Who is the heaviest NBA player at the moment? A top 10 list

NBA players are known for their incredible heights and weight. Their weights vary depending on positions. Meanwhile, the heaviest NBA players of the current generation are lighter than the older ones because of the competitive nature of the sport and the keen focus on optimum fitness. Modern basketball requires more agile and lightweight athletes to adapt.

Over the years, weight has remained one of the most important physical attributes for basketball success. Some of the heaviest NBA players currently employ nutritionists and dietitians to advise them on what to eat to maintain a good weight.

Who is the heaviest NBA player ever?

Legendary basketball stars Thomas Hamilton and Shaquille O'Neal are among the top-ranked NBA players by weight. However, they had weight problems during their careers that nearly ended their dreams of succeeding in the sport.

Thomas Hamilton weighed 149.69 kg and played for the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets in the NBA. Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal follows closely with 147.42 kg. He is one of the greatest NBA players, having represented the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Boston Celtics.

Heaviest NBA players by position

The average weight of NBA players is 97.98 kg. Centres are usually the heaviest of all positions, followed by the centre-forwards.

Top 10 heaviest players in NBA

Every basketball fan wants to know the heaviest NBA player right now and his weight. The list includes top stars like Boban Marjanovic, Jusuf Nurkic, and Nikola Jokic. So, who is currently the heaviest player in the NBA? Scroll down for more details.

Is Zion Williamson the heaviest in the NBA?

The New Orleans Pelicans' rising star is among the most talented power forwards in the National Basketball Association. He is the fourth heaviest NBA player in 2023. Here is a breakdown of the NBA stars with massive weight.

Many NBA athletes have struggled with weight issues, which has affected their careers. However, some, including the above, have proved their doubters wrong through their achievements. Learn more about the stars below.

10. JaVale McGee - 270 pounds (122.47 kg)

McGee is an experienced Dallas Mavericks centre who has played for eight teams in the NBA. The American joined the league in 2008 following his selection by the Washington Wizards in round 1, 18th overall pick.

McGee also played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, and Phoenix Suns. Wendell Carter Jr. of the Orlando Magic and Udoka Azubuike of the Utah Jazz also weigh 270 pounds (122.47 kg).

9. Kenneth Lofton Jr. - 275 pounds (124.74 kg)

Lofton Jr. is the youngest on our list. He was undrafted in the 2022 NBA by the Memphis Grizzlies from Louisiana Tech. Despite his talent, the youngster made few appearances for the Grizzlies in the NBA before joining the club's G-League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle.

8. Andre Drummond - 279 pounds (126.56 kg)

Andre made his NBA debut in the 2012-13 season with the Detroit Pistons. He is one of the best rebounders in the league. Drummond also played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, and the Chicago Bulls.

7. Joel Embiid - 280 pounds (127 kg)

Joel struggled with foot injuries during the first three seasons of his NBA career before blossoming into one of the best centres in the sport. He joined the Philadelphia 76ers in 2014 from Kansas college. Embiid is a six times NBA All-Star. He is the first centre in 40 years to average 30 points per game in a season since Moses Malone in 1982.

6. Robin Lopez - 281 pounds (127.46 kg)

Robin Lopez is an NBA rebounder and solid defender who plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He signed for the Phoenix Suns in 2008, where he spent four seasons. Lopez has also played for the New Orleans Hornets, Portland Blazers, New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Wizards, and the Orlando Pirates.

5. Brook Lopez - 282 pounds (127.91 kg)

Robin's twin brother, Brook, is among the heaviest NBA players currently enjoying life in the league. Brook is slightly heavier than his brother and plays for the Milwaukee Bucks. In 2008, he got drafted by the New Jersey Nets/Brooklyn Nets from Stanford University.

Brook Lopez joined Los Angeles Lakers in 2017 and Milwaukee Bucks in 2018. He helped the Bucks win the 2021 NBA championship.

4. Zion Williamson - 284 pounds (128.82 kg)

The power forward has previously faced criticism over his weight before turning things around in his career. Williamson made his NBA debut with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019. However, he missed the 2021-22 season due to a foot injury. The American athlete reportedly worked hard in rehabilitation and lost around 24 pounds (10.89 kg).

3. Nikola Jokic - 284 pounds (128.82 kg)

Jokic is a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player winner. He has established himself among the best centres in the sport since joining the Denver Nuggets in 2015. Nikola Jokic is also a solid scorer, rebounder, and shooter.

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2. Jusuf Nurkic - 290 pounds (131.54 kg)

Nurkic has a nine-years of experience in the NBA, having played for the Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers since his draft in 2014. He is a talented centre for the Blazers and one of the best players in the team.

1. Boban Marjanovic - 290 pounds (131.54 kg)

Boban ranks as the heaviest NBA player right now. He is 2.24 m (7'4") tall and among the most efficient athletes in the history of the NBA. Besides, Marjanovic is a funny person with a contiguous smile, making him a fan-favourite.

The Serbian has played for the San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Dallas Mavericks. He joined the Houston Rockets in 2022.

Besides being the heaviest NBA player in 2023, Boban is also the tallest player in the league. He is 2.24 m (7'4") tall. Basketball players have incredible heights and weights, making them unique from other athletes.

Sports Brief also revealed the name of the shortest NFL player in 2023. According to sources, the average height of an NFL player is 6 foot 2 inches (1.88 m). However, some NFL footballers measure as low as 5' 10" (1.78 m).

Short footballers have proved that anyone can succeed regardless of height. J.J. Taylor of the New England Patriots is the shortest NFL player, standing at 5' 6" (1.67 m) tall. Follow the above link to discover more details.

Position	Average weight
Center	114 kg
Forward-center	109.97 kg
Forward	101 kg
Guard-forward	96.3 kg
Guard	90.2 kg

Player	Team	Weight
Boban Marjanovic	Houston Rockets	290 pounds (131.54 kg)
Jusuf Nurkic	Portland Trail Blazers	290 pounds (131.54 kg)
Nikola Jokic	Denver Nuggets	284 pounds (128.82 kg)
Zion Williamson	New Orleans Pelicans	284 pounds (128.82 kg)
Brook Lopez	Milwaukee Bucks	282 pounds (127.91 kg)
Robin Lopez	Cleveland Cavaliers	281 pounds (127.46 kg)
Joel Embiid	Philadelphia 76ers	280 pounds (127 kg)
Andre Drummond	Chicago Bulls	279 pounds (126.56 kg)
Kenneth Lofton Jr.	Memphis Grizzlies	275 pounds (124.74 kg)
JaVale McGee	Dallas Mavericks	270 pounds (122.47 kg)