Welcome to our ranking of the 10 heaviest NBA players ever! Weighing in at an average of 275 pounds, these giants have all made a lasting impact on the sport, from show-stopping dunks to unrivaled defensive plays.
Join us as we take a closer look at their statistics, stories, and amazing moments that have established them as some of the biggest names in basketball. We’ll also delve into their lifestyles both on and off the court and explore how each one left an indelible mark on the game.
So if you’re ready to be amazed, read on!
The Heaviest Players in NBA History
The NBA has had its fair share of giants, but who are the biggest players to ever grace the court? From 7-foot-2 Garth Joseph to 360 pound Shaquille O’Neal, these behemoths have pushed the limits of what it means to play professional basketball.
Garth Joseph was drafted in 2000 by the Dallas Mavericks with the 35th overall pick and is still remembered as one of the heaviest players ever taken in an NBA draft. Standing at a whopping 7-foot-2 and weighing 315 pounds, he was an intimidating presence on court – though his size made it difficult for him to move around quickly. During his 64 game career, he averaged 2.6 points per game before moving overseas where he played for teams in Greece, China, Iran and France as well as representing Dominica’s national team.
Robert “Tractor” Traylor followed shortly after when he was selected 6th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1998 – weighing 319 pounds at that time. Despite high expectations due to his size and strength, Traylor never quite lived up to them during his seven season stint averaging 8.8 minutes per game with 5.4 points and 3.4 rebounds each match up. His physical troubles eventually led him into early retirement in 2005.
Kevin Duckworth also weighed 320 pounds when the San Antonio Spurs picked him up in the 1986 draft – making him one of the heaviest players ever seen on a basketball court! He managed to make something out of himself despite this obstacle, playing 32 minutes per game while averaging 14.5 points and 8.1 rebounds throughout five seasons with Portland Trail Blazers then Washington Bullets before retiring from professional basketball altogether.
These three men have certainly left their mark on history, proving that even if you’re big enough you can still ball!
Garth Joseph (315 pounds)
Garth Joseph was a giant of the NBA, standing at an intimidating 7-foot-2 and weighing 315 pounds. He was the only player from Dominica to ever reach the NBA, drafted in 2000 by the Dallas Mavericks with the 35th overall pick in the first round.
Despite his size, Joseph still moved with agility on court and had potential to excel – but his weight proved a major limitation. In 64 games, he scored an average of 2.6 points per game before moving overseas to Greece, China, Iran and France as well as playing for the Dominican National Team.
Yet even with this burden of bulk, Joseph managed to play a full season in the Chinese Basketball Association where he averaged 11.5 points per NBA game and 4.2 rebounds per game – proving that despite his size he could still be agile enough to perform at high levels!
Robert “Tractor” Traylor (319 pounds)
Robert “Tractor” Traylor was a behemoth of basketball, selected in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 6th overall pick. At 319 pounds, he was one of the heaviest players to ever enter the NBA and his size and strength were legendary. He was expected to become an unstoppable force on court – dubbed “Baby Shaq” due to his sheer power.
Unfortunately, Traylor’s NBA career never reached its full potential. In seven seasons in the NBA, he only managed 8.8 minutes per game and an average of 5.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game – like a car stuck in first gear that could never reach top speed. His physical troubles and weight gain caused teams to give up on him, leading to his early retirement in 2005 – a sad ending for such a promising start.
Kevin Duckworth (320 Pounds)
Kevin Duckworth was a giant among men, towering at 7-foot-2 and weighing 320 pounds when he was selected in the 1986 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs with the 8th overall pick. His career in the NBA league was nothing short of remarkable; during his fifth year with the Blazers, Duckworth played an average of 32.6 minutes per game and scored 18.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game – earning him the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 1991!
Unfortunately, his excessive weight became a problem later on in his career, which eventually led to his retirement from basketball in 1998 after 12 seasons playing for teams such as Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Bullets, and Los Angeles Lakers. Despite this setback, Kevin Duckworth left behind an impressive legacy: 11.8 points per game, 5.8 rebounds per game, 0.9 assists per game, 0.5 blocks per game, and 0.5 steals per game over 12 seasons!
Priest Lauderdale (325 Pounds)
Priest Lauderdale was a towering figure when he was drafted by the Miami Heat in 1998. At 7-foot-2 and 325 pounds, expectations were high for this behemoth of a man on the court. Unfortunately, his weight proved to be too much of an obstacle for him to overcome in the NBA – playing only 35 games with the Hawks and averaging just 6.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game before being traded to Denver and waived shortly after.
But Priest Lauderdale’s story doesn’t end there! He found success overseas with Bulgaria’s National Basketball Team from 2002 to 2005, helping them qualify for EuroBasket 2005. He even made one last attempt at returning to the NBA in 2005 with Cleveland, but ultimately failed to make it onto their roster.
Priest Lauderdale’s weight issues may have prevented him from making a lasting impact in the NBA, but his brief stints both here and abroad still make him one of basketball’s heaviest players ever!
