Being seven feet tall is pretty rare. By most estimates, there are only about 2,800 people currently on Earth who can claim that. But making it to the NBA is even MORE rare – with just 572 players listed on the official NBA.com Stats & Information page (for the ’23-’24 season). Obviously playing basketball is about more than just being tall; you need to have the endurance, strength, and skills to make it in the league. But there’s no doubt that being exceptionally tall does help.
So we got to thinking about how likely it was for someone who is 7ft tall to actually make it in the NBA. First we pulled the list of 7 footers and ended up with 33 total players from last season:
| # | PLAYER | TEAM | AGE | HEIGHT | WEIGHT |
| 1 | Boban Marjanovic | HOU | 35 | 7 ft 4 in | 290 |
| 2 | Victor Wembanyama | SAS | 20 | 7 ft 4 in | 210 |
| 3 | Bol Bol | PHX | 24 | 7 ft 3 in | 220 |
| 4 | Kristaps Porzingis | BOS | 28 | 7 ft 2 in | 240 |
| 5 | Moses Brown | POR | 24 | 7 ft 2 in | 258 |
| 6 | Brook Lopez | MIL | 36 | 7 ft 1 in | 282 |
| 7 | Chet Holmgren | OKC | 22 | 7 ft 1 in | 208 |
| 8 | Dereck Lively II | DAL | 20 | 7 ft 1 in | 230 |
| 9 | Dmytro Skapintsev | NYK | 26 | 7 ft 1 in | 215 |
| 10 | Jay Huff | DEN | 26 | 7 ft 1 in | 240 |
| 11 | Luke Kornet | BOS | 28 | 7 ft 1 in | 250 |
| 12 | Robin Lopez | MIL | 36 | 7 ft 1 in | 281 |
| 13 | Rudy Gobert | MIN | 32 | 7 ft 1 in | 258 |
| 14 | Aleksej Pokusevski | CHA | 22 | 7 ft 0 in | 210 |
| 15 | Alex Len | SAC | 31 | 7 ft 0 in | 250 |
| 16 | Deandre Ayton | POR | 25 | 7 ft 0 in | 247 |
| 17 | Ibou Badji | POR | 21 | 7 ft 0 in | 240 |
| 18 | Isaiah Hartenstein | NYK | 26 | 7 ft 0 in | 250 |
| 19 | Ivica Zubac | LAC | 27 | 7 ft 0 in | 240 |
| 20 | JaVale McGee | SAC | 36 | 7 ft 0 in | 270 |
| 21 | Jakob Poeltl | TOR | 28 | 7 ft 0 in | 260 |
| 22 | Jaxson Hayes | LAL | 24 | 7 ft 0 in | 220 |
| 23 | Joel Embiid | PHI | 30 | 7 ft 0 in | 280 |
| 24 | Jusuf Nurkic | PHX | 29 | 7 ft 0 in | 290 |
| 25 | Karl-Anthony Towns | MIN | 28 | 7 ft 0 in | 248 |
| 26 | Lauri Markkanen | UTA | 27 | 7 ft 0 in | 240 |
| 27 | Mark Williams | CHA | 22 | 7 ft 0 in | 240 |
| 28 | Mitchell Robinson | NYK | 26 | 7 ft 0 in | 240 |
| 29 | Mo Bamba | PHI | 26 | 7 ft 0 in | 231 |
| 30 | Neemias Queta | BOS | 24 | 7 ft 0 in | 248 |
| 31 | Nick Richards | CHA | 26 | 7 ft 0 in | 245 |
| 32 | Santi Aldama | MEM | 23 | 7 ft 0 in | 215 |
| 33 | Walker Kessler | UTA | 22 | 7 ft 0 in | 245 |
As mentioned, with 2,800 people worldwide who stand seven feet tall and roughly 33 of them finding their way to the NBA that means an astounding 1.18% of the world’s seven-footers play in the NBA.
Image Credit: Chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tallest Among Us: The NBA’s 7-Footers
The NBA has long been a haven for athletes who stand head and shoulders above the rest. Among them are the seven-footers, an exclusive group of players whose height is a defining characteristic. But how many of the world’s seven-footers actually play in the NBA?
Rare Breed
Seven-footers are a statistical rarity, making up a minuscule portion of the global population. Recent estimates suggest only about 2,800 seven-footers exist worldwide. Of those, a mere 33 grace the hardwood floors of the NBA. This translates to just 1.18% of the world’s seven-footers playing in the NBA.
The NBA’s Height Advantage
This small percentage highlights the NBA’s unique position in attracting and showcasing extraordinary athletes. The league’s emphasis on height, combined with its global reach and lucrative contracts, makes it a natural destination for aspiring seven-footers.
By the Numbers
| Category | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Total number of seven-footers in the world | 2,800 |
| Number of seven-footers in the NBA | 33 |
| Percentage of seven-footers in the NBA | 1.18% |
Beyond the Numbers
While the percentage of seven-footers in the NBA may seem small, their impact on the game is undeniable. These giants often possess a unique skill set that makes them valuable assets to their teams. Their height alone can alter the dynamics of a game, influencing everything from shot selection to rebounding.
The Future of Seven-Footers
As the game of basketball continues to evolve, the role of seven-footers may also shift. With an increasing emphasis on skill and versatility, players of all heights are finding ways to contribute. However, the allure of a seven-footer’s towering presence is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
In Conclusion
The NBA’s seven-footers are a rare breed, representing a tiny fraction of the world’s tallest individuals. Their presence in the league is a testament to the NBA’s unique draw and the enduring appeal of extraordinary athletes.
Key Takeaways
- 1.18% of the world’s seven-footers are in the NBA
- Around 33 of 2800 seven-footers play professional basketball
- Seven-footers have a notable impact on basketball culture
Prevalence of Seven-Footers in the NBA
Seven-footers are rare in the general population, making their presence in the NBA even more notable. This section breaks down the percentage and examines how it compares to the general population.
Understanding the Statistic 1.18%
In the NBA, 1.18% of the world’s seven-footers play in the league. This number comes from the fact that out of 2,800 seven-foot people globally, around 33 are in the NBA. Considering the small number of people who reach this height, having 33 seven-footers in a single league is significant. It highlights how the NBA attracts some of the tallest athletes in the world.
This statistic shows how elite the NBA is, as only the best and tallest players make it. The combination of height and skill is rare. Therefore, it’s not surprising that such a small percentage of the world’s seven-footers end up in the NBA.
Comparison to General Population
Outside of basketball, seven-footers are extremely rare. Factors like genetics and nutrition play a role in reaching this height. For the general population, the likelihood of being seven feet tall is incredibly low. Most people won’t encounter someone of this height in their life.
In contrast, within the NBA, there is a much higher concentration of these tall individuals. The league’s focus on height and athletic ability means that they actively seek out tall players. This difference shows the NBA’s unique demographics compared to the rest of the world. For fans and followers, seeing seven-footers on the court emphasizes the extraordinary nature of professional basketball athletes.
Impact on Basketball and Sports Culture
The presence of 7-footers in the NBA influences the game significantly. This includes their physical advantages and the way media and fans perceive them. Below is a detailed breakdown of these impacts.
Athletic Advantages of Taller Players
Taller players bring several benefits to basketball. They have an edge in blocking shots and grabbing rebounds. This physical presence can change how teams defend and attack. They control the area near the basket, often stopping opponents from scoring easily.
Additionally, taller players make it easier to shoot over defenders. This height advantage is crucial in close games where every point matters. Teams often design plays around these players, highlighting their importance in a team’s strategy.
Media and Public Perception
The media often highlights 7-footers, drawing attention to their unique skills. Fans are fascinated by their size and ability to perform agile moves despite their height. These players often become key figures in the basketball narrative, inspiring future athletes.
Public perception also focuses on their contribution to the team’s success. These athletes often garner more endorsements and media coverage. This visibility helps in promoting the sport and attracting new fans. As a result, the presence of 7-footers in the NBA extends beyond the game, influencing how the sport is viewed globally.
