Best 6’8 NBA Players of All Time: The Greatest Stars at This Iconic Height
The NBA has seen many legendary players, but few heights have produced as much talent as 6’8. This height offers the perfect blend of size, athleticism, and versatility, allowing players to excel in multiple positions on the court.
From dominant scorers and elite defenders to exceptional playmakers and rebounders, 6’8 players have left an indelible mark on the game of basketball. This list celebrates the top 10 best 6’8 NBA players of all time, highlighting their incredible achievements, contributions to the sport, and the lasting legacies they have created.
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Table of Contents
#10: Rudy Gay (2006-2023)
Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
Height/Weight: 6’8″, 230 lbs
Teams: Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz
Rudy Gay was a consistent scorer and versatile forward throughout his NBA career. Known for his athleticism, scoring ability, and smooth shooting stroke, Gay played for several teams and was a reliable offensive threat. Over his career, he averaged 15+ points per game and hit clutch shots, making him a valuable player and a respected veteran.
Accolades:
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- Career Average: 15.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG
- Over 17,000 career points
#9: Buck Williams (1981-1998)
Position: Power Forward / Center
Height/Weight: 6’8″, 215 lbs
Teams: New Jersey Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, New York Knicks
Buck Williams was known for his relentless rebounding, tough defense, and durability. He was a three-time NBA All-Star and earned multiple All-Defensive Team selections. Williams averaged a double-double for much of his career, cementing his reputation as one of the best power forwards of his era.
Accolades:
- 3× NBA All-Star
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1982)
- 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team
#8: Kevin Love (2008-Present)
Position: Power Forward / Center
Height/Weight: 6’8″, 251 lbs
Teams: Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat
Kevin Love has been a dominant force in the NBA, known for his rebounding, three-point shooting, and basketball IQ. Love has been a five-time NBA All-Star and won a championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. His ability to stretch the floor and excel on the boards has been key throughout his career.
Accolades:
- NBA Champion (2016)
- 5× NBA All-Star
- Olympic Gold Medalist (2012)
#7: Paul George (2010-Present)
Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6’8″, 220 lbs
Teams: Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers
Paul George has established himself as one of the premier two-way players in the NBA. A multiple-time All-Star and All-NBA Team member, George is recognized for his scoring, defense, and versatility. He has consistently averaged over 20 points per game, excelling on both ends of the floor.
Accolades:
- 7× NBA All-Star
- 5× All-NBA Team selection
- NBA All-Defensive First Team (2014)
#6: Tracy McGrady (1997-2013)
Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’8″, 210 lbs
Teams: Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs
Tracy McGrady, known as T-Mac, was one of the most explosive scorers in NBA history. A seven-time NBA All-Star and two-time scoring champion, McGrady’s ability to score from anywhere made him a feared offensive player. His size, skill, and athleticism made him one of the most complete players of his time.
Accolades:
- 7× NBA All-Star
- 2× NBA Scoring Champion
- Hall of Fame (2017)
#5: Alex English (1976-1991)
Position: Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’8″, 190 lbs
Teams: Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks
Alex English was one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, becoming the first player to score 2,000 points in eight consecutive seasons. Primarily with the Denver Nuggets, English was an eight-time NBA All-Star and led the league in scoring in 1983. His smooth shooting and scoring consistency made him a standout player.
Accolades:
- 8× NBA All-Star
- 3× All-NBA Team selection
- NBA Scoring Champion (1983)
#4: Jayson Tatum (2017-Present)
Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
Height/Weight: 6’8″, 210 lbs
Teams: Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum has quickly established himself as one of the best players in the NBA. Known for his scoring, ball handling, and shooting, Tatum has led the Celtics to deep playoff runs and won an NBA Championship in 2024. His ability to play multiple positions and defend has made him a cornerstone player.
Accolades:
- NBA Champion (2024)
- 5× NBA All-Star
- All-NBA First Team (2022, 2023)
#3: Dominique Wilkins (1982-1999)
Position: Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’8″, 230 lbs
Teams: Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic
Dominique Wilkins, known as “The Human Highlight Film,” was one of the most electrifying players in NBA history. A nine-time NBA All-Star and one-time scoring champion, Wilkins was renowned for his high-flying dunks and scoring ability. He was a dominant scorer and an NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion twice.
Accolades:
- 9× NBA All-Star
- NBA Scoring Champion (1986)
- 2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion
#2: Scottie Pippen (1987-2004)
Position: Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’8″, 228 lbs
Teams: Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers
Scottie Pippen is widely regarded as one of the best two-way players in NBA history. As a key member of the Chicago Bulls dynasty, Pippen won six NBA championships and was known for his elite defense and playmaking ability. His versatility and ability to guard multiple positions made him a standout player during his career.
Accolades:
- 6× NBA Champion
- 7× NBA All-Star
- 10× NBA All-Defensive Team
#1: Julius Erving (1971-1987)
Position: Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’8″, 210 lbs
Teams: Virginia Squires (ABA), New York Nets (ABA/NBA), Philadelphia 76ers
Julius Erving, known as “Dr. J,” revolutionized the game of basketball with his athleticism, creativity, and spectacular plays. A true pioneer, Erving led the Philadelphia 76ers to an NBA Championship in 1983 and was named NBA MVP in 1981. His influence on the game extended beyond his scoring and highlight-reel dunks, helping to popularize modern basketball.
Accolades:
- NBA Champion (1983)
- NBA MVP (1981)
- 11× NBA All-Star
