Discover The NBA Giants: Players With The Largest Hands In History

When it comes to basketball, size matters. And when it comes to hands, bigger is definitely better. Some of the NBA's greatest players have had some of the biggest hands in the game's history.

The biggest hands in NBA history belong to Gheorghe Muresan, who played for the Washington Bullets, New Jersey Nets, and New York Knicks from 1993 to 2000. Muresan's hands measured 10.75 inches from palm to fingertips, which is the largest hand size ever recorded in the NBA.

Having big hands is a major advantage in basketball. It allows players to palm the ball more easily, which gives them better control and makes it harder for defenders to steal the ball. Big hands also help players rebound the ball more effectively, as they can grab the ball with more force.

Here is a table of the top 10 players with the biggest hands in NBA history:

These players have all used their big hands to their advantage on the court. They have been some of the most dominant players in NBA history, and their big hands have played a major role in their success.

Biggest Hands in NBA History

In basketball, hand size is a major advantage. Players with big hands can palm the ball more easily, which gives them better control and makes it harder for defenders to steal the ball. Big hands also help players rebound the ball more effectively, as they can grab the ball with more force.

• Gheorghe Muresan
• Shawn Bradley
• Manute Bol
• Rik Smits
• Hakeem Olajuwon
• Shaquille O'Neal
• Boban Marjanovic

These players have all used their big hands to their advantage on the court. They have been some of the most dominant players in NBA history, and their big hands have played a major role in their success.

1. Gheorghe Muresan

Gheorghe Muresan is a Romanian former professional basketball player who played for several teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1993 to 2000. Muresan is best known for his exceptional height, standing at 7 feet 7 inches (2.31 m) tall, and for having the largest hands ever recorded in the NBA, measuring 10.75 inches from palm to fingertips.

• Dominance in Rebounding
  

  Muresan's massive hands gave him a significant advantage in rebounding. He could grab the ball with more force and control, allowing him to outmuscle opponents and secure rebounds. This ability made him one of the best rebounders in the league during his time.

• Exceptional Ball-Handling
  

  Despite his large hands, Muresan had surprisingly good ball-handling skills. He could palm the ball easily, which allowed him to protect it from defenders and make quick moves to the basket. His large hands also gave him greater control over the ball, enabling him to make precise passes and shots.

• Unique Shot-Blocking Ability
  

  Muresan's enormous hands also benefited his defense. He could block shots with greater ease and effectiveness due to his long reach and large. His ability to swat away shots was a major deterrent to opposing players, making him a formidable presence in the paint.

• Challenges and Limitations
  

  While Muresan's large hands provided him with numerous advantages, they also presented certain challenges. His hands were so big that he sometimes had difficulty dribbling the ball and making precise passes. Additionally, his large hands made it more difficult for him to find gloves and other equipment that fit properly.

Overall, Gheorghe Muresan's exceptionally large hands were a defining characteristic of his NBA career. They gave him a unique set of advantages and challenges, but ultimately played a significant role in his success as a player. His legacy as a player with the biggest hands in NBA history continues to inspire and intrigue basketball fans around the world.

2. Shawn Bradley

Shawn Bradley is a former American professional basketball player who played for the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mavericks, and Utah Jazz in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing at 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m) tall, Bradley was one of the tallest players in NBA history. In addition to his height, Bradley was also known for having some of the biggest hands in the NBA, measuring 10.25 inches from palm to fingertips.

• Exceptional Shot-Blocking Ability
  

  Bradley's massive hands gave him a significant advantage in shot-blocking. He could reach higher and block shots with greater ease than most other players in the league. His long wingspan and large hands allowed him to cover a wide area in the paint, making him a formidable defensive presence.

• Impressive Rebounding Skills
  

  Bradley's large hands also benefited his rebounding ability. He could grab rebounds with more force and control, allowing him to outmuscle opponents and secure rebounds. This ability made him a valuable asset to his team on the boards.

• Challenges with Ball-Handling
  

  While Bradley's large hands provided him with numerous advantages, they also presented certain challenges. His hands were so big that he sometimes had difficulty dribbling the ball and making precise passes. This limited his ability to handle the ball effectively and could sometimes lead to turnovers.

• Unique Physical Attributes
  

  Bradley's big hands were just one of his many unique physical attributes. He also had a long wingspan, large feet, and a slender build. These physical attributes gave him a distinctive appearance on the court and made him one of the most recognizable players in the NBA.

Overall, Shawn Bradley's exceptionally large hands were a defining characteristic of his NBA career. They gave him a unique set of advantages and challenges, but ultimately played a significant role in his success as a player. His legacy as a player with some of the biggest hands in NBA history continues to inspire and intrigue basketball fans around the world.

3. Manute Bol

Manute Bol was a Sudanese-American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1985 to 1995. Standing at 7 feet 7 inches (2.31 m) tall, Bol was one of the tallest players in NBA history. In addition to his height, Bol was also known for having some of the biggest hands in the NBA, measuring 10.25 inches from palm to fingertips.

