Weight can be a game-changer in basketball, especially for towering NBA stars. The heaviest NBA players often balance physical prowess with exceptional court skills. From Tacko Fall, a modern giant, to Oliver Miller, the all-time heaviest, these athletes stand tall in league history. Discover the heaviest players currently and ever to grace the NBA.
Oliver Miller (L), Sim Bhullar (C), Shaquille O’Neal (R). Photo: Jonathan Daniel, Gene Weng, Ethan Miller (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
In compiling the heaviest NBA players list, we relied on recorded weights and career data as of 2024, recognising that player statuses may change as careers progress. This list was developed using reliable information from trusted sources, including official sites such as NBA, Basketball Reference, and Sporting News, to provide accurate and up-to-date profiles of these remarkable athletes.
15 heaviest NBA players ever
The NBA has witnessed some of the largest athletes in sports history. These heaviest players have brought massive weight to the game and left lasting impressions with their skills and dominance. Here are NBA players who weighed the most in history, showcasing their achievements and contributions to the league.
Read also
Most receiving yards in a game: Top 10 most impressive single-game records
RankPlayerWeight15Gheorghe Muresan137 kg (302 lbs)14Dexter Pittman139 kg (306 lbs)13Nikola Pekovic139.2 kg (307 lbs)12Mengke Bateer141 kg (310 lbs)11Yao Ming141 kg (310 lbs)10Tacko Fall 141.5 kg (311 lbs)9Robert Traylor145 kg (319 lbs)8Kevin Duckworth145 kg (319 lbs)7Priest Lauderdale147 kg (325 lbs)6Thomas Hamilton 150 kg (330 lbs)5Michael Sweetney 158 kg (348 lbs)4Eddy Curry159 kg (350 lbs)3Shaquille O’Neal 163 kg (359 lbs)2Sim Bhullar163.3 kg (360 lbs)1Oliver Miller 170 kg (375 lbs)15. Gheorghe Muresan
Gheorghe Muresan attends the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Washington Wizards on 10 November 2022 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Photo: Stephen Gosling
Source: Getty ImagesDate of birth: 14 February 1971Age: 53 years old (as of 2024)Place of birth: Triteni, Cluj County, RomaniaWeight: 302 lbs (137 kg)
Gheorghe Muresan, weighing 302 lbs (137 kg), played in the NBA during the 1990s. He is also one of the tallest NBA players. Despite being one of the lightest among heavy players, his size made him dominant in the paint. Muresan played 307 career games, primarily for the Washington Bullets (now Wizards) and briefly for the New Jersey Nets.
Read also
Top 10 youngest NBA teams of all time ranked by average age of players
14. Dexter Pittman
Dexter Pittman of the Toyama Grouses reacts during the B. League match between Chiba Jets and Toyama Grouses at the Funabashi Arena in Funabashi, Japan. Photo: Takashi Aoyama
Source: Getty ImagesDate of birth: 2 March 1988Age: 36 years old (as of 2024)Place of birth: Rosenberg, Texas, USAWeight: 306 lbs (139 kg)
Dexter Pittman, weighing 306 pounds, was a second-round pick by the Miami Heat in the 2010 NBA Draft. Although he played sparingly across his 50 NBA games, he contributed to the Heat’s 2012 NBA Championship run. Pittman also played internationally and in the G-League, showcasing his skills as a bruising centre.
13. Nikola Pekovic
Nikola Pekovic prepares to shoot a free throw against the Detroit Pistons on 30 October 2014 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photo: David Sherman
Source: Getty ImagesDate of birth: 3 January 1986Age: 38 years old (as of 2024)Place of birth: Bijelo Polje, MontenegroWeight: 307 lbs (139.2 kg)
Nikola Pekovic, a 307-pound centre, made his NBA debut with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2010. Known for his physicality, this prominent centre averaged 15.6 points and 8.7 rebounds during his best season in 2013-14. Injuries cut his career short after just 271 games, but his dominance in the post remains memorable.
