Weighing In: The 30 Heaviest Players in the NBA Right Now

Step right up and behold these towering Goliaths of the hardwood—the undisputed heavyweights of the NBA. Tipping the scales at nearly 300 pounds of pure muscle, these behemoths boast a superhuman size and strength akin to mythological gods.

When they plant their Odyssey-like feet in the paint, no mere mortal can dare move them. Massive and immovable as granite mountains, they lay seismic checks that decimate lesser opponents. But they also possess a shocking agility and finesse belying their epic mass.

Prepare to pick your jaws up off the floor as we reveal the monstrous identities of these basketball leviathans crushing competition under their staggering frame. Yes, giants still walk among us today in the NBA, so follow me as we unveil the incredible bulk behind the league’s most awesome displays of power personified.

1. Boban Marjanović – 290 pounds (132 kilograms)

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Boban Marjanović is a Serbian basketball athlete who competes for the Houston Rockets in the NBA. He represents the Serbian national basketball team in global tournaments.

In 2015, he was honoured with an All-EuroLeague First Team nomination. Beyond sports, he has ventured into acting and featured in multiple movies. Standing at a height of 2.24 meters (7 feet 4 inches), he shares the title of the tallest current NBA player with Victor Wembanyama. Marjanović is listed at a weight of 290 pounds (132 kilograms).

2. Jusuf Nurkic – 290 pounds (132 kilograms)

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Jusuf Nurkić is a Bosnian basketball pro currently playing for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA. Standing at 7 feet (2.1 meters) tall, he was picked by the Chicago Bulls as the 16th overall selection in the 2014 NBA draft. He also competes for the Bosnian national team on the international stage. His official weight is listed at 290 pounds (132 kilograms).

3. Nikola Jokic – 284 pounds (129 kilograms)

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Nikola Jokić is a Serbian basketball professional renowned as the centre for the NBA’s Denver-based Denver Nuggets. Given the moniker “the Joker,” he is celebrated as one of the most significant steals in NBA draft history and is esteemed as one of the premier players and centres ever in the sport.

He has earned five NBA All-Star selections, secured spots in the All-NBA Team five times (including three first-team honours), and clinched the NBA Most Valuable Player Award for the 2020–21 and 2021–22 seasons.

Jokić represents the Serbian national team, contributing to their silver medal win at the 2016 Summer Olympics. His official weight is documented at 284 pounds (129 kilograms).

4. Zion Williamson – 284 pounds (129 kilograms)

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Williamson effortlessly evades his defender with smooth, fluid movements, showcasing his ability to deliver emphatic dunks. He seamlessly transitions between long-range three-point shots and effortlessly sinks uncontested shots in successive plays.

Furthermore, he demonstrates skill in creating space off the ball and scoring effectively from midrange positions.

His adaptability and expertise in scoring from various zones on the court present a significant challenge for any defensive team. His distinctive skill set frequently leads to mismatches against most opponents, creating scoring opportunities not only for himself but also for his teammates.

With exceptional talent, athleticism, and leadership qualities, Williamson appears poised to join the NBA’s elite players.

Anticipated closely in the 2023 season and beyond, Williamson’s unique abilities make him a player to closely follow. His listed weight stands at 284 pounds (129 kilograms).

5. Brook Lopez – 282 pounds (128 kilograms)

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Brook Robert Lopez is a professional basketball athlete from the United States competing for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA.

Given the nickname “Splash Mountain,” he achieved NBA All-Star status during his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets and earned recognition twice as part of the NBA All-Defensive Team while playing for the Bucks.

He secured an NBA championship with the Milwaukee team in 2021. His documented weight is noted at 282 pounds (128 kilograms).

6.  Robin Lopez – 281 pounds (127 kilograms)

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Robin Byron Lopez is an American basketball pro who competes for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. He was chosen as the 15th overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns in Phoenix, later traded to the New Orleans Hornets in 2012, and subsequently moved to Portland in 2013.

