Top 15 players with the longest wingspans in the NBA as of 2023

Top 15 players with the longest wingspans in the NBA as of 2023

Samuel Lisubila, Adrianna Simwa
updated at May 6, 2023 at 8:35 AM

NBA players have physical attributes far beyond the ordinary. For example, an NBA player's wingspan is almost as crucial as his general height. The fingertip-to-fingertip length with arms outstretched enables you to score easier, block shots, defend bigger opponents, rebound, and generally be a better player. Check out some of these players with the longest wingspans in the NBA.

Basketball is not solely reliant on wingspan, as other skills such as shooting, passing, and court vision also play a critical role in a player's success. Nonetheless, the length of one's wingspan remains a fascinating game aspect.

Top 15 players with the longest wingspans in the NBA

Players with the longest wingspans in the NBA
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Wingspan is simply the length of your arms and hands. While most of us don't benefit from having a particularly long wingspan, basketball players certainly do. Below is a list of players with the longest wingspans in the NBA.

15. Kawhi Leonard

longest wingspan in nba history
Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers smiles during the game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Adam Pantozzi
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Kawhi Anthony Leonard
  • Date of birth: 29 June 1991
  • Age: 31 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
  • Height in feet: 6'7"
  • Wingspan: 7'3"

Kawhi Leonard was selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft by Indiana Pacers, but he was traded that night to the San Antonio Spurs and signed a multi-year deal with the Spurs. Leonard's passing game improved in the 2019-20 season, as he logged a career-high 4.9 assists per game, nearly doubling his career average.

14. Giannis Antetokounmpo

top 10 longest wingspan in nba history
Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks brings the basketball up court during the first half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photo: John Fisher
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo
  • Date of birth: 6 December 1994
  • Age: 28 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Athens, Greece
  • Height in feet: 7'0"
  • Wingspan: 7'3"

Labelled as "The Greek Freak", Giannis Antetokounmpo is currently the face of the NBA. He recently won the 2020/2021 league title and the Finals MVP with the Milwaukee Bucks. The 2020 NBA defensive player uses his wingspan as his primary weapon against opponents, being both a defensive and offensive powerhouse.

13. Thomas Bryant

manute bol wingspan
Thomas Bryant #13 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. Photo: David Liam Kyle
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Thomas Jermaine Bryant
  • Date of birth: 31 July 1997
  • Age: 25 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Rochester, New York, U.S.
  • Height in feet: 6'10"
  • Wingspan: 7'5"

Thomas Bryant was drafted in the 2017 NBA draft by the Utah Jazz. The Washington Wizards cut him after ten games due to an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee. Bryant was traded to the Denver Nuggets in a four-team deal involving the Los Angeles Clippers and Orlando Magic in February 2023.

12. Andre Drummond

who has the longest wingspan in the world
Andre Drummond #3 of the Chicago Bulls shoots the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Photo: Gary Dineen
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Andre Jamal Drummond
  • Date of birth: 10 August 1993
  • Age: 29 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Mount Vernon, New York, U.S.
  • Height in feet: 6'10"
  • Wingspan: 7'5"

Andre Drummond was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the 2012 NBA draft as the ninth overall pick. In 2014 he was a member of the U.S. national team that won the gold medal in the FIBA Basketball World Cup. The Chicago Bulls signed Andre to a two-year, $6.6 million contract.

11. Anthony Davis

rudy gobert wingspan
Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers brings the ball up court during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo: Justin Ford
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Anthony Marshon Davis Jr.
  • Date of birth: 11 March 1993
  • Age: 29 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
  • Height in feet: 6'10"
  • Wingspan: 7'5"

Anthony Davis currently plays for Los Angeles Lakers. Thanks to his reach, he is known for his defensive ability, making it seem effortless. Anthony is also an outstanding offensive player, averaging more than 23.8 points per game in his entire career.

10. Bol Bol

Who has the longest wingspans in the NBA ever?
Bol Bol #10 of the Orlando Magic in action against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Photo: Michael Reaves
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Bol Manute Bol
  • Date of birth: 16 November 1999
  • Age: 23 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Khartoum, Sudan
  • Height in feet: 7'2"
  • Wingspan: 7'6"

Drafted in 2019 as the forty-fourth overall pick, Bol Bol signed with the Miami Heat. He was then traded to Denver Nuggets, where he has since played Centre or Power Forward. With such physical attributes, he is a rim protector, able to block any shot, being a threat to many opponents. Bol Manute Bol's wingspan is 7'6", and currently plays for Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association.

