NBA basketball is known for its high-flying action, incredible athleticism, and unforgettable moments. But beyond the buzzer beaters and championship parades, there are plenty of weird and wacky records that have been set over the years. Here’s a look at some of the most unusual feats in NBA history:
1. The Tallest and Shortest Players in NBA History
When it comes to height, NBA players tend to fall into two categories: really tall or kinda tall. However, there have been a few outliers throughout league history who stand head and shoulders above their peers (literally). The tallest player ever was Manute Bol, who stood an impressive 7 feet, 7 inches tall. On the other end of the spectrum, Muggsy Bogues was just 5 feet, 3 inches tall, making him one of the shortest players in NBA history.
2. Unusual Feats of Endurance and Strength
Some NBA players are known for their incredible strength and endurance. For example, Shaquille O’Neal once held his breath underwater for 9 minutes and 42 seconds! And Kobe Bryant famously played through injuries during his career, including breaking his nose multiple times without missing any games.
3. Bizarre Injuries and Incidents
There have been plenty of bizarre injuries and incidents in NBA history. One of the strangest occurred when Michael Jordan broke his foot while playing baseball during the offseason. Another time, Dwyane Wade missed a game because he accidentally swallowed a fly while sleeping on a plane. Yikes!
4. Oddball Coaches, Owners, and Fans
The NBA has had its fair share of oddball coaches, owners, and fans over the years. For instance, former Bulls coach Phil Jackson was known for his unique coaching style, which included incorporating meditation and yoga into team practices. And let’s not forget about the infamous “Benedict Arnold” fan who wore a paper bag over his head during a Knicks game after the team traded away his favorite player.
So there you have it – four fun facts about NBA basketball that will leave you scratching your head. From the tallest and shortest players in league history to bizarre injuries and incidents, there’s no denying that the NBA has seen its fair share of strange occurrences over the years.
