After retiring from basketball, Mureșan returned to the United States and devoted himself to training the next generation of players by opening a basketball academy.(Image Source: X.com/@dilimanac)
At 2.31 meters, or 7 feet 7 inches, tall, Gheorghe Mureșan still stands as the tallest player to have ever stepped onto an NBA floor.
Born in Romania, his path into professional basketball was paved with immense talent and the complications that came with his rare physical build. His career, though hampered by injuries, left an indelible mark on both the sport and popular culture.
The NBA adventure of Mureșan started in 1993 when the Washington Bullets (now Wizards), with the 30th overall pick, selected him.
He chose to wear the number 77 jersey, a nod to his spectacular height of 7 feet, 7 inches. Initially, the transition into the demanding pace of the NBA was tough; it took time for the giant center to adjust his game.
However, it was during the 1995-96 season when things really clicked for him. Not only did Mureșan become popular with fans, but he also managed to capture the NBA Most Improved Player (MIP) Award. Mureșan dominated this category and became the only player in the league's history to top the field-goal percentage for successive years, 1995-96 and 1996-97, with 58.4 percent and 60.4 percent, respectively.
This was to be the zenith of his performance and proved that he was more than just a novelty player.
But despite all his success, the tremendous physical strain placed on Mureșan's huge frame started to take a heavy toll. Persistent injuries severely limited his playing time, cutting short his tenure with Washington.
In 1999, he moved to the New Jersey Nets, but unfortunately, his physical troubles continued, restricting him in their uniform to just 31 games over two seasons.
Eventually, the wear and tear forced him to step away from the NBA. He concluded his playing career with a return to the French League with Élan Béarnais Pau-Orthez, helping them secure the 2001 championship.
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After retiring from basketball, Mureșan returned to the United States and devoted himself to training the next generation of players by opening a basketball academy.
His commitment to the sport is reflected in his family, where both sons, George and Victor, went on to play college basketball. Mureșan's memorable height also opened doors into Hollywood.
In 1998, he made his big-screen debut in the comedy-drama film My Giant, starring opposite Hollywood veteran Billy Crystal.
The following year, he had an appearance in the chart-topping rap song "My Name Is" by Eminem. More recently, fans could spot him in the 2023 drama Manodrome, ensuring the Romanian Giant keeps inspiring and entertaining long after his final NBA game.
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