Pavel Podkolzin
Russian 7'5" center who played in the NBA.
Pavel Nikolaevitch Podkolzin (born 15 January 1985) is a Russian former professional basketball player who appeared in the NBA. Standing 2.26 m (7 ft 5 in), he played as a center and is remembered as one of the tallest players in NBA history.
Podkolzin began his basketball career in Russia’s second division with Lokomotiv Novosibirsk in 2001–02. In December 2001, he signed with Italy’s Metis Varese, where he played from 2002 to 2004. The Utah Jazz selected him in the 2004 NBA draft but immediately traded him to the Dallas Mavericks for a future first-round pick. He had been eligible for the 2003 draft but withdrew because of acromegaly, a pituitary disorder. Despite his size, shot-blocking, and strength making him a projected high pick, he was chosen late in the 2004 draft. In his first two Las Vegas Summer League games, he averaged 6.0 rebounds in 14.0 minutes. After appearing in only six games over two seasons, the Mavericks waived him on 5 August 2006. He then played in the Russian Super League for Khimki BC and again for Lokomotiv Novosibirsk during the 2006–07 season.
With the junior Russian national team, Podkolzin won a silver medal at the 2000 European Cadets Championship.
Quick Facts
- Height Ft
- 7
- Height In
- 5
- Weight Lb
- 305
- Birth Date
- 1985-01-15
- Birth Place
- Novosibirsk, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
- Nationality
- Russian
- Draft Year
- 2004
- Draft Round
- 1
- Draft Pick
- 21
- Draft Team
- Utah Jazz
- Career Start
- 2001
- Career End
- 2019
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Pavel Podkolzin began his basketball career in the Russian second division with Lokomotiv Novosibirsk during the 2001–02 season. In December 2001, he signed with Italy's Metis Varese, playing for them from 2002 to 2004. He was selected by the Utah Jazz in the 2004 NBA draft and promptly traded to the Dallas Mavericks for a future first-round pick in the 2005 NBA draft. He had been available for the previous year's draft but withdrew due to acromegaly, a pituitary disorder. Despite being considered a high draft pick because of his size, blocking ability, and strength, he was chosen late in the draft. Podkolzin averaged 6.0 rebounds in 14.0 minutes in his first two Las Vegas Summer League Revue games. On 5 August 2006, he was waived by the Mavericks after appearing briefly in just six games spanning two seasons. In 2006–07, he played in the Russian Super League for Khimki BC and former team Lokomotiv Novosibirsk.
Reader's Guide
Pavel Podkolzin's significance lies in his rare dual-sport career at a professional level, bridging basketball and football. As a 7'5" center, he was a notable NBA prospect despite his late draft selection and limited playing time—only six games over two seasons with the Dallas Mavericks. His acromegaly diagnosis, which caused his exceptional height, also contributed to his withdrawal from the 2003 draft. After his basketball career, Podkolzin transitioned to football, making his professional debut on 19 August 2025 for Amkal Moscow in the Russian Cup, where he played 19 minutes and became the tallest player in Russian football history. His legacy is that of an athlete who leveraged his extraordinary stature across two sports, though his NBA impact was minimal. His football debut, at age 40, underscores his persistence and adaptability, marking him as a unique figure in sports history.
Did You Know?
- He withdrew from the 2003 NBA draft due to acromegaly, a pituitary disorder.
- He played only six NBA games over two seasons before being waived on 5 August 2006.
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