Imagine walking down the street and feeling like you’ve been cursed by the gods, as strangers point and stare as if you’re a mythical giant. That’s the Tallest Curse of All for former NBA player Paul Mokeski, who stands at a towering 7 feet. A veteran of 12 seasons in the NBA, Mokeski often felt more like a sideshow than a player—especially when traveling to places like China, where his extraordinary height made him even more of a spectacle.
Life at 7 Feet: The Tallest Curse of All?
But while height might be a golden ticket in the NBA, life off the court tells a different story. In the real world, being a seven-footer isn’t always glamorous. There are fewer than 3,000 people in the world who reach this height, and for many like Mokeski, their size shapes their entire existence. “I don’t know any other way,” he chuckles, acknowledging the endless stares and awkward questions that come with being so visibly different.
One of the biggest misconceptions about being extremely tall is that it’s all perks—like better sightlines and easier access to top shelves. While those things may be true, NBA giants like Mokeski and Robert Parish know that with height comes a laundry list of inconveniences: doorways become obstacles, beds are too short, and finding clothes that fit is a never-ending battle. “And don’t even get me started on the shortage of tall women,” Parish jokes, only half-serious.
For Mokeski, the physical toll is perhaps the greatest drawback. After years of carrying 255 pounds on his 7-foot frame, his body is paying the price. Foot surgeries, a knee replacement, and a hip replacement are just the tip of the iceberg. “The human body is not made to be this tall,” he admits, noting that simple things like finding clothes or even a properly sized hip joint can be a nightmare.
Height doesn’t just affect a person physically—it affects their entire social existence. “How tall are you?” is the question that has haunted Mokeski for decades, asked by strangers everywhere from grocery stores to airplanes. Even in casual settings, like parties, he overhears people asking his wife about his height as if he’s invisible. “I’m not a mannequin!” Mokeski exclaims, reflecting on how often people treat him as more of a curiosity than a person.
While the physical and social challenges of being a giant are undeniable, Mokeski acknowledges that his height is what allowed him to play in the NBA and live an extraordinary life. “I wouldn’t trade it,” he says, reminiscing about his days in the league and the countless countries he’s visited as a player and coach. Still, he wonders if being a bit shorter might have landed him a head coaching job—something that seems to elude many former NBA centers.
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