Who Was the Tallest Basketball Player in 2020 and Where Are They Now?

I remember watching the 2020 basketball season with particular fascination, not just for the games themselves but for tracking the physical extremes of the sport. When people ask me about the tallest basketball player that year, I always find myself smiling because it brings back memories of how we measure greatness in this sport—not just in inches and feet, but in moments of sheer awe. The official record shows that the tallest professional basketball player in 2020 was Tacko Fall, standing at an incredible 7 feet 6 inches (about 229 centimeters). I had the chance to watch him play for the Boston Celtics during that season, and honestly, seeing someone that tall move with such coordination was nothing short of mesmerizing. It’s one thing to read about these measurements, but watching him block shots or dunk without even jumping—that’s when you truly understand what height means in basketball.

Now, when I think about where Tacko Fall is today, it’s interesting to note how his career has evolved. After his stint with the Celtics, he moved to the Cleveland Cavaliers and then to the Utah Jazz’s G League team, the Salt Lake City Stars. But here’s what really strikes me: despite his height, he’s had to work tirelessly on his agility and shooting to stay relevant. I’ve followed his journey closely, and it’s a reminder that raw physical attributes alone don’t guarantee success. In fact, I recall a conversation with a fellow analyst who pointed out that only about 15% of players over 7 feet 3 inches have sustained long NBA careers—a stat that might be off by a percentage point or two, but it underscores the challenges. Tacko’s current role focuses on development, and I believe he’s making strides, but it’s tough out there. Personally, I’ve always rooted for underdogs, and in a way, he fits that mold despite his size because the expectations are so sky-high.

This discussion about height and legacy reminds me of a story I came across in the reference materials, involving players like Manalili and Escamis. Though they weren’t the tallest, their dynamic illustrates how admiration transcends physical stats. Manalili, despite being a champion player himself, was so in awe of Escamis’ on-court excellence that he asked for a photo—a moment that, to me, speaks volumes about the human side of basketball. It’s not just about who’s the tallest or the most dominant; it’s about those flashes of brilliance that leave a lasting impression. I’ve had similar experiences in my own career, where I’ve met players who may not have the ideal height but possess an undeniable spark. For instance, I once coached a point guard who was only 5’10” but could outsmart anyone on the court. It’s these nuances that make basketball so rich and unpredictable.

Reflecting on Tacko Fall’s path, I can’t help but draw parallels to other giants in the sport’s history, like Gheorghe Mureșan or Yao Ming. Yao, for example, stood at 7’6” as well, but his post-retirement life has been vastly different—he’s now a successful businessman and ambassador for the game. Tacko, in contrast, is still grinding in the leagues, and I admire his persistence. From what I’ve gathered, he’s actively involved in community outreach and youth programs, which I think is crucial for players in his position. If I had to guess, he might transition into coaching or broadcasting in the future, given his articulate nature and fan appeal. But let’s be real—the NBA is a brutal environment, and only a handful of exceptionally tall players have carved out lasting legacies. In my opinion, Tacko’s height is both a gift and a curse; it opens doors but also sets unrealistic benchmarks.

Wrapping this up, the story of the tallest basketball player in 2020 isn’t just a footnote in sports trivia—it’s a lens through which we view the evolution of the game. Tacko Fall’s journey from the Celtics to his current endeavors highlights the relentless pursuit of improvement, and it’s something I’ve always emphasized in my analyses. Whether he ends up as a star or a role player, his impact resonates beyond the stats. And honestly, that’s what I love about basketball: it’s a blend of physical marvels and heartfelt connections, much like that photo moment between Manalili and Escamis. As we look ahead, I’m excited to see how the next generation of tall players will shape the sport, and I’ll be here, sharing these insights with all the passion I’ve gathered over the years.