15 Strongest Specimens in the NBA

Who are the strongest players in the NBA?

Basketball is a game that requires speed, quickness, athleticism, intelligence and agility. It also requires strength.

It does not take long watching an NBA game to realize that players who have more of these qualities are the ones who dominate the game on both ends of the court. 

Overall strength can often help a player drive faster to the basket, fight harder for rebounds and be tougher on defense. It can also help players have longer careers and finish games at a higher level. 

In some cases, just being a physically strong player has helped to prolong careers and allow guys who don't have much other skill to stay in the league for a long time. 

This list will show some of the strongest players in the NBA today. I am sure there are more than 15 and some that I have forgotten. 

Please add them below and let's see how many we can get. 

Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

Height: 6'11"

Weight: 265

It is easy to see why there are so many teams getting in line to try to acquire Dwight Howard.

Howard is one of the top players in the league based on his defensive skills alone. When you account for his scoring and rebounding, he is dominant on both ends of the floor. 

His overall strength has helped him to become the Defensive Player of the Year the last three seasons. 

There is a good reason that he calls himself Superman.

Ben Wallace, Detroit Pistons

Height: 6'9"

Weight: 240

Perhaps he has lost a step as he is in his final season in the NBA, but Ben Wallace still ranks as one of the strongest players in the league.

Although he played the center position at 6'9", Wallace used his incredible strength to dominate his opponents and help his team to the 2004 NBA Championship.

He was also one of the most feared defenders in the league as he won the Defensive Player of the Year Award four times.

Andre Iguodala. Philadelphia 76ers

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 207

At his listed height and weight, Andre Iguodala is all muscle. 

Iguodala's overall strength helps him on both ends of the court, as he is not easily pushed around by his opponents. 

His ability to drive the paint and finish at the rim often shows his strength and ability, as he is a great dunker. 

Craig Smith, Portland Trail Blazers

Height: 6'7"

Weight: 265

Craig Smith does not get much playing time, but he makes the most of what he gets. 

Smith is not put into games for his offensive abilities, but to play hard down low, do the dirty work and abuse the opponent. 

By looking at Smith and watching him play it is easy to see why he is one of the strongest players in the NBA.

Andrew Bynum, Los Angeles Lakers

Height: 7'0"

Weight: 285

It was not always the case, but Andrew Bynum has done a lot to build his strength and toughness. 

After coming into the league right out of high school in 2005, Bynum has developed his play, having his best season this year. 

His improved strength is evident as he is averaging a double-double this season. He has raised his defensive numbers as well. 

LeBron James, Miami Heat

Height: 6'8"

Weight: 250

As arguably the strongest overall player in the NBA, LeBron James is doing it all this season. 

He consistently shows off how strong he is on both ends of the court. It is evident whether he is blocking shots or jumping over other players on the end of an alley-oop.

James is enjoying the best season of his career, and his strength may carry him to his third NBA Most Valuable Player Award. 

Miami Heat fans hope it takes him to the NBA Championship.

DeMarcus Cousins. Sacramento Kings

Height: 6'11" 

Weight: 270

DeMarcus Cousins is a big player and a load to handle in the paint.

Unfortunately for Cousins, he does not play in an offense that gets him the ball down low consistently. When he does get the ball it seems like defenders are bouncing off of him on his way to the basket. 

Cousins has a lot of strength, power and ability, but needs a team that will help him to develop it so that he can become a dominant player in the NBA.

Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 186

When Rajon Rondo is on the court, it is easy to forget that he is only 6'1". He does not play like a smaller point guard and his strength makes up for any lack of height. 

Rondo is the type of player who will never avoid contact and seems to take a beating in the paint every night. 

Rondo is not only one of the strongest point guards in the league, he is also one of the strongest overall. 

Metta World Peace, Los Angeles Lakers

Height: 6'7"

Weight: 260

Like Ben Wallace, Metta World Peace is a player who is one of the strongest but is approaching the end of his career. 

Still able to do the dirty work inside for the Los Angeles Lakers, World Peace has had a reputation as a tough guy throughout his career. His overall strength has a lot to do with that.

Throughout his career in the NBA, World Peace has become known as a tough defender. He won the Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2004.

David West, Indiana Pacers

Height: 6'9"

Weight: 240

David West has quietly put together a good career for the New Orleans Hornets and now with his new team, the Indiana Pacers. 

He has been a good addition to a young Pacer team and has used his strength as a good example of toughness for a developing team. 

West has also shown the ability to dominate offensively and is a two-time NBA All-Star.

Nate Robinson, Golden State Warriors

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 180

Nate Robinson is not the biggest player in the NBA, but pound-for-pound he is one of the strongest.

Robinson's strength has helped him to compete against bigger players and has helped him to be more athletic.

He is never shy about going to the rim against player a foot or more taller. 

Robinson's strength has shown up in other places as well as it was more than the kryptonite jersey that helped him to take out Superman in the NBA slam dunk contest. 

Paul Millsap, Utah Jazz

Height: 6'8"

Weight: 253 

On most nights, Paul Millsap is shorter than the front court players against whom he is playing. But that has not stopped him from putting up good numbers this season. 

Millsap has used his strength throughout his career as a solid rebounder. He has also improved his interior defense and scoring. 

In college, Millsap became the only player in NCAA history to lead the nation in rebounding three years in a row.

Millsap uses his strength to continue that high level of play by finishing his shots after getting bumped in the lane. 

Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers

Height: 6'10"

Weight: 251

Blake Griffin is a dunking machine. Without his great strength he would not be able to throw it down as hard as he does. 

Like most of the players on this list, Griffin is very difficult to guard in the post as he will wear down his defenders with both his power and athleticism.

He also shows his muscle rebounding the ball. His strength will help as he continues to develop his defensive skills.

Carlos Boozer, Chicago Bulls

Height: 6'9"

Weight: 266

Carlos Boozer is one of the most powerful players in the NBA, but he does not always use his strength to his advantage. 

During his time in Utah it seems like he used it more to hold down a seat behind the bench rather than on the court. 

Boozer has been able to stay on the court more with the Chicago Bulls but continues to waste his power on the defensive end. 

If Boozer were to use his strength to improve his defense, the Bulls would have the player they thought they were getting when he signed as a free agent in 2010.

Amar'e Stoudemire, New York Knicks

Height: 6'11"

Weight: 260

Amar'e Stoudemire has long been one of the strongest players in the league and he uses it well in the offensive paint.

Since coming into the league in 2002 and winning the rookie of the year award, Stoudemire has used his power to become a six-time All-Star. 

His power is evident on his power dunks and consistently blocked shots.