Basketball players over 7’3″ tall often face significant injury risks due to the extreme demands placed on their bodies. Most recently, Victor Wembanyama discovered he a had a blood clot in his shoulder that may have been due to overuse. Blood cots can be career threatening, and most important life threatening. The San Anotino Spurs decided to shut him down for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
The Skinny(s) is that those skeletons of basketball players over 7’3″ struggle with the grind and Maul of an 82-game season. The primary talent is their size, but it is their biggest downfall in most cases.
Here’s a history of injuries for some of the tallest players in NBA history:
1. Yao Ming (7’6″)
- 2005-06: Toe surgery (missed 25 games)
- 2006-07: Fractured right tibia (missed 34 games)
- 2008-09: Foot fracture (missed playoffs)
- 2009-10: Multiple foot injuries (missed entire season)
- 2010-11: Ankle stress fracture (played 5 games before retiring)
- Retired in 2011 due to chronic foot injuries.
2. Gheorghe Mureșan (7’7″)
- 1997-98: Back injury (missed entire season)
- Multiple knee injuries limited his career
- Retired early due to health concerns.
3. Shawn Bradley (7’6″)
- Career-long knee and back issues
- 2000-01: Leg injury (missed significant time)
- Retired in 2005 due to declining athletic ability
- 2021: Paralyzed in a cycling accident
4. Rik Smits (7’4″)
- Chronic foot injuries plagued his career
- 1998-99: Missed games due to foot issues
- Retired in 2000 after persistent foot pain
5. Mark Eaton (7’4″)
- Knee injuries late in his career
- 1992-93: Missed season due to back and knee issues
- Retired in 1994 due to health problems
6. Zydrunas Ilgauskas (7’3″)
- 1996-97: Fractured foot
- 1998-2001: Repeated foot injuries (missed nearly two seasons)
- 2002-2010: Managed chronic foot pain but played effectively
7. Kristaps Porziņģis (7’3″) (Active Player)
- 2018: Torn ACL (missed over a year)
- 2020-21: Knee soreness and meniscus injury
- 2022-23: Multiple lower-body injuries, calf strain
- 2023-24: Calf strain, hamstring issue (missed games)
8. Boban Marjanović (7’4″) (Active Player)
- No major injuries, but limited playing time due to mobility concerns
9. Victor Wembanyama (7’4″) (Active Player)
- 2021-22: Stress fracture in fibula
- 2022-23: Managed foot and knee soreness
- 2024-25: Deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder
Key Takeaways:
- Foot and ankle injuries are the most common issue for players over 7’3″.
- Knee injuries are also frequent due to the stress of movement at such a height.
- Many retire early due to chronic pain and mobility issues.
With all of the data, Wemby could go on to have a great career with few debilitating injuries but I don’t know that I would take that bet.