During his college basketball career, he played for the Stanford Cardinal alongside his twin brother, Brook Lopez. His official weight is recorded at 281 pounds (127 kilograms).

7. Joel Embiid – 280 pounds (127 kilograms)

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Joel Embiid, a professional basketball player from Cameroon, represents the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA while holding citizenship in France and the United States.

Following a year of college basketball with the Kansas Jayhawks, he was selected as the third overall pick by the 76ers in the 2014 NBA draft. Standing tall at 7 feet (2.1 meters), Embiid has earned six NBA All-Star selections, appeared five times in the All-NBA Team, and secured a place three times in the All-Defensive Team.

He was honoured as the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2023. His documented weight is listed at 280 pounds (127 kilograms).

8. Andre Drummond – 279 pounds (127 kilograms)

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Andre Jamal Drummond, an American basketball professional, currently plays for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA. He was chosen by the Detroit Pistons as the ninth overall pick in the first round of the 2012 NBA draft.

Drummond received recognition by being named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team while with Detroit in 2013 and earned his first All-Star selection in 2016. He was later traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2020. In 2021, following a buyout arrangement with Cleveland, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers for the remainder of the 2020–21 season.

Additionally, Drummond has had stints with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets. Known for his consistent presence among the league’s top rebounders, his official weight is listed at 279 pounds (127 kilograms).

9. Udoka Azubuike – 270 pounds (122 kilograms)

Udoka Timothy Azubuike, a Nigerian-American basketball pro, currently plays for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA on a two-way contract.

He previously competed in college basketball for the Kansas Jayhawks and was picked in the first round of the 2020 NBA draft by the Utah Jazz. His recorded weight is noted at 270 pounds (122 kilograms).

10. JaVale McGee – 270 pounds (122 kilograms)

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JaVale Lindy McGee, an American basketball pro, currently competes for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. He played collegiate basketball for the Nevada Wolf Pack and was chosen as the 18th overall pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2008 NBA draft.

McGee boasts three NBA championships, securing back-to-back titles with the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018, followed by a third championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.

His mother, Pamela McGee, an Olympic gold medalist, and JaVale himself earned a gold medal with the 2020 U.S. Olympic team. His documented weight stands at 270 pounds (122 kilograms).

11. Wendell Carter Jr. – 270 pounds (122 kilograms)

Wendell Andre Carter Jr. is an American basketball professional who currently plays for the Orlando Magic in the NBA. He competed in college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils. His recorded weight is documented at 270 pounds (122 kilograms).

12. Steven Adams – 265 pounds (120 kilograms)

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Steven Funaki Adams is a New Zealand-born basketball pro who currently represents the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA.

Following a season with the Wellington Saints in 2011, Adams relocated to the United States in 2012 to pursue college basketball at Pittsburgh. His officially recorded weight stands at 265 pounds (120 kilograms).

13. DeAndre Jordan – 265 pounds (120 kilograms)

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Hyland DeAndre Jordan Jr. is an American basketball professional who currently plays for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA. Jordan has earned recognition as a three-time All-NBA and two-time NBA All-Defensive Team member, twice topping the league in rebounding. He secured his first NBA All-Star selection in 2017.

As of July 2023, Jordan holds the NBA’s record for the highest career field goal percentage at 67.5%. He also holds franchise records for the Clippers in games played, rebounds, and blocks. His documented weight is listed at 265 pounds (120 kilograms).

14. Jonas Valančiūnas – 265 pounds (120 kilograms)

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Jonas Valančiūnas is a professional basketball athlete from Lithuania, currently affiliated with the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. The Toronto Raptors picked him as the fifth overall selection in the 2011 NBA draft.

He was later traded to the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2019 trade deadline. In the 2021 offseason, he was involved in a trade that led him to join the New Orleans-based New Orleans Pelicans. His documented weight is recorded at 265 pounds (120 kilograms).

15. Derrick Favors – 265 pounds (120 kilograms)

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Derrick Bernard Favors is an American basketball professional associated with the Windy City Bulls in the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets for a single season before being chosen by the New Jersey Nets as the third overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft.

Following one season with the Nets, Favors was traded to the Utah-based Utah Jazz in 2011, where he remained for eight seasons. In the 2019 offseason, he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. After a year with the Pelicans, he returned to the Utah Jazz for the 2020–2021 season.

During his second tenure with the Utah Jazz, Favors reached the milestone of becoming the franchise’s 10th all-time leading scorer, surpassing Mehmet Okur. His recorded weight is listed at 265 pounds (120 kilograms).

16. Day’Ron Sharpe – 265 pounds (120 kilograms)

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Day’Ron Yusha Sharpe is an American basketball professional who currently competes for the Brooklyn Nets in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

He participated in college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels. His documented weight stands at 265 pounds (120 kilograms).

17. Naz Reid – 264 pounds (120 kilograms)

Nazreon Hilton Reid is an American basketball professional who currently plays for the Minnesota-based Minnesota Timberwolves in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

He competed in college basketball for the LSU Tigers. His officially recorded weight stands at 264 pounds (120 kilograms).

18. Nikola Vučević – 260 pounds (118 kilograms)

Nikola Vučević is a Montenegrin basketball professional affiliated with the Chicago-based Chicago Bulls in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Before his NBA career, he competed in college basketball for the USC Trojans and was selected as the 16th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. His listed weight is officially recorded at 260 pounds (118 kilograms).

19. Rudy Gobert – 258 pounds (117 kilograms)

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Rudy Gobert-Bourgarel is a French basketball professional currently playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

He previously showcased his skills for the Utah Jazz after they acquired him during the 2013 NBA draft. Gobert also represents the French national team in international competitions. Standing tall at 7 feet 1 inch (2.16 meters) and possessing an impressive wingspan of 7 feet 9 inches (2.36 meters), he predominantly operates as a centre.

Known for his exceptional ability to protect the rim, he is regarded as one of the NBA’s top defenders in that aspect. His listed weight is officially recorded at 258 pounds (117 kilograms).

20. Clint Capela – 256 pounds (116 kilograms)

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Clint N’Dumba Capela is a Swiss basketball professional competing for the Atlanta Hawks in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He holds the distinction of being the top-earning team athlete in Switzerland‘s history. His officially recorded weight stands at 256 pounds (116 kilograms).

21. Bam Adebayo – 255 pounds (116 kilograms)

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Bam Adebayo is an American basketball professional representing the Miami Heat in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Before his NBA career, he played collegiate basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats and was chosen by the Heat as the 14th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft.

He boasts two NBA All-Star selections, has been honoured four times on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, and played a key role in guiding the Heat to the NBA Finals in both 2020 and 2023. His recorded weight is officially listed at 255 pounds (116 kilograms).

22. Bismack Biyombo – 255 pounds (116 kilograms)

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Bismack Biyombo Sumba is a professional basketball player from Congo, currently affiliated with the Memphis Grizzlies in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was chosen as the seventh overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings and later traded to the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets).

Biyombo has also had stints with the Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, and Phoenix Suns. His officially recorded weight stands at 255 pounds (116 kilograms), marking him as one of the heaviest players on the current NBA roster.

23. Mason Plumlee – 254 pounds (115 kilograms)

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Mason Alexander Plumlee, an American basketball athlete from Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States, competes for the Los Angeles Clippers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He specializes in playing both forward and centre positions.

Plumlee entered the NBA as the 22nd overall pick drafted by the Brooklyn Nets in 2013. Additionally, he represented the United States national team and played a role in their gold medal triumph at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. His officially documented weight is recorded at 254 pounds (115 kilograms).

24. Tristan Thompson – 254 pounds (115 kilograms)

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Tristan Trevor James Thompson is a Canadian-American basketball professional competing for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

He achieved an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016 and has also been part of the rosters for the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers. His officially recorded weight stands at 254 pounds (115 kilograms).

