Top 10 Players with the Longest Wingspan in NBA History

Wingspan is a crucial aspect of a basketball player's effectiveness, extending their arms from fingertips to fingertips, where small benefits amount to a big difference, having the longest wingspan in the NBA can be a real game changer. It provides the ability to block shots, challenge passes, and go for rebounds more easily. On defense, it assists in shutting down passing lanes or contesting shots without fouling, while on offense, it helps with finishing at the rim and guarding the ball.

Players with the longest wingspan in NBA are not only known because of their height, but also because of how much ground they can cover with their arms. Even guards can benefit: extended arms help with steals, deflections, rebounds and controlling the ball in tight space. Scouts and teams tend to regard a wingspan as a key measurement during the draft process because it provides insight into a player's potential on both sides of the court. It's a subtle physical trait that can make a huge impact helping good players stand out and great players excel.

10 Players with the Longest Wingspan in NBA

In the new age of basketball, wingspans become the decider for the skill bag of a center or a forward in the NBA. Here are some of the largest wingspan in NBA who have been a matter of intrigue in the league.

Nowadays we are witnessing more and more incredible athletes with defensive skills but only a few of them have managed to be in the conversation for the longest wingspan in NBA. According to the NBA data, let’s have a quick look at the top 10 biggest wingspan in NBA history.

#10: Bol Bol (7’7″)

Bol Bol is the son of former basketball player Manute Bol, who was one of the tallest NBA players of all time. Bol stands 7’3″ tall, ranking amongst one of the tallest players in the league and with one of the biggest wingspans in the NBA. The Denver Nuggets drafted him as a second-round pick in 2019, and he hasn’t yet found his footing in the league.

He has one of the longest wingspans of 7’7″ and has been part of the Phoenix Suns’ roster since 2023. Bol Bol still finds some minutes in the league under the Phoenix Suns and receives mentorship from legendary veterans such as Kevin Durant. Bol, on the path to having the longest wingspan in NBA, has recorded averages of 3.6 rebounds, 0.3 assists and 0.8 blocks.

#9: Hassan Whiteside (7'7")

Hassan Whiteside is an incredible man who made his name in the NBA with his impressive size and defensive presence. A key physical attribute that defined his game was his impressive 7-foot-7 wingspan. That massive wingspan was a game-changer for Whiteside. It enabled him to become a top-notch blocker who hindered enemy efforts with an incredible reach. He was able to guard shots that other players simply couldn't get to, making the paint a very tough spot for opposing offenses. His wingspan also positioned him as a dominant rebounder, as he was able to grab boards over other players.

Throughout his career, Whiteside showcased his abilities, particularly as a defensive force. He led the league in blocks multiple times and earned an NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection.

#8: Udoka Azubuike (7'7.25")

Doka Azubuike is a physically imposing center, and an important aspect of his game is his important wing span, about 7’7.25. This impressive range plays a key role in the benefits of the game. Defensively, it allows him to fight effectively and block enemy target attempts.He is also a strong rebounder to secure with reach boards on either end of the floor.

His wing spans often help him actively with dunks to finish off the basket, making it a difficult matchup for the defender. He was a Consensus second-team All-American and the NABC Defensive Player of the Year in 2020. He also picked up the Big 12 Player of the Year award in the same year, showcasing his impact on the court.

#7: Walter Tavares (7'9")

Walter "Edy" Tavares is a physical presence on the basketball court, and a huge part of that is due to his incredible size. Standing tall, Tavares boasts a huge wingspan that measures around 7 feet and 9 inches. On the run for becoming the biggest wingspan in NBA, he managed to achieve 0.7 assists and 6.3 rebounds per game.
This incredible reach has a huge impact on the way he plays. His wingspan enables him to contest shots and block them at a rate that few others can come close to. He can harass passing lanes, alter shots, and guard the rim, making opponents think twice before even entering the paint. It's like he has an extra-long reach!

