If you’ve ever watched an NBA game and thought, “Wow, how many 7-footers are in the NBA right now?” — you’re not alone.
Height has always been one of the most fascinating parts of basketball.
Just like a recipe needs the right ingredients, the NBA’s mix of tall players shapes the style and pace of the game.
In this guide, we’ll break down the number of 7-foot players in the NBA, why it matters, how it has changed over time, and fun ways to remember it.
📏 What Do We Mean by “7 Footer”?
Before diving into the count, let’s make the definition clear:
- 7-Footer → Any player officially listed as 7 feet (213 cm) or taller.
- Why it matters → In basketball, being 7 feet tall is rare and gives huge advantages for rebounding, shot-blocking, and rim protection.
✅ Quick Answer | How Many 7 Footers Are in the NBA?
👉 As of the 2024–25 NBA season, there are around 35–40 players in the league who stand 7 feet or taller.
That means roughly 7–10% of all NBA players are true 7-footers.
📊 7 Footers in the NBAm | Current Estimate
| Season | Total NBA Players | Number of 7-Footers | Percentage |
| 1980s | ~300 | ~20 | ~6% |
| 2000s | ~450 | ~40 | ~9% |
| 2024–25 (current) | ~450 | ~35–40 | ~8% |
👉 The numbers shift slightly every season as new rookies enter and veterans retire.
🎯 Why Knowing This Matters
You may wonder, “Why does it matter how many 7-footers there are?” Well:
- Basketball strategy → Coaches build lineups differently when they have dominant big men.
- NBA evolution → In earlier decades, big men dominated. Today, shooting and versatility are more valued.
- Fan curiosity → People love comparing tall players across eras (Shaq, Yao Ming, Victor Wembanyama).
- Player scouting → Height is still a key measurement for draft prospects.
🧠 Tricks to Remember the Numbers
Here’s how to lock it in:
- Think of the NBA as having around 450 players each season.
- Roughly 1 out of every 12 players is 7 feet or taller.
- That makes it 30–40 seven-footers at any given time.
Easy formula: 450 ÷ 12 ≈ 37.
⚠️ Common Misconceptions
- “Every team has a 7-footer.” → Not true. Some rosters don’t, while others have multiple.
- “There are more now than ever.” → Actually, the number of true 7-footers peaked in the 2000s. Today’s NBA values mobility and shooting more.
- “7-footers are always centers.” → While most play center, some (like Kevin Durant at nearly 7 feet) play forward.
🔄 How It Differs by Era
- 1980s–1990s → Centers like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Patrick Ewing, and Hakeem Olajuwon defined the game.
- 2000s → The era of Shaquille O’Neal and Yao Ming saw many dominant big men.
- Today → Players like Victor Wembanyama, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Rudy Gobert show a new breed of versatile 7-footers.
🏀 Real Life Examples of Current 7-Footers
Some active 7-footers in today’s NBA include:
- Victor Wembanyama (7’4”)
- Rudy Gobert (7’1”)
- Kristaps Porziņģis (7’2”)
- Jakob Poeltl (7’1”)
- Deandre Ayton (7’0”)
❓ FAQ | 7 Footers in the NBA
Q1: How many 7-footers are in the NBA right now?
A: Around 35–40 players in the 2024–25 season.
Q2: Which NBA player is the tallest today?
A: Victor Wembanyama at 7’4”.
Q3: Has the NBA always had this many 7-footers?
A: No. The number increased in the 1990s–2000s and has slightly declined in recent years.
Q4: Do all 7-footers play center?
A: Not always. Some play power forward or even small forward (e.g., Durant).
Q5: What percentage of NBA players are 7 feet tall?
A: About 8–10% of the league.
Q6: Who was the first famous 7-footer in the NBA?
A: George Mikan (6’10”) was close, but Wilt Chamberlain (7’1”) was the first dominant true 7-footer.
Conclusion
So, how many 7-footers are in the NBA? The answer today is around 35–40 players, which makes up roughly 8–10% of the league. While the number has shifted over time, one thing is clear: 7-footers have always fascinated fans and shaped how basketball is played.
Next time you watch a game, you’ll know that only a handful of players reach that rare 7-foot mark—and they’re some of the most impactful athletes on the court.
Henry Miles is a seasoned writer and content strategist with over a decade of experience in crafting engaging digital content. With a background in communication and media studies, he brings a deep understanding of audience psychology, storytelling, and online trends. His work often bridges the gap between informative clarity and creative expression, making complex topics accessible and enjoyable for readers of all backgrounds.
Known for his disciplined research and clean writing style, Henry has contributed to numerous blogs, educational platforms, and professional publications. When he’s not writing, he’s usually found exploring new literary techniques or mentoring aspiring content creators.
Henry is also the author of several well-received titles, including The Digital Mindset, Words That Connect, and Content Beyond Clicks—books that continue to inspire writers and marketers around the globe.