Read also
30 most missed shots in NBA history: players with most misses ranked
12. Mengke Bateer
Mengke Bateer of Xinjiang Guanghui in action during the second round of the CBA 11/12 game against Shanxi Zhongyu on 23 November 2011 in Taiyuan, Shanxi Provinc e of China. Photo: VCG
Source: Getty ImagesDate of birth: 20 November 1975Age: 49 years old (as of 2024)Place of birth: Hanggin Banner, Inner Mongolia, ChinaWeight: 310 lbs (141 kg)
At 310 pounds, Mengke Bateer pioneered as the first Chinese player to win an NBA Championship. He played for the Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, and Toronto Raptors, appearing in 46 games. His historic championship with the Spurs in 2003 marked his career’s peak.
11. Yao Ming
Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets walks onto the court during the NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets on 7 April 2005. Photo: Kirby Lee
Source: Getty ImagesDate of birth: 12 September 1980Age: 44 years old (as of 2024)Place of birth: Shanghai, ChinaWeight: 310 lbs (141 kg)
Weighing 310 pounds, Yao Ming had an illustrious NBA career as an eight-time All-Star. He played 486 games for the Houston Rockets, averaging 19.0 points and 9.2 rebounds. Injuries forced his retirement in 2011, but he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016 for his global impact.
Read also
30 best small forwards of all time: top SFs in NBA history ranked
10. Tacko FallDate of birth: 10 December 1995Age: 28 years old (as of 2024)Place of birth: Dakar, SenegalCurrent team: Xinjiang Flying Tigers (CBA)Weight: 311 lbs (141.5 kg)
Tacko Fall, a 311-pound centre, has gained fame for his 7-foot-6 height and shot-blocking ability. Fall played 37 NBA games for the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers before moving to the Chinese Basketball Association, where he continues to make his mark.
9. Robert Traylor
Robert Traylor looking on during the NBA Pacific Division basketball game against the Golden State Warriors on 15th January 2001 at Network Associates Arena. Photo: Tom Hauck
Source: Getty ImagesDate of birth: 1 February 1977Age: Deceased (2011)Place of birth: Detroit, Michigan, USAWeight: 319 lbs (145 kg)
Robert “Tractor” Traylor, at 319 pounds, played 438 NBA games between 1998 and 2005. He was known for his rebounding and physicality and played for several teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers. Tragically, he passed away in 2011 due to a heart attack.
Read also
Who is the shortest WNBA player? 10 shortest players in league history
8. Kevin Duckworth
Kevin Duckworth #00 of the Washington Bullets handles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers circa 1994 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE
Source: Getty ImagesDate of birth: 1 April 1964Age: Deceased (2008)Place of birth: Harvey, Illinois, USAWeight: 319 lbs (145 kg)
Kevin Duckworth, a 319-pound centre, was a two-time All-Star during his NBA career. He played 684 games, mainly with the Portland Trail Blazers, and averaged 11.8 points and 5.8 rebounds. Duckworth passed away in 2008 but remains beloved in Portland’s history.
7. Priest LauderdaleDate of birth: 31 August 1973Age: 51 years old (as of 2024)Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois, USAWeight: 325 lbs (147 kg)
Priest Lauderdale, at 325 pounds, had a brief NBA career spanning 74 games with the Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets. Despite limited playing time, his size made him a valuable shot-blocker and presence in the paint during his tenure.
6. Thomas Hamilton
Thomas Hamilton in Tapiolan Honka jersey. Photo: @UsapangBasketbolPilipinas on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGCDate of birth: 3 May 1975Age: 49 years old (as of 2024)Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois, USAWeight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
Read also
Who has the highest vertical jump in the NBA? The top 10 highest jumpers ranked
Thomas Hamilton, weighing 330 pounds, had a short-lived NBA career, playing only 33 games. Despite his limited appearances for the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets, his size and rebounding ability earned him recognition. Hamilton’s career highlights include a memorable double-double performance during his brief stint in the league.
