The NBA has seen its share of towering figures over the years—players who didn’t just bring height but also carried serious weight and unique playing styles. Some were dominant forces in the paint, while others struggled to balance size and agility. Curious which players rank among the heaviest in league history? Here’s a look at some of the biggest bodies to ever hit an NBA court—and what made them stand out.
Heaviest Players in NBA History From Biggest to “Smallest”
Oliver Miller — 375 lbs.
Oliver Miller holds the title as the heaviest player in NBA history, listed at around 375 pounds during his career. Despite his size, he showed surprising agility and passing skills for a center. In nine NBA seasons, he averaged 7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. His best year came with the Toronto Raptors, where he averaged 12.9 points per game.
Sim Bhullar — 360 lbs.
Standing 7-foot-5 and weighing 360 pounds, Sim Bhullar became the first player of Indian descent to play in the NBA, appearing briefly for the Kings in 2015. While his NBA stint was short, he impressed in the G League with averages of 10.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks for Reno, and 9.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks for Raptors 905. At New Mexico State, he earned WAC honors before later playing overseas in Taiwan and China.
Shaquille O’Neal — 359 lbs.
Shaquille O’Neal made everything look small—basketballs, rims, and even other centers. Tipping the scales at 359 pounds, his blend of power, size, and agility made him a dominant force. A 15-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion, Shaq averaged 23.7 points and 10.9 rebounds across 19 seasons. He famously broke multiple backboards during his career, adding to his legend.
Shaq made a tree from all the backboards he’s broken in his life. pic.twitter.com/Bj7TCncCth
— BLACK ADAM SCHEFTER (@B1ackSchefter) November 18, 2017
Eddy Curry — 350 lbs.
Eddy Curry, a 7-foot center, weighed around 350 pounds during his career. His size brought both promise and problems. He struggled with conditioning and injuries, especially during his later years with the New York Knicks, where he played only 10 games over two seasons and missed the entire 2010–11 campaign.
Michael Sweetney — 348 lbs.
Michael Sweetney was listed at around 348 pounds and stood 6-foot-8. Drafted ninth overall by the Knicks in 2003, he had a strong college career at Georgetown but never reached his potential in the NBA. Over four seasons with the Knicks and Bulls, he played 233 games, averaging 6.5 points and 4.5 rebounds. His best year came in 2004–05, averaging 8.4 points and 5.4 boards.
Thomas Hamilton — 330 lbs.
Thomas Hamilton, a 7-foot-2, 330-pound center, had a brief NBA career but left a mark due to his size. He debuted with the Celtics in 1995–96, appearing in just 11 games. He later played 22 games with the Rockets in 1999–2000. In total, he played 33 NBA games, averaging 3.2 points and 3.4 rebounds. He found more success in the NBDL, earning First Team honors with the Roanoke Dazzle.
Priest Lauderdale — 325 lbs.
Priest Lauderdale stood 7-foot-4 and weighed 325 pounds. Selected 28th overall in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Hawks, he played two NBA seasons—one with Atlanta and one with Denver. In 74 total games, he averaged 3.4 points and 1.9 rebounds while shooting 47.2% from the field.
Robert Traylor — 319 lbs.
Nicknamed “Tractor,” Robert Traylor was known for his strength and imposing presence. Drafted sixth overall in 1998, he played for Milwaukee, Cleveland, Charlotte, and New Orleans. At around 319 pounds, he averaged 4.8 points and 3.7 rebounds over 438 games. His best numbers came in 2000–01 and 2004–05 with the Cavaliers.
Kevin Duckworth — 315 lbs.
Kevin Duckworth was a 7-foot, 315-pound center who enjoyed an 11-year NBA career from 1986 to 1997. He averaged 11.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game and earned two All-Star selections. Duckworth also won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 1988 and played a key role in Portland’s two Finals appearances in the early ’90s.
Tacko Fall — 311 lbs.
Tacko Fall, standing 7-foot-6 and weighing 311 pounds, became a fan favorite during his brief NBA career. In his rookie season with the Celtics, he played seven games, averaging 3.3 points and 2.1 rebounds. He later joined the Cavaliers, finishing with career averages of 2.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 37 games. Despite limited minutes, his size made him a unique presence on the court.