Thomas Hamilton (330 Pounds)
Thomas Hamilton was a giant among men, selected by the Boston Celtics with the 36th overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft. Standing at an impressive 7-foot-2 and weighing 330 pounds, Hamilton was one of the heaviest players to ever grace the court.
The Celtics had high hopes for him, believing he could bring a physical presence to their team – but his size proved to be more of a hindrance than a help. In two seasons with them, he averaged 2.6 points and 2 rebounds per game before being traded away in 1997 after 33 games played.
Afterward, Thomas found success overseas playing for Bulgaria’s National Basketball Team from 2002 to 2004 – until an Achilles tendon injury forced him into retirement. Despite his struggles in the NBA, Hamilton remains one of its most memorable figures as its heaviest player ever; his legacy still feels today throughout professional basketball circles around the world.
Michael Sweetney (348 Pounds)
Michael Sweetney was a towering figure in the 2003 NBA Draft, standing at 6-foot-8 and 348 pounds. The New York Knicks selected him with the 9th overall pick, expecting Sweetney to be an unstoppable force in the paint and help them compete for a championship.
But his weight proved to be his downfall – like an anchor dragging him down, it made him slow and out of position on the court. During his four seasons with the Knicks, he averaged 7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game before being traded to the Chicago Bulls in 2007 where he was waived after playing 233 games.
Despite all this, Michael Sweetney remains one of the heaviest players ever to play professional basketball – remembered for both his size and ability to dominate in the paint despite being weighed down by excessive weight. His legacy continues today as one of seven heaviest players ever seen in NBA history – how did that happen?
Sim Bhullar (350 Pounds)
Sim Bhullar made history like a giant, becoming the first player of Indian descent to ever play in the NBA. Signed by the Sacramento Kings for the NBA Summer League in 2015, Bhullar was an enormous 7-foot-5, 350-pound center with high hopes. Unfortunately, his size and strength proved to be a disadvantage as he struggled to keep up with the fast pace of the game – leading to his release from the Kings.
In 2016, Bhullar signed with Reno Bighorns of the G-League and found some success there. During his time with them, he averaged 10.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game – shooting 72% from field goal! Despite this success however, Sim couldn’t replicate it in the NBA and wasn’t able to get signed again by any team.
Sim Bhullar’s brief career in the NBA is one of its strangest stories: despite being unable to make an impact due to weight issues, he still made history as the first player of Indian descent ever playing in the league – but could he have done more?
Eddy Curry (350 Pounds)
Eddy Curry was a household name in the NBA. Drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the 4th overall pick, he was expected to be a star center – 7 feet tall and 295 pounds of pure potential. But as his career progressed, Curry’s weight ballooned up to 350 lbs, making it difficult for him to move around on defense and reducing his playing time.
Despite these physical challenges, Curry still managed to find success in the league. In his fourth season with the Bulls, he averaged 16 points per game while shooting an impressive 51% from the field – even leading the league in field goal percentage during 2002-03! After being traded to the New York Knicks, Curry had arguably his best season ever: 19.5 points and 7 rebounds per game on 58% shooting!
Unfortunately though, Eddy’s career came crashing down due to obesity issues and injuries that made it impossible for him to keep up with other players on court. The Bulls refused him a new contract because of this; after signing with the Miami Heat he lost some weight but never regained his former glory. Eventually poor defense combined with an overweight body and injuries forced Curry into retirement in 2013.
Shaquille O’Neal (360 Pounds)
Shaquille O’Neal is a basketball giant, standing at 7 feet tall and weighing 360 pounds. Drafted in 1992 by the Orlando Magic with the first overall pick, Shaq was an intimidating force on the court. His size and speed made it difficult for defenders to guard him, allowing him to post impressive numbers throughout his career – averaging 23.7 points and 10.9 rebounds per game while leading his teams to four NBA Championships and being selected as MVP once in the 1999-2000 season.
His weight also served as a driving factor for O’Neal; during his time with the Lakers, he realized its importance and dropped down to 341 pounds, which allowed him to become even more dominant on the court – helping him win three consecutive titles with the LA Lakers. Unfortunately, after being traded to the Miami Heat, Shaq’s Achilles tendon injury cut short his career before he could reach that same level of success again. After playing for the Suns, Cavaliers and Celtics, he retired in 2011 but was still inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame five years later in 2016 – cementing himself as one of history’s most recognizable names in basketball forevermore!
Who is the Heaviest NBA Player Ever?
Oliver Miller
Oliver Miller was a giant of the court, standing at an impressive 6’9″ and weighing in at 375 pounds. He began his NBA career in 1992 when he was drafted by the Phoenix Suns. During his 8-year stint, Miller made 493 appearances and averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game – despite being one of the heaviest players in the league. His size didn’t stop him from making two All-Star teams either!
Big O also played for five other leagues including the National Basketball League, Continental Basketball Association, American Basketball Association and International Basketball League – where he earned a reputation for powerful post play that could make an impact on any court.
Miller’s 18 year career saw him become one of the most memorable figures to ever grace basketball courts across America; alongside Shaquille O’Neal and Paul Pierce as some of the all-time greats in NBA history!
The Heaviest NBA Players Entering the 2021-22 Season
The 2021-22 season is set to be an electrifying one in the NBA, with some of its most renowned stars ready to make a splash. Think Nikola Jokic, Zion Williamson, Jusuf Nurkic and Boban Marjanovic – all giants of the game weighing in at over 300 pounds. But who are the top 10 heaviest players entering this season?
We’ve got ‘The Joker’ Jokic as heavy as a mountain; Zion Williamson like a freight train; Nurkic like an immovable object; and Marjanovic like a brick wall. These four titans have their own unique weights, accomplishments and career trajectories that will surely shape this upcoming season. It’s sure to be an epic journey for these ten hulking heroes!
Nikola Jokic (284 pounds)
Standing at 6 feet 11 inches and a weight of 284 pounds, Nikola Jokic is like a giant among men in the NBA. Drafted 41st overall by the Denver Nuggets in 2014, he has since blossomed into one of the league’s most talented players. In 2020-21, his career highs of 26.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game cemented his status as an elite player. His hefty frame gives him an edge on the court – like a brick wall around the rim that opponents can’t penetrate.
Zion Williamson (284 pounds)
Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 284 pounds, Zion Williamson is a giant among men. After being drafted first overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2019 NBA Draft, he quickly rose to stardom as one of the NBA’s most exciting players.
In his sophomore 2020-21 campaign, he was an unstoppable force – averaging 27 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game – all while being one of the league’s heaviest players. His impressive weight and size gives him an edge on the court; like a bulldozer plowing through opponents in the paint with sheer strength and power. How can anyone compete?
Jusuf Nurkic (290 pounds)
Jusuf Nurkic is a giant among men. Standing at 7 feet and weighing 290 pounds, the Bosnian center is an immovable force on the court. He’s been with the Portland Trail Blazers since 2019 and in the 2020-21 season he averaged 11.5 points, 9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game – impressive stats for any player!
His size gives him an edge when it comes to rebounding and protecting the rim; no one can outmuscle him in the paint either! Opposing teams struggle to guard Nurkic due to his sheer mass – how do you stop a mountain?
Boban Marjanovic (290 pounds)
Boban Marjanovic is a giant of the court, standing at an impressive 7 feet 3 inches and weighing in at 290 pounds. He’s been around the block, playing for the Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers and now Los Angeles Clippers. Throughout his career, he has averaged 5.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game – with similar numbers in this 2020-21 season too!
Marjanovic is a master near the basket; layups and dunks are his speciality as opponents struggle to box him out or contest his shots due to his size – it’s like trying to move a mountain! His height also gives him an edge when it comes to rebounding; can anyone really outmuscle Marjanovic?
He is one of the seven heaviest players in the NBA entering the 2021-22 season, sure to be a keystone of success for the LA Clippers this year – like having an extra engine on their team bus!
Summary
The NBA has a rich history of large players who have been successful at the highest levels of professional basketball. While some players faced challenges due to their size, such as limited mobility and increased injury risk, others were able to use their weight as an advantage.
From Garth Joseph, the heaviest ever drafted at 7’2″ 315 pounds, to Shaquille O’Neal, a feared post player for over 18 seasons despite his 360 pound frame, to Kerrir Mohammed, a 760 pound behemoth from Libya who briefly joined the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2004, the NBA has seen its fair share of heavyweight players.
Looking ahead to the 2021-22 season, five outstandingly large players have been identified. Nikola Jokic (284 pounds), Zion Williamson (284 pounds), Jusuf Nurkic (290 pounds) and Boban Marjanovic (290 pounds) are all notable powerhouses in the league, along with the aforementioned Oliver Miller (375 pounds). As one of the most physically demanding sports in existence, the skill and determination of these big men can never be underestimated; they have set the bar high to give hope to future generations of over-sized athletes trying to make their mark in the NBA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zion Williamson the heaviest in the NBA?
Despite his incredible strength and agility, Zion Williamson is not the heaviest player in the NBA. He is fourth on the list of the League’s heaviest players, with Boban Marjanovic the heaviest at 290 pounds.
Zion Williamson is the fourth heaviest player in the NBA, weighing 285 pounds and behind only the 290-pound Boban Marjanovic. He is an incredibly physical force for his size, but undeniably ranks as one of the NBA’s heaviest players.
Who is the heaviest player in the NBA currently?
Bojan Marjanovic is currently the heaviest player in the NBA, weighing in at an astonishing 290 pounds. The seven-foot-four center towers over even the biggest of players and is well-known for his beloved presence on the court.
He has been playing in the NBA since 2015 and has been a part of the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Los Angeles Clippers. Marjanovic is a fan favorite and has been for years.
Who is the shortest player in the NBA?
The title of the shortest player in NBA history goes to Tyrone Curtis “Muggsy” Bogues, who stood at 5 feet 3 inches (1.60 meters) tall. Despite his height, Bogues had a successful career in the NBA, playing for several teams including the Charlotte Hornets and the Golden State Warriors. His agility and skill on the court proved that height isn’t everything in basketball.