5. Michael SweetneyDate of birth: 25 October 1982Age: 42 years old (as of 2024)Place of birth: Washington, D.C., USAWeight: 348 lbs (158 kg)
Michael Sweetney, a 348-pound power forward, was the ninth overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. Sweetney played 233 NBA games for the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls. He scored and rebounded, averaging 6.5 points and 4.5 rebounds.
4. Eddy Curry
Eddy Curry shoots a free throw during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Arena on 19 January 2012 in Miami, Florida. Photo: Mike Ehrmann
Source: Getty ImagesDate of birth: 5 December 1982Age: 41 years old (as of 2024)Place of birth: Harvey, Illinois, USAWeight: 350 lbs (159 kg)
Read also
Who is the fastest NFL player? Top 10 football speedsters
At 350 pounds, Eddy Curry played 527 NBA games across 11 seasons. Curry’s best season came in 2006-07 with the New York Knicks, averaging 19.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. He also won an NBA Championship with the Miami Heat in 2012.
3. Shaquille O’Neal
Los Angeles Lakers Shaquille O’Neal portrait, September 20, 2000 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Bob Riha, Jr.
Source: Getty ImagesDate of birth: 6 March 1972Age: 52 years old (as of 2024)Place of birth: Newark, New Jersey, USAWeight: 359 lbs (163 kg)
Shaquille O’Neal, weighing 359 pounds, is one of the most dominant centres in National Baseball Association history. Over 1,207 games, he averaged 23.7 points and 10.9 rebounds, winning four NBA Championships and three Finals MVPs. His physicality and skill set made him a Hall of Famer and global icon.
2. Sim Bhullar
Sim Bhullar warms up against the Minnesota Timberwolves on 7 April 2015 at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California. Photo: Rocky Widner
Source: Getty ImagesDate of birth: 2 December 1992Age: 32 years old (as of 2024)Place of birth: Toronto, Ontario, CanadaWeight: 360 lbs (163.3 kg)
Read also
Who are the lowest-paid NFL players? Positions and their salaries
At 360 pounds, Sim Bhullar became the first player of Indian descent to play in the NBA. He played three games for the Sacramento Kings in 2015. Although his NBA career was brief, Bhullar has continued to play professionally overseas, promoting basketball in South Asia.
1. Oliver Miller
Oliver Miller during the game against the New Orleans Hornets on 13 January 2004 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Photo: Gregory Shamus
Source: Getty ImagesDate of birth: 6 April 1970Age: 54 years old (as of 2024)Place of birth: Fort Worth, Texas, USAWeight: 375 lbs (170 kg)
Oliver Miller, the heaviest player, weighs 375 pounds or 170 kilograms and played 493 NBA games over 11 seasons. Known for his surprising agility despite his size, Miller averaged 7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. His best season was 1994-95, when he was among the league leaders in blocks and steals for a centre.
Who is the heaviest NBA player right now?
Tacko Fall is the heaviest active NBA player, weighing 311 pounds (141.5 kg). His towering size and weight make him a formidable presence on the court.
Read also
Serena Williams vs Venus Williams: Who is the better tennis player?
Who is the heaviest NBA player of all time?
Oliver Miller is the heaviest NBA player, weighing 375 pounds (170 kg). His size helped define his career and secure his place in basketball history.
These heaviest NBA players exemplify how size and weight can become defining traits in basketball. Their presence on the court often intimidates opponents and bolsters their teams’ defences. These athletes prove that being heavy in basketball is not a hindrance but a unique strength that can contribute to success and legacy.
Henzodaily.ng recently shared an insightful post highlighting the best NBA players ever. Teams continuously source new talent through the NBA Draft, developmental leagues, and international scouting, while players draw inspiration from legendary champions.
Exceptional sportsmanship, elite performance, and dedication to community impact are essential for earning such recognition. Read on to uncover the athletes who have shattered benchmarks of excellence in basketball.
Source: Henzodaily.ng