes per game. He was mostly used by former Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle as a pick-and-roll partner for Luka Doncic, so it will be intriguing to see how Jason Kidd deploys Marjanovic.
#1 Tacko Fall, 7' 5''
Standing 7' 5", Cleveland Cavaliers center Tacko Fall holds the distinction of being the tallest player in the NBA at the moment. Fall was signed by the 17-time NBA champions Boston Celtics in the 2019 offseason, but rarely saw game time for them. However, he was a fan favorite, and will now join the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Fall played 19 games for the Celtics last season, putting up two rebounds and as many points in 7.2 minutes per game. He also averaged a block per game, using his size and strength to great effect in the paint.
The Cavs now want to develop Fall into a reliable role player, which is why the 2021-22 season is going to be pivotal in the center's development.
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