Manute Bol stands out among all other players regarding the longest arms in the NBA. Standing 7’7 tall and with an impressive wingspan of 8’6, Bol was one of the most intimidating forces on the court during his playing days.
Not only did Bol have an incredible height advantage over opponents, but he also had arms that were far longer than anyone else’s in the league at that time. This made it almost impossible for opponents to get around him and shoot successfully. He was a tremendous defensive blocker who could pick off passes and swat away shots before they even got close to the basket.
Top 5 Players With The Longest Wingspans In The NBA 2022:
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Rudy Gobert:
Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz is widely considered to have the longest wingspan in the current NBA. Standing at 7’1 and with a wingspan of 7’8.5, Gobert’s reach is unparalleled. It helps him defensively, as he can easily guard any player on the court and challenge shots effectively. His ability to alter shots has earned him two Defensive Player of the Year awards and four All-Defensive Team selections.
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Hassan Whiteside:
Hassan Whiteside of the Utah Jazz has one of the longest wingspans in the NBA. Whiteside already stands above most of his opponents at seven feet tall. He also has a wingspan that measures an astonishing 7 foot 7 inches. His long arms have been a major factor in his success on both ends of the court and give him one of the longest reaches in the league.
Whiteside’s size and strength allow him to not only physically dominate opponents but also make it difficult for them to score when they get close to the basket. The former Miami Heat star leads all players this season with 2.6 blocks per game, using his long wingspan to effectively swat away shots before they even reach their intended target.
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Mohamed Bamba:
Mohamed Bamba of the Orlando Magic stands tall at 7’0. However, his wingspan makes him one of the most impressive players in the NBA. At an astonishing 7’10 long, Mohamed Bamba has some of the most extended arms in the league, making him a force to be reckoned with on both offense and defense. His length allows him to protect shots and pass lanes comfortably while giving opposing players difficulty getting around him in close quarters.
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Boban Marjanovic:
Boban Marjanovic is one of the tallest players in the NBA, with a towering height of 7’3″. The LA Clippers center has an impressive wingspan of 7’8″, making him one of the longest-limbed players in professional basketball. Marjanovic’s incredible measurements make him a top contender for the most extended arms in the NBA.
The Serbian native was drafted by San Antonio Spurs in 2015 and made his debut with them during the 2016 season. Thanks to his size and wingspan, he quickly became known as an intimidating presence on the court.
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Joel Embiid:
Joel Embiid is a basketball star who plays center for the Philadelphia 76ers. Standing at 7’0 tall, he stands out among other players due to his extraordinary reach with an impressive wingspan of 7’6. With the most extended arms in the NBA, it’s no wonder why Joel Embiid has gained recognition as one of the most formidable centers in today’s game.
Embiid was drafted third overall by the 76ers back in 2014, and since then, he has made a name for himself in the league with several awards and recognitions under his belt. His impressive wingspan gives him a broader range on defense and makes it easier to finish shots over taller defenders.
Benefits Of Long Arms:
Long arms are an asset to any basketball player, providing them with a unique advantage during gameplay. Possessing long arms allows players to have a wider reach and better control of the ball when attempting shots or passing. Long arms also provide athletes with a heightened ability to block shots from opponents and snag rebounds.
On Defense:
The longer wingspan of those with long arms can benefit defense as it gives them greater range in their coverage area. This increased coverage area allows for more efficient rebounding, blocked shots, and steals on the defensive side of the court.
On Offense:
On offense having long arms can help by allowing players to pass over defenders and make accurate passes into tight spaces on the court. It also helps when shooting, as their larger reach makes it easier for them to get closer to the basket while still being guarded by an opposing player.
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Conclusion:
Manute Bol had the most extended arms in the NBA, measuring 8’6 inches. He stood at an impressive 7’7 feet tall and was one of the unique players ever to play in the NBA. His contribution to the game was immense, and his legacy lives on as one of the tallest players ever to have graced the court. Manute Bol’s long arms gave him a unique defense advantage and reminded him that size does not necessarily equate to success.
Clyde Jackson III is a basketball coach and the founder of GCBC Basketball, a basketball-related learning and informational website that focuses on helping young players develop their skills on and off the court. With over 15 years of coaching experience, Clyde has worked with players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to professionals.