9. Kristaps Porzingis

Who has the longest wingspan in the NBA 2023?
Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Washington Wizards reacts to a call during the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. Photo: Amanda Loman
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Kristaps Porziņģis
  • Date of birth: 2 August 1995
  • Age: 27 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Liepāja, Latvia
  • Height in feet: 7'3"
  • Wingspan: 7'6"

Born and raised in Latvia, Kristaps Porzingis is one of the tallest in NBA history and plays for the Washington Wizards. Drafted by the New York Knicks with the no. 4 overall pick in round 1 of the 2015 NBA draft, the one-time All-star was also an NBA All-Rookie first team, Euro cup rising star and a two-time ACB All-young players team.

8. Joel Embiid

longest wingspan in nba history
Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photo: Gary Dineen
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Joel Hans Embiid
  • Date of birth: 16 March 1994
  • Age: 28 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Yaoundé, Cameroon
  • Height in feet: 7'0"
  • Wingspan: 7'6"

Among the top 10 longest wingspans in NBA history is Joel Embiid, who plays for the Philadelphia 76ers. He has been one of the best big men in the league since he joined the league. He pulled out an outstanding performance in the 2021/2022 season, averaging 30.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.1 steals per game.

In the same season, Embiid became the second big man to average 30 points after Moses Malone and the second big man to lead the league in scoring since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000.

7. Udoka Azubuike

rudy gobert wingspan
Udoka Azubuike #20 of the Utah Jazz sets up for defense during the first half of their game against the Detroit Pistons at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo: Chris Gardner
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Udoka Timothy Azubuike
  • Date of birth: 17 September 1999
  • Age: 23 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Lagos, Nigeria
  • Height in feet: 6'11"
  • Wingspan: 7'7"

Udoka Azubuike is a professional basketball player from Nigeria who played college basketball at the University of Kansas. After his junior year, Azubuike declared for the NBA draft and was selected by the Utah Jazz in the first round (27th overall) of the 2020 NBA draft. He currently plays as a centre for the Jazz in the NBA.

6. Mark Williams

manute bol wingspan
Mark Williams #5 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts during their game against the Miami Heat at Spectrum Center on February 25, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo: Jacob Kupferman
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Mark Oluwafemi Williams
  • Date of birth: 16 December 2001
  • Age: 21 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.
  • Height in feet: 7'0"
  • Wingspan: 7'7"

Mark Williams was selected in the 2022 NBA draft with the 15th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets. Mark had a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds in his first career start against the Boston Celtics.

5. Hassan Whiteside

who has the longest wingspan in the world
Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Utah Jazz reacts to a play during the first half of a game against the Phoenix Suns at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo: Alex Goodlett
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Hassan Niam Whiteside
  • Date of birth: 13 June 1989
  • Age: 33 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Gastonia, North Carolina, U.S.
  • Height feet: 7'0"
  • Wingspan: 7'7"

Hassan Whiteside was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the 33rd overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft. When he played for the Miami Heat, he was named NBA All-Defensive School Team in 2016. Hassan has always been a beast on the court, with good agility and athleticism, a very intriguing combination of physical attributes.

4. Boban Marjanović

top 10 longest wingspan in nba history
Boban Marjanovic #51 of the Houston Rockets warms up prior to the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Photo: Rocky Widner
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Boban Marjanović
  • Date of birth: 15 August 1988
  • Age: 35 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Boljevac, SR Serbia
  • Height feet: 7'3"
  • Wingspan: 7'8"

The athlete has been a rim protector, rebounder and scorer for the Houston Rockets since 2019. He is excellent at keeping things loose at the bench, making sure everyone is easy, especially with the season being a long grind, physically and mentally.

3. Rudy Gobert

longest wingspan nfl
Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves rebounds the ball against the Charlotte Hornets in the first quarter of the game at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photo: David Berding
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Rudy Gobert-Bourgarel
  • Date of birth: 26 June 1992
  • Age: 30 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Saint-Quentin, France
  • Height feet: 7'1"
  • Wingspan: 7'8"

Rudy Gobert's wingspan is 7'8. He has been named Defensive Player of the Year three times in the last four seasons, being the most impactful defender in the league this 2021/2022 season.

