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It is really scary when an NBA player combines unheard of height and unparalleled wingspan. And when Boston Celtics center Tacko Fall combine measurements came in at an incredible 7ft 5 inches tall with an even more exceptional wingspan of 8’2.25″, we all realized he stands out in the crowd. Even amongst other prospects at the NBA Draft Combine.
And nothing demonstrates that better than All-Star Kemba Walker, with his trademark enthusiasm, attempting to high-five Fall but ‘falling’ well short of the big man’s outstretched arm.
Fan Favorite Tacko Fall Wingspan
Born and raised in Dakar, Senegal, Fall moved to the United States at age 16 to better pursue his dream of playing professional basketball. A rarity amongst other recruits, he played all four college basketball seasons for the UCF Knights as an All-AAC performer but went undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft. And later signed as an undrafted free agent with the Boston Celtics.
So when last year in the G League, Fall averaged a double-double (nearly 13 points and 11 rebounds per game) for the Red Claws, it came as no surprise to many that he would earn a call up to the Celtics. Fall had already earned All-Defensive NBA G League honors with nearly three blocks per game and was rounding out his game nicely.
Not only is he an imposing defensive player and rebounder, but Fall can keep offensive players away from the basket thanks to his prodigious wingspan. While also putting away some easy second-chance scores over players that are inches shorter.
Can Tacko Fall dunk without jumping?
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If he were standing up straight, Fall’s wingspan would measure 8 feet 4 inches, and his standing reach would be 10 feet 2 inches. His height in shoes (size 22) might even give him a few extra inches. So Fall could easily dunk standing on his tiptoes.
But his measurements are so impressive that it’s easy to forget he’s still a work in progress on the court. Fall is one of the more intriguing developmental players in the NBA. As the league defensive geniuses look to match up against Kevin Durant’s wingspan or Lebron James’ athleticism.
Why is he not a starter
Fall is a raw but promising prospect with the physical tools to be an impact player in the NBA, and he could use his athleticism to make up for lack of experience. Because drills, scrimmages, and systems don’t make a Professional Basketball Player. But that wingspan could help teams grab a win in crunch time with his versatility at both ends.
Before his viral moment, he was a known prospect already because of his massive wingspan and height and his senior season performance controlling Duke’s Zion Williamson vertical in the NCAA tournament. Fall mostly held his own against the eventual #1 overall draft selection.
Off the court
If being one of the tallest players in the NBA doesn’t work out, Fall’s got nothing to worry about. He learned English in just eight months, carried a 4.0 GPA in high school, and scored in the 95th percentile on the SATs. And he capped off his college career with a computer science degree from Central Florida. Big shoes and tuxedo to fill indeed!