The Toronto Raptors have done it again. They are about to tap the Euro market again and add some serious size to the team for next season. Bryan Colangelo and his staff announced today that they are on the verge of signing Ukrainian veterinarian, Leonid Stadnik, the world’s tallest living man according to the Guinness Book of Records.

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You think Rasho has presence in the middle? Well Leo, as he will soon be known, is 8′5 and has a sweet baby hook shot.

Leonid Stadnik’s phenomenal height has forced him to quit a job he loved and to stoop as he moves around his house. Makes sense that his next step in life is to join the NBA.

In 2006, Stadnik was officially measured at 8 feet 5 inches tall, surpassing a 7-foot-9-inch Chinese man to claim the title of the world’s tallest person.

His growth spurt began at age 14 after a brain operation that apparently stimulated the overproduction of growth hormone. Doctors say he has been growing ever since.

While his size is intimidating, Stadnik charms visitors with a broad grin and childlike laugh. He seems at times like a lonely boy trapped in a giant’s body, even keeping stuffed toys on his pillow.

Stadnik’s stature has brought attention, but he struggles to lead a normal life.

On Sunday, an organization for the disabled in his home village of Podolyantsi gave Stadnik a giant bike so he can ride to the grocery store in a nearby village.

The group also presented Stadnik with a fitness machine.

The Raptors training staff must love this, he is already getting into shape.

Since he quit his job, Stadnik has concentrated on managing the family garden and caring for his three cows, his horse and assorted pigs and chickens.

It won’t be long before he is taking care of the paint with blocks and rebounds and dominating the NBA like we have never seen.

Stadnik says his dream is winning a NBA title and having the money to buy a house that he can stand up in.

“I think the future holds that for me,” he said.

This of course is not true. The story about Leo is very true but the part about the Raptors is just for your enjoyment.

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