The world of professional basketball is home to some of the most elite athletes, all possessing amazing skills and incredible physical ability. But what about the players who are a bit more… robust in stature? The ones that tower above their opponents, weighing in at an impressive amount? These are the giants of the basketball court, and today we’re going to explore the five heaviest players in NBA history.
From Shaquille O’Neal to Eddy Curry, these behemoths of the hardwood have demanded attention for decades. Their size, combined with their skill sets, have made them some of the most recognizable figures in basketball. In this article, we will take a closer look at these titans and find out which one stands head-and-shoulders above the rest.
These men embody strength and resilience; they are a testament to what it takes to make it in professional sports. Get ready to discover which player takes home the title of “Heaviest Player in NBA History” – you won’t believe your eyes when you see who it is!
Yao Ming – The Heaviest Player In Nba History
Yao Ming is known as the heaviest player in NBA history. He stands 7’6 tall and weighs a staggering 310 pounds. The former center played nine seasons for the Houston Rockets and was selected to eight All-Star teams during his career. Ming was also an important part of the Chinese national team, leading them to their first ever Olympic medal in 2008. Despite his size, Yao Ming had an incredibly agile and graceful playing style on the court, utilizing his height and strength advantage to dominate opponents on both offense and defense.
Off the court, Yao was just as impressive, becoming a symbol of hope and pride for millions of Chinese people around the world. He used his fame to help promote basketball in China and has been credited with helping to increase interest in the sport there. In addition, he has become a prominent figure in politics and business throughout Asia. His accomplishments have made him one of the most beloved athletes of all time.
Yao Ming’s legacy will live on for generations to come as one of the heaviest players in NBA history. His impact on basketball worldwide is undeniable, not only because of his immense physical presence but also because of what he achieved off the court as well. He truly embodied everything that makes basketball great: excellence, dedication, passion, and respect for those around him. With these traits ingrained deep within him, it’s clear why Yao Ming is so highly regarded by fans around the globe even today.
As impressive as Yao Ming’s career was however, he wasn’t quite able to hold onto his title as heaviest player in NBA history – that honor belongs to Shaquille O’Neal who weighed 325 pounds at his peak playing weight during his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Shaquille O’Neal – The Second Heaviest Player In Nba History
Shaquille O’Neal, the second heaviest player in NBA history, weighed an impressive 325 pounds. He was the most dominant big man in the league during his 19-year career. His combination of size and athleticism made him a force on both offense and defense. He was able to make an impact in every game he played, even when his teams weren’t doing well.
Shaq’s trademark move was his power dunk. He would often overpower defenders with a simple step or two before slamming the ball through the hoop. O’Neal also had a tremendous amount of finesse for such a large player. He could shoot mid-range jumpers and use spin moves to get around defenders easier than anyone else his size. His presence on the court was undeniable whether he scored or not.
Off the court, Shaq is known for being one of the most charismatic players in NBA history. He had an infectious personality that endeared him to fans all over the world. Even after retirement from basketball, O’Neal remains a popular public figure and continues to be involved with various charitable organizations that promote physical activity among young people.
Shaquille O’Neal’s career accomplishments are vast and will never be forgotten by NBA fans everywhere; he is undoubtedly one of the best big men ever to play professional basketball. As we move on to discuss Oliver Miller – the third heaviest player in NBA history – it’s clear that Shaq’s legacy will live on as one of greatest players of all time.
Oliver Miller – The Third Heaviest Player In Nba History
It’s like a game of musical chairs, except the music is the sound of basketballs bouncing off the hardwood and the “chairs” are the players. One by one, each player takes their seat only to be replaced by another. When it comes to Oliver Miller, he’s like a giant bear taking up two chairs – that’s how big he was when playing in the NBA.
Miller was one of the most imposing figures in league history. Listed at 6’9” and 288 pounds, Miller was among the heaviest players ever to take to an NBA court. His size enabled him to dominate on both ends of the floor – his powerful frame allowed him to battle for rebounds while his agile feet and hands allowed him to be a solid defender and scorer.
When Miller first entered the league, he quickly made a name for himself as one of its top power forwards. He played 11 seasons with five different teams, averaging 10 points and 5 rebounds per game throughout his career. Although he had some off-court issues that limited his success later on in his career, he still managed to play a significant role on teams such as Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors.
Miller’s presence has become something of a legend in NBA circles – from his size alone it was clear that there would never be another player quite like him. Although Oliver Miller may not have been able to make it all the way through musical chairs due to his immense size, he will always be remembered as one of the heaviest players in NBA history. As we move onto look at Eddy Curry – standing tall at 7’0” – we can’t help but see shades of Miller’s indomitable spirit within him.
Eddy Curry – The Fourth Heaviest Player In Nba History
Eddy Curry was a, towering force on the court – standing at an incredible 7 feet tall and weighing in at 310 pounds, he is the fourth heaviest player in NBA history! He was an intimidating presence that made it impossible for opposing players to get near the basket. Here are 3 reasons why Eddy Curry was such a unique player:
- His size gave him an advantage in the paint – he could overpower defenders with his sheer strength and bulk.
- He had an incredibly soft touch around the rim, making him a great finisher.
- He developed into a reliable shooter from mid-range, something that most big men of his size struggle with.
Eddy Curry’s unique combination of size and skill meant that he was one of the most feared players on the court. His dominance in the post helped him become one of the best players in his era, and even though he is no longer playing, his legacy lives on as one of the greatest big men ever to play in the NBA. Transitioning effortlessly into our next section – Chuck Nevitt – we can see that Eddy Curry has some competition when it comes to being one of the heaviest players in NBA history!
Chuck Nevitt – The Fifth Heaviest Player In Nba History
Little did we know that the heaviest players in the NBA’s history would be a list of giants. Chuck Nevitt, the fifth heaviest player in NBA history, is no exception. Standing a whopping seven feet five inches tall, he was an intimidating presence on the court.
It’s ironic that despite his size, Nevitt failed to make a lasting impression in the NBA. He played for six teams over ten seasons and only averaged 1.9 points and 2 rebounds per game. Despite his lack of success as a player, he remains one of the most memorable characters in NBA lore.
From coaching Shaq to being recognized as one of Michael Jordan’s opponents in “Space Jam”, Chuck Nevitt has left an indelible mark on basketball culture. He may not have been an all-star or hall-of-famer, but his place in NBA history is secure. Taking into account both his size and influence on basketball culture, Chuck Nevitt stands out among the heaviest players in NBA history – and beyond! Next up: Robert Traylor – another giant who challenged the limits of what was possible on a basketball court.
Robert Traylor – The Sixth Heaviest Player In Nba History
Despite the stereotype of NBA players being tall and lanky, there have been several heavy hitters that have played in the league throughout the years. One of these was Robert Traylor, who ranks sixth among the heaviest players in NBA history. But don’t be fooled into thinking that Traylor’s weight hindered him from playing at a high level; he was an effective player during his time in the league.
Traylor’s college career had some ups and downs before he eventually declared for the 1998 draft. He went on to have six seasons in the NBA with four different teams, averaging 7 points and 5 rebounds per game while shooting 46% from the field. Although not an All-Star caliber player by any means, Traylor was able to be a valuable contributor to his team. His best season came during the 2002-2003 campaign when he averaged 8 points and 6 rebounds per game for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Despite his weight, Traylor was a skilled passer, often finding teammates cutting to the basket or spotting up for open shots. He also had great athleticism for someone of his size and could finish around larger defenders with ease. While it may not have been enough to put him on an All-Star list, it helped make him a serviceable role player for multiple teams during his career in the NBA. As such, Robert Traylor stands as one of the heavier players in NBA history capable of making a meaningful impact on court. Transitioning now to Jerome James – another notable member of this group – we’ll see how he managed to contribute despite standing at seven feet tall and weighing close to 300 pounds.
Jerome James – The Seventh Heaviest Player In Nba History
Jerome James was the seventh heaviest player in NBA history, at a hefty seven feet tall and 303 pounds. This statistic alone makes his size and presence on the court intimidating to opponents. But James was more than just big; he also had skillful shooting ability and a knack for scoring points.
James was drafted by the Seattle Supersonics in 2005 out of University of Washington, where he had averaged 13.7 points per game with 8.5 rebounds and 1.9 blocks during his senior season. In addition, he was named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year in both 2004 and 2005, displaying his versatile talents on the court.
During his five-year stint with the Supersonics, James made an impact on both ends of the court, averaging 8 points per game while making several highlight reel plays throughout his career. His size made him a great rebounder and shot blocker while also allowing him to shoot over defenders with ease. Despite not playing since 2010 after suffering from several injuries, Jerome James will always be remembered as one of the biggest players to ever grace an NBA court – literally! Transitioning into our next player, Zydrunas Ilgauskas is considered to be the eighth heaviest player in NBA history…
Zydrunas Ilgauskas – The Eighth Heaviest Player In Nba History
Like a towering mountain, Zydrunas Ilgauskas stands tall in the NBA history books. A Lithuanian basketball player, he was the eighth heaviest player to ever grace the court. His body was an imposing force, both intimidating and awe-inspiring.
At 7 feet 3 inches and 262 pounds, Ilgauskas was one of the most imposing centres of his time. He had an impressive 12 year career with Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, averaging 13 points and 7 rebounds per game. His size allowed him to dominate opponents on both sides of the ball – no one could stop him in the paint!
Ilgauskas’ impressive playing career earned him a place among some of the greatest players in NBA history. He is remembered as one of the strongest players to have donned a jersey and will forever be remembered for his skill, power, and grace on court. As we move onto Dexter Pittman – the ninth heaviest player in NBA history – we can only hope that he lives up to Ilgauskas’ legacy.
Dexter Pittman – The Ninth Heaviest Player In Nba History
Ninth on the list of heaviest players in NBA history is Dexter Pittman. Standing at 6’11” and weighing an estimated 360 pounds, he was a force to be reckoned with. He played for three different teams, the Miami Heat, Memphis Grizzlies, and Austin Spurs throughout his career. Pittman was known for his physical style of play – his size and strength enabled him to control the boards and make an impact defensively.
For all his strength however, Pittman struggled with staying in shape throughout his career. He frequently had weight issues which affected not only his ability to stay on the court but also limited how long he could remain as a starter on any given team. Despite this, he still managed to have some successful seasons with the Heat where he averaged 3.6 points per game and 2.7 rebounds per game during the 2012-13 season.
Pittman retired after suffering a knee injury during the 2015-16 season and has since moved on to coaching basketball at high school level in Texas. His size coupled with his passion for basketball made him an unforgettable player on the court who will always be remembered as one of the biggest players ever seen in NBA history. As we move onto Kurt Rambis – the tenth heaviest player – we can see that there’s still more powerhouses yet to come!
Kurt Rambis – The Tenth Heaviest Player In Nba History
Kurt Rambis is a name that resonates with most NBA fans as one of the tenth heaviest players in the history of the league. A product of Santa Clara University, Rambis was an exceptional power forward who could do it all on the court. His strength, size and ability to play both inside and outside made him a valuable asset for many teams. He was an integral part of four championship teams in the 1980s and 1990s with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Rambis’ physical presence on the court was intimidating for opponents, but his basketball intelligence and awareness helped him become a leader for his team. He always seemed to be in the right place at the right time – whether it was boxing out for rebounds or setting up teammates for open shots. He understood how to use his size advantage to maximum effect and had a knack for finding open space around defenders.
Kurt Rambis was one of those rare players who could have an impact on any game, regardless of whether he scored or not. His ability to impact games in so many ways makes him one of the greatest power forwards ever seen in NBA history, as well as one of its heaviest players ever. With that said, we now turn our attention to Jerome Williams – another heavy player in NBA history who made a significant contribution to this great sport.
Jerome Williams – The Eleventh Heaviest Player In Nba History
Standing at a towering height of 6’9″, Jerome Williams was a massive presence in the NBA. His bulky frame was intimidating, weighing in at an impressive 290 pounds. With his large size he dominated the court, easily pushing aside smaller players and utilizing his weight to protect the basket.
Williams made an impact on the court with his size and physicality. He used his body to create space for himself and outmuscle opponents for rebounds and steals. This made him an effective defender and a valuable asset to the teams he played for.
His size wasn’t just limited to basketball; Williams was also one of the heaviest players in NBA history! While not quite as heavy as Manute Bol -the twelfth heaviest player in NBA history- Williams still held his own amongst some of the largest players ever seen in the league.
Manute Bol – The Twelfth Heaviest Player In Nba History
Standing at seven feet and six inches tall, Manute Bol was the twelfth heaviest player in NBA history, weighing in at a staggering 225 pounds. Despite his large size, he was able to move with great agility on the court due to his long limbs. This unique combination of strength and agility made him one of the most effective shot blockers in NBA history, averaged 3.3 blocks per game over the course of his 10-year career.
Throughout his career, Bol played for five different teams, including two stints with the Golden State Warriors. He even managed to make an All-Star team, making him one of only seven players to make an All-Star team despite not being drafted into the league. In addition, Bol also holds the record for most career blocked shots by a non-drafted player with 2,086 blocks over his 10 years in the NBA.
Bol’s unique combination of size and skill made him one of the most memorable players in NBA history and his legacy lives on through programs like Basketball Without Borders which use basketball as a vehicle for social change. His impact goes beyond just basketball and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest centers ever to play in the association.
Dwayne Schintzius – The Thirteenth Heaviest Player In Nba History
Irony of all ironies, the thirteenth heaviest player in NBA history is one who was more famous for being tall rather than heavy. Introducing Dwayne Schintzius, whose 6’11” frame weighed in at a hefty 290 lbs. Here’s a look at some of the other impressive stats associated with Schintzius:
- He played for seven teams during his 10-year career;
- He led the league in blocks per game one year; and
- During his time with the Orlando Magic he averaged 11 points and 6 rebounds per game.
Schintzius’ weight was often mocked, especially by legendary announcer Marv Albert who once said “Dwayne Schintzius looks like he had two Big Macs before tonight’s game.” Despite this, Schintzius held his own against some of the biggest names in the league including Patrick Ewing and David Robinson. His weight even helped him land a role as an extra on TV shows such as Married With Children and The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air.
Schintzius was certainly an impressive force on the court, but up next is Stanley Roberts – who comes in at number 14 on our list of heaviest players in NBA history.
Stanley Roberts – The Fourteenth Heaviest Player In Nba History
At number fourteen on the list of heaviest players in NBA history is Stanley Roberts; a man whose size and strength was renowned throughout the basketball world. Standing at an impressive 7 feet tall, Roberts weighed in at a whopping 320 pounds- a force to be reckoned with. His sheer presence alone was enough to make opponents take notice.
Known for his dominance in the paint, Roberts had an impressive career that spanned over nine seasons, including stops with the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Clippers. His outstanding defensive play earned him All-Star honors during his time with the Magic, while his intense rebounding abilities made him one of the most feared big men in the league.
As one of only fourteen players to ever have been inducted into the ‘Heaviest Players in NBA History’ club, Stanley Roberts will forever be remembered as one of the game’s most intimidating forces. Even today, he stands tall amongst his peers as an example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NBA has seen its fair share of big men, and the 15 players mentioned in this article are just a few examples. Yao Ming is undisputedly the heaviest players in NBA history, followed by Shaquille O’Neal and Oliver Miller. Eddy Curry, Chuck Nevitt, Jerome Williams, Manute Bol, Dwayne Schintzius and Stanley Roberts round out the top five heaviest players. While physical size may not necessarily be an advantage on the court, these giants have made their mark in NBA history and deserve to be remembered for their hard work and dedication. As the old adage goes “the bigger they are, the harder they fall” — these men have certainly proved that to be true time and time again. Whether or not we will see another player as large as Yao Ming or Shaq remains to be seen; either way it won’t diminish their legacy as some of the greatest big men to ever play in the NBA.