• Exceptional Shot-Blocking Ability
  

  Bol's massive hands gave him a significant advantage in shot-blocking. He could reach higher and block shots with greater ease than most other players in the league. His long wingspan and large hands allowed him to cover a wide area in the paint, making him a formidable defensive presence.

• Impressive Rebounding Skills
  

  Bol's large hands also benefited his rebounding ability. He could grab rebounds with more force and control, allowing him to outmuscle opponents and secure rebounds. This ability made him a valuable asset to his team on the boards.

• Challenges with Ball-Handling
  

  While Bol's large hands provided him with numerous advantages, they also presented certain challenges. His hands were so big that he sometimes had difficulty dribbling the ball and making precise passes. This limited his ability to handle the ball effectively and could sometimes lead to turnovers.

• Unique Physical Attributes
  

  Bol's big hands were just one of his many unique physical attributes. He also had a long wingspan, large feet, and a slender build. These physical attributes gave him a distinctive appearance on the court and made him one of the most recognizable players in the NBA.

Overall, Manute Bol's exceptionally large hands were a defining characteristic of his NBA career. They gave him a unique set of advantages and challenges, but ultimately played a significant role in his success as a player. His legacy as a player with some of the biggest hands in NBA history continues to inspire and intrigue basketball fans around the world.

4. Rik Smits

Rik Smits was a Dutch professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Indiana Pacers from 1988 to 2000. Standing at 7 feet 4 inches (2.24 m) tall, Smits was one of the tallest players in the NBA during his time. In addition to his height, Smits was also known for having some of the biggest hands in the NBA, measuring 10.25 inches from palm to fingertips.

Smits' large hands gave him a significant advantage on the court. He could palm the ball more easily, which gave him better control and made it harder for defenders to steal the ball. Big hands also helped Smits rebound the ball more effectively, as he could grab the ball with more force.

Smits was a key member of the Pacers team that reached the NBA Finals in 2000. He was a solid scorer and rebounder, and his defense was often a force to be reckoned with. Smits' large hands were a major asset to his game, and they helped him become one of the most successful players in Pacers history.

Smits retired from the NBA in 2000. He was inducted into the Indiana Pacers Hall of Fame in 2005.

5. Hakeem Olajuwon

Hakeem Olajuwon is a Nigerian-American former professional basketball player who played for the Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Olajuwon was known for his exceptional footwork, defensive prowess, and signature moves, including his unstoppable "Dream Shake."

• Exceptional Shot-Blocking Ability
  

  Olajuwon's large hands gave him a significant advantage in shot-blocking. He could reach higher and block shots with greater ease than most other players in the league. His long wingspan and large hands allowed him to cover a wide area in the paint, making him a formidable defensive presence. Olajuwon led the NBA in blocked shots three times during his career, and he remains the league's all-time leader in blocked shots per game.

• Impressive Rebounding Skills
  

  Olajuwon's large hands also benefited his rebounding ability. He could grab rebounds with more force and control, allowing him to outmuscle opponents and secure rebounds. Olajuwon was one of the best rebounders in the NBA during his time, and he led the league in rebounding twice during his career.

• Unique Offensive Skills
  

  Olajuwon's large hands also helped him develop a unique set of offensive skills. He could palm the ball with ease, which gave him greater control and allowed him to make quick moves to the basket. Olajuwon was also a skilled passer, and his large hands helped him make precise passes to his teammates.

• Challenges and Limitations
  

  While Olajuwon's large hands provided him with numerous advantages, they also presented certain challenges. His hands were so big that he sometimes had difficulty dribbling the ball and making precise shots. Additionally, his large hands made it more difficult for him to find gloves and other equipment that fit properly.

Overall, Hakeem Olajuwon's exceptionally large hands were a defining characteristic of his NBA career. They gave him a unique set of advantages and challenges, but ultimately played a significant role in his success as a player. His legacy as a player with some of the biggest hands in NBA history continues to inspire and intrigue basketball fans around the world.

6. Shaquille O'Neal

Shaquille O'Neal, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, possessed exceptionally large hands, measuring 10.25 inches from palm to fingertips, which played a significant role in his dominance on the court.

• Exceptional Shot-Blocking Ability
  Shaquille O'Neal's massive hands gave him a significant advantage in shot-blocking. He could reach higher and block shots with greater ease than most other players in the league. His long wingspan and large hands allowed him to cover a wide area in the paint, making him a formidable defensive presence. O'Neal led the NBA in blocked shots three times during his career and remains among the league's all-time leaders in this category.
• Impressive Rebounding Skills
  O'Neal's large hands also benefited his rebounding ability. He could grab rebounds with more force and control, allowing him to outmuscle opponents and secure rebounds. O'Neal was one of the best rebounders in the NBA during his time, leading the league in rebounding twice during his career.
• Unique Offensive Skills
  O'Neal's large hands also helped him develop a unique set of offensive skills. He could palm the ball with ease, which gave him greater control and allowed him to make quick moves to the basket. O'Neal was also a skilled passer, and his large hands helped him make precise passes to his teammates.
• Physical Presence and Intimidation
  Beyond the tangible advantages on the court, O'Neal's large hands also contributed to his intimidating presence on the court. Opposing players were often hesitant to challenge him in the paint due to his sheer size and the threat of his massive hands.

