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10 NBA Players With Unbelievable Short Heights

In the world of basketball, height is often seen as an advantage on the court. If you're wondering who is the shortest NBA player, you might be surprised to learn that there have been several players throughout history who have made it to the big leagues despite being shorter than average. Continue reading to learn about it in detail.

Author:Gabriel Martinez
Reviewer:Daniel Clark
Jul 17, 2023
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30.3K Views
In the world of basketball, height is often seen as an advantage on the court. If you're wondering who is the shortest NBA player, you might be surprised to learn that there have been several playersthroughout history who have made it to the big leagues despite being shorter than average. Continue reading to learn about it in detail.

10 NBA Players With Unbelievable Short Heights

Basketball is a sportwhere height plays a significant role. The taller you are, the more advantage you have on the court. However, there are some NBA players who have proven that height is not the only factor in succeeding in the sport.
Here are the top 10 NBA players with unbelievable short heights.
Muggsy Bogues Throwing Basketball
Muggsy Bogues Throwing Basketball

Muggsy Bogues - 5'3"

Muggsy Bogues is widely known as the shortest player in NBA history, standing at just 5'3". Despite his height, he played for 14 seasons and was a valuable asset to his teams. Bogues had quick reflexes and was known for his defensive skills, stealing the ball from opponents many times.
Earl Boykins With The Basketball
Earl Boykins With The Basketball

Earl Boykins - 5'5"

Earl Boykins is another short NBA player, standing at 5'5". Despite his height, Boykins had a successful career, playing for 13 seasons in the league. He was quick on his feet and had excellent ball-handling skills, making him a valuable asset to his teams.
Spud Webb The Shortest Among All
Spud Webb The Shortest Among All

Spud Webb - 5'7"

Spud Webb is a former NBA player who stood at just 5'7". He is best known for winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1986, where he famously dunked over players much taller than him. Webb played for 12 seasons in the NBA and was a fan favorite due to his impressive dunks and quick moves on the court.
Isaiah Thomas Smiling
Isaiah Thomas Smiling

Isaiah Thomas - 5'9"

Isaiah Thomas, not to be confused with the former Detroit Pistons point guard of the same name, is a current NBA player standing at 5'9". He has played for multiple teams in his career, including the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. Thomas is known for his scoring ability and his fearless attitude on the court.

Tyler Ulis - 5'9"

Tyler Ulis in a jersey
Tyler Ulis in a jersey
Tyler Ulis is a former NBA player who stood at 5'9". He played for two seasons in the league before being waived by the Chicago Bulls in 2018. Despite his short height, Ulis had excellent ball-handling skills and was a talented playmaker on the court.
Kay Felder Face Closeup
Kay Felder Face Closeup

Kay Felder - 5'9"

Kay Felder is a former NBA player who stood at 5'9". He played for two seasons in the league, spending time with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons. Felder had impressive ball-handling skills and was known for his quickness on the court.
Mel Hirsch In Basketball Court
Mel Hirsch In Basketball Court

Mel Hirsch - 5'6"

Mel Hirsch was a former NBA player who stood at just 5'6". He played in the league during the 1940s and was known for his scoring ability despite his short height. Hirsch played for several teