'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Playing a game that involves scoring buckets through a ring at a height of 10 feet requires length in a player at the very least. However, time and again, the league has exhibited examples where exceptional talent has overpowered the need for a tall frame.
In this piece we take a look at those who feel the rim nearer to themselves than all the others on the court. They don't need a majestic vertical to dunk to the ball and command the boards at will. Moreover, players carrying extraordinary physical height showcase innate abilities to guard the paint with their humongous wingspan as well. Basically, exceptional length is a norm across the league and the only place where it stands out is when players are spotted off the court.
ALSO READ: NBA Playoffs 2020: 5 franchises that could spring a surprise
On that note, let's take a look at the top 5 tallest NBA players heading into the 2019-20 season.
5. Luke Kornet (2.18m/7 ft 2 in)
Luke Kornet was picked up by the New York Knicks for the Summer League in 2017 after going undrafted and soon signed a two-way contract with the franchise. He made his debut for the Knicks against the Toronto Raptors and finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds in 22 minutes and became only the second Knicks rookie to finish with a double-double on debut. He also recorded four blocks which made him the only player in NBA history to sink three three-pointers and record four blocks in the same game.
He soon signed with the Chicago Bulls as a free agent. Considering how poor the recruitment of the Bulls have been, the signing of Kornet made a lot of sense. Despite not being a regular in the starting lineup, Kornet has impressed the Chicago faithful whenever given an opportunity.
ALSO READ: NBA 2019-20: 5 teams that have benefited the most from the 4-month suspension
4. Bol Bol (2.18m/7 ft 2 in)
Bol Bol's role with the Nuggets is yet to be decided but that doesn't stop the youngster from reflecting on how far he has come from where he began.
“I think it’s crazy because I feel like I was just in high school three months ago, It [becoming an NBA player] came a lot faster than I thought [it would]." Bol said. It’s surprising [where I got drafted], but I think it ended up being a perfect situation.
Despite being one of the more hyped prospects in this year's NBA draft, Bol Bol slipped below only to be picked 44th overall.
"I just want to prove everyone wrong, and just come out and be the best player I can be," Bol said to ESPN.
In his defense, he can dribble, pass the ball and shoot three-pointers at a relatively more efficient rate than other players his size.
Hindered by injuries, he got to play just nine games at the University of Oregon, where he averaged an impressive 21 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game.
3. Kristaps Porzingis (2.21m/7 ft 3 in)
Collecetivly, KP has missed a total of 142 out of a possible 328 games from his first four NBA seasons. Before going down with an unfortunate injury, the Latvian star was averaging career-high numbers like 22.7 points and a 39.5 three-point percentage with the Knicks.
He has currently found shelter with the Dallas Mavericks where he's expected to team up with rookie sensation Luka Doncic and lead the franchise to its long lost glory once again. From receiving boos after being picked 4th overall in 2015 by the Knicks, to bagging a $158M dollar long-term deal with the Mavericks, Porzingis has come a long way.
Only 23 years old at the moment, Kristaps' ceiling is sky high and despite having an injury-plagued career so far, he's a player Marc Cuban can build a franchise around.
ALSO READ: NBA 2019-20: 5 Players eager to redeem themselves in Orlando after a disappointing season so far
2. Boban Marjanovic (2.24m/7 ft 4 in)
Carrying a 7-foot-4 and 290 pound frame, Marjanovic scored a career-best 8.2 points per game across the 22 matchups he played for the Sixers. Originally traded from the Clippers in a trade package that also included Tobias Harris, the Bobi and Tobi show was embraced warmly in Philadelphia.
With the NBA evolving to place greater emphasis on post players that can stretch the floor rather traditional centers like Boban, he has seen a noticeable decline in playing minutes. Nevertheless, According to Basketball Reference,
His player efficiency rating (26.4) since his rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs in 2015-16 is tied with Kevin Durant for the sixth-best figure in the league among players with at least five games played.
The 30-year-old Serbia native shot 62.5 percent from the field this past season and made it clear that his skillset just might overshadow his extraordinary length.
1. Tacko Fall (2.26m/7 ft 5 in)
Bestowed with a superhuman body frame, Tacko Fall’s ridiculous measurements “broke every figure in the database for height, wingspan and reach” at the college combine, according to draft analyst Jonathan Givony.
After the 23-year-old Senegal native was surprisingly not drafted by any team during this year’s draft, Fall landed on the Celtics' Summer League roster and started turning heads for all the right reasons. With the NBA holding an average height of 6-foot-7 (201cm), Fall clearly stands out as a glaring exception.
He took advantage of the opportunity and ended up averaging respectable numbers of 7.2 points on 77.3 percent shooting, 4.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocked shots in 12.6 minutes per game. According to the latest reports, the Boston Celtics have finally signed the big man to a rookie deal - which makes him the tallest active player in the NBA as of this moment.