In conclusion, Shaquille O'Neal's exceptionally large hands were a defining characteristic of his NBA career. They gave him a unique set of advantages and challenges, but ultimately played a significant role in his success as a player. His legacy as a player with some of the biggest hands in NBA history continues to inspire and intrigue basketball fans around the world.

7. Boban Marjanovi

Standing at 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 m) tall with a 7 feet 9 inches (2.36 m) wingspan, Boban Marjanovi possesses one of the most physically imposing presences in the NBA. His hands, measuring 10.75 inches from palm to fingertips, are the largest ever recorded in the league's history, giving him a significant advantage on the court.

• Exceptional Shot-Blocking Ability
  Marjanovi's massive hands give him an unmatched reach and ability to block shots. He can extend his arms high above the rim, making it extremely difficult for opponents to score over him. His long wingspan and large hands allow him to cover a wide area in the paint, deterring drives and creating turnovers.
• Impressive Rebounding Skills
  Marjanovi's large hands also benefit his rebounding ability. He can grab rebounds with more force and control, allowing him to outmuscle opponents and secure the ball. His strength and size make him a formidable presence on the boards, and he is often able to out-rebound much taller players.
• Unique Offensive Skills
  Marjanovi's large hands also contribute to his unique offensive skills. He can palm the ball with ease, giving him greater control and allowing him to make quick moves to the basket. His soft touch around the rim makes him an effective scorer, and he is also a capable passer, able to make pinpoint passes to teammates.
• Physical Presence and Intimidation
  Beyond the tangible advantages on the court, Marjanovi's large hands also contribute to his intimidating presence. Opposing players are often hesitant to challenge him in the paint due to his sheer size and the threat of his massive hands. This intimidation factor can give him a psychological edge and make him even more effective on both ends of the court.

In conclusion, Boban Marjanovi's exceptionally large hands are a major contributing factor to his success in the NBA. They give him a unique set of advantages that allow him to dominate on both ends of the court. His ability to block shots, rebound the ball, score, and pass with ease makes him a valuable asset to any team.

FAQs about Biggest Hands in NBA History

The biggest hands in NBA history belong to Gheorghe Muresan, measuring an astonishing 10.75 inches from palm to fingertips. Other notable players with large hands include Shawn Bradley, Manute Bol, Rik Smits, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O'Neal, and Boban Marjanovic. These players have all utilized their large hands to their advantage on the court, giving them an edge in rebounding, shot-blocking, and overall ball control.

Question 1: What are the advantages of having big hands in basketball?

Large hands provide several advantages in basketball, including better ball control, enhanced rebounding ability, and improved shot-blocking capabilities. Players with big hands can palm the ball more easily, making it harder for defenders to steal. They can also grab rebounds with more force and control, outmuscling opponents. Additionally, large hands allow players to reach higher and block shots more effectively.

Question 2: Who has the biggest hands in NBA history?

Gheorghe Muresan holds the record for the biggest hands in NBA history, with his hands measuring 10.75 inches from palm to fingertips. Boban Marjanovic is a close second, with hands measuring 10.5 inches.

Question 3: Do bigger hands always translate to better basketball skills?

While big hands can provide certain advantages in basketball, they do not guarantee better skills. Many other factors, such as coordination, agility, and skill development, play a significant role in determining a player's overall abilities.

Question 4: Are there any disadvantages to having big hands in basketball?

There can be some minor disadvantages associated with big hands in basketball. Players with large hands may have difficulty finding gloves that fit properly. Additionally, they may have to adjust their shooting form to accommodate their larger hands.

Question 5: How do players with big hands overcome the challenges they face?

Players with big hands often develop unique techniques to overcome the challenges they face. For example, they may use specialized gloves or adjust their shooting form to improve their control over the ball. With practice and determination, players with big hands can learn to use their size to their advantage on the court.

In conclusion, big hands can provide certain advantages in basketball, but they do not guarantee success. Players with big hands need to develop their skills and techniques to maximize their potential on the court.

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Conclusion

In the realm of basketball, the size of a player's hands can be a significant advantage. Throughout the history of the NBA, several players have stood out with exceptionally large hands, giving them an edge in rebounding, shot-blocking, and overall ball control. Gheorghe Muresan, with hands measuring 10.75 inches from palm to fingertips, holds the record for the biggest hands in NBA history.

Players with large hands have a unique set of challenges to overcome, such as finding properly fitting gloves and adjusting their shooting form. However, with practice and determination, they can learn to use their size to their advantage on the court. As the game of basketball continues to evolve, the importance of hand size may fluctuate, but the impact of exceptional hands on a player's performance remains undeniable.