2. Mohamed Bamba

Who has the longest wingspans in the NBA ever?
Mo Bamba #11 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter of the game at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photo: David Berding
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Mohamed Karlakwan Damala Bamba
  • Date of birth: 12 May 1998
  • Age: 24 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
  • Height feet: 7'0"
  • Wingspan: 7'10"

Mo Bamba was interested in basketball at the age of six, inspired by the game's popularity in his hometown. He was selected with the sixth overall pick by Orlando Magic in the 2018 NBA draft. He is among the top players with the longest wingspan in NBA.

1. Tacko Fall

longest wingspan in nba history
Tacko Fall prepares to shoot a free throw during the game against the LA Clippers during the 2022 Las Vegas Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: David Dow
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Elhadji Tacko Sereigne Diop Fall
  • Date of birth: 10 December 1995
  • Age: 27 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Dakar, Senegal
  • Height in feet: 7'6"
  • Wingspan: 8'2"

Tacko Fall went undrafted in the 2019 draft pick but went on to join the Boston Celtics. He currently plays for the Xinjiang Flying Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Fall was considered a solid shot blocker with limited lane agility and three-quarter-court sprinting speed.

Who has the longest wingspan in the NBA in 2023?

Below is a summary table of the players with the longest wingspans in the NBA.

No

Name

Wingspan

1

Tacko Fall

8'2"

2

Mohamed Bamba

7'10"

3

Rudy Gobert

7'8"

4

Boban Marjanović

7'8"

5

Hassan Whiteside

7'7"

6

Mark Williams

7'7"

7

Udoka Azubuike

7'7"

8

Joel Embiid

7'6"

9

Kristaps Porzingis

7'6"

10

Bol Bol

7'6"

11

Anthony

7'5"

12

Andre Drummond

7'5"

13

Thomas Bryant

7'5"

14

Giannis Antetokounmpo

7'3"

15

Kawhi Leonard

7'3"

Who has the longest wingspans in the NBA ever?

The longest wingspan in NBA history belongs to Manute Bol, who had a wingspan of 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 meters). Bol was a Sudanese-born American player who played in the NBA from 1985 to 1995.

Despite being only 7 feet 7 inches (2.31 meters) tall, his incredible wingspan gave him an enormous reach and allowed him to block shots, grab rebounds, and disrupt passing lanes at an exceptional rate. Bol's unique physical attributes and shot-blocking prowess made him a fan favourite and a respected defensive force during his time in the NBA.

Why do NBA players have longer wingspans than average humans?

NBA players have longer wingspans than average humans for genetic and environmental factors. Height and wingspan are strongly correlated, meaning taller individuals tend to have longer wingspans. Additionally, NBA players often have a genetic predisposition towards being tall, as many come from families with a history of height.

Who has the longest wingspan in the NFL?

The NFL player with the longest wingspan is Jon Harris. He stands 6'7"and can touch his knees without bending down because his arms measure 38.5 inches. His impressive wingspan has helped him to become a dominant force on the defensive side of the ball, allowing him to deflect passes and disrupt opposing offences.

Who has the longest wingspan in the world?

There may be individuals with longer wingspans, but Sultan Kösen, a Turkish farmer with a wingspan of 8 feet 2.8 inches (2.52 meters), currently holds the official Guinness World Record for the longest wingspan.

Kösen is also the tallest living person in the world. His incredible height and wingspan are due to a medical condition called acromegaly, caused by the overproduction of growth hormones.

Having a long wingspan can be a significant advantage in the NBA, both on the offensive and defensive end. The players with the longest wingspans in the NBA, such as Mohamed Bamba and Giannis Antetokounmpo, have demonstrated their ability to dominate the game with their unique physical attributes.

READ ALSO: NBA players with the most rings as of 2023: Who are they

Sportsbrief.com has recently published an article about the NBA players with the most rings as of 2023. Players that have won multiple championships are considered more successful and have attained the epitome of success.

This article features the players with the most rings in the history of the NBA. As names such as Michael Jordan and Bill Russel are expected, determine whether your favourite players are listed.

Authors
Samuel Lisubila photo
Samuel Lisubila
Adrianna Simwa photo
Adrianna Simwa
Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Sports Brief, where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years.