His main focus is to easily finish a basketball game.He can catch with minimal efforts, his reach helps him secure rebounds and give his team additional opportunities. Defensively, he's a game-changer. Tavares has achieved significant success, especially in European basketball. He is Real Madrid's go-to player and has multiple Euroleague championships. His unique physical attributes, especially that impressive wingspan, have made him a truly impactful player.

#6: Rudy Gobert (7'9")

Rudy Gobert is a three-time DPOY and stands 7’1″ tall with a wingspan of 7’9″. He is considered a defensive anchor for the Minnesota Timberwolves and has been filling in the role for the bigs as a starter since Karl-Anthony Towns’ departure. He is known for his incredible defensive skills, his presence in the paint changes how opposing teams attack.

Alongside Anthony Edwards, Gobert led the Timberwolves to challenge for a championship last season. However, Minnesota was sent back home after facing an upset against the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals.

#5: Mo Bamba (7'10")

If you have heard the song by Sheck Wes of the same name, this is the player we are talking about. Mo Bamba was drafted in 2018 as the 6th overall pick by the Orlando Magic. However, he has not quite shown up to his potential as of yet, currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers’ affiliate team, San Diego Clippers, in the NBA G-League. Mo has a wingspan of 7’10”, which made him one of the most sought-after prospects from the 2018 draft class.

He could play on both sides of the court, which we briefly witnessed during his time at Orlando. However, once Mo finds his footing back in the game, we might even witness this young big man’s resurgence in the league again.

#4: Boban Marjanović (7'10")

Boban Marjanovic is one of the premier international players to have played in the NBA. Possessing one of the largest wingspan in the NBA, he stands 3.6 rebounds, 0.5 assists, and 0.3 block per game. His massive frame allows him to easily secure rebounds and contest shots, even with minimal playing time.

He has played for seven different NBA teams, including the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets. Boban stands 7’4″ tall and has a wingspan of 7’10”. Known for his soft touch around the rim and towering presence, he currently plays for the Zhejiang Lions in China’s CBA. Boban remains a unique weapon in the NBA because of his sheer size, efficient scoring, and locker room leadership.

#3: Victor Wembanyama (8'0")

Victor Wembanyama became the most hyped rookie since LeBron James, ahead of his draft in 2023. The French prodigy has not been disappointed, winning the Rookie of the Year, All-Rookie First Team, and All-Defensive First Team honors in 2024. In his sophomore season in the league, Wemby was named an All-Star for the first time, a trajectory similar to LeBron James after his rookie season.

With his 7’4″ height and 8’0″ wingspan, Wembanyama currently has the best wingspan in the league. However, these aspects raised questions about his durability, Wembanyama couples for it by playing on the perimeter and combining exceptional mobility and skills for his size. Wemby is a lethal three-point shooter, and his jump shots are difficult to block. However, his thin frame can also disadvantage him, given he struggles to box out while rebounding or defending post-ups.

#2: Tacko Fall (8'2")

Tacko is hard to miss on every basketball court! One of his most notable physical properties is his incredible wingspan, with measurements of over 8 feet. His reach also helped him grab rebounds with ease. This massive reach had a huge impact on how he played the game. Defensively, his wingspan made him a formidable presence in the paint. He could deflect and block shots that even players couldn't even reach ,with his unique combination of skills he managed to grab many rebounds, assists and points for the team.

While his NBA career had moments, some of his accomplishments include playing in the NBA and the G League, where he earned G League All-Defensive Team recognition making him one of the longest wingspan in NBA.

#1: Manute Bol (8'6")

Manute Bol was one of the most unique figures in NBA history, standing tall at 7.7". But what truly set him apart was his incredible wingspan, which measured a staggering 8 feet and 6 inches. This extraordinary reach had a big impact on how it was played. Boru was the absolute strength of a defender. The span of his wings allowed him to block shots with unparalleled ease.He was able to confuse the shots of opponents at obviously impossible distances.He is the only player in the NBA to retire with more blocks than points, earning him the title of having the largest wingspan in NBA history.

While his offensive game was less developed, his height and wingspan made him a decent finisher around the basket. His presence alone altered how teams attacked, as driving into the paint against Bol was a risky proposition.