25. Anthony Davis – 253 pounds (115 kilograms)

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Anthony Marshon Davis Jr., known as “AD,” is an American basketball pro affiliated with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He previously showcased his skills for the New Orleans Pelicans and is versatile in playing both power forward and centre positions.

Davis boasts eight NBA All-Star selections, and four appearances in both All-NBA First Teams and NBA All-Defensive Teams. During his inaugural season with the Lakers, he clinched the 2020 NBA Finals victory.

His inclusion in the NBA 75th Anniversary Team occurred in 2021. Davis is widely acknowledged as one of the premier power forwards in basketball history. His officially recorded weight is listed at 253 pounds (115 kilograms).

26. Kevin Love – 251 pounds (114 kilograms)

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Kevin Wesley Love is a basketball professional from the United States who currently plays for the Miami Heat in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

He holds the distinction of being a five-time All-Star and a two-time member of the All-NBA Second Team. Love clinched an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.

Additionally, he was a part of the gold medal-winning United States national team at both the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the 2012 Summer Olympics. Love received the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 2011 and led the league in rebounding. His weight is officially listed at 251 pounds (114 kilograms).

27. LeBron James – 250 pounds (113 kilograms)

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LeBron James epitomizes greatness, consistently meeting and surpassing enormous expectations from his days in Akron, Ohio, starting from high school. Since his debut dribble in the NBA until the present, LeBron has consistently showcased exceptional talent and skill.

During his tenure with the Miami Heat from 2012 to 2013, James secured his first two NBA championships, earning league MVP and Finals MVP awards in both years.

A notable moment came in 2016 when he orchestrated a remarkable comeback against the Golden State Warriors, securing the Cavaliers’ first championship. This victory ended Cleveland’s enduring sports drought, overcoming a 3–1 deficit.

In 2018, James opted out of his contract with the Cavaliers and joined the Lakers, leading them to win the 2020 NBA championship, securing his fourth Finals MVP.

Now, with an overhauled Los Angeles Lakers team, LeBron James is poised to guide the young players towards another title in the 2023 season, presenting abundant opportunities for success once more. LeBron, the king, is listed at 250 pounds (113 kilograms).

28. Blake Griffin – 250 pounds (113 kilograms)

Blake Austin Griffin, an American basketball professional, previously played for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

During his college years at Oklahoma Sooners, he earned recognition as the consensus national college player of the year in his sophomore season.

Griffin was chosen as the top overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2009 NBA draft, achieving six NBA All-Star appearances and receiving All-NBA honours five times.

In January 2018, Griffin was traded to the Detroit Pistons and remained with them until 2021. He later joined the Brooklyn Nets in March 2021. Subsequently, in September 2022, Griffin signed with the Boston Celtics. As of 2023, he is currently a free agent. Blake is listed at a weight of 250 pounds (113 kilograms).

29. Deandre Ayton – 250 pounds (113 kilograms)

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Deandre Ayton, a professional basketball athlete from the Bahamas, currently plays for the Portland Trail Blazers in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Recognized as a consensus five-star prospect in the Class of 2017 and a McDonald’s All-American, he showcased his skills during one season of college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats. Ayton earned the distinction of being named the Pac-12 Player of the Year.

Selected as the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns, Ayton received recognition by being named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2019. Notably, in 2021, he was pivotal in guiding the Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1993. Ayton’s listed weight stands at 250 pounds (113 kilograms).

30. Gorgui Dieng – 248 pounds (112 kilograms)

Gorgui Sy Dieng is a Senegalese basketball professional who last competed for the San Antonio Spurs in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His weight is recorded at 248 pounds (112 kilograms).

Watching them lumber up and down the court is a sight to behold—like mammoth sequoias uprooted and set loose to roam free. Though carrying up to 300 pounds on Atlas-like frames, they move with improbable quickness and grace.

Dominant forces commanding the paint, their towering forms cast long, formidable shadows over the game. We may never see such a supreme convergence of size, skill and unstoppable power again. These behemoths leave behind gargantuan footprints for next-gen titans to attempt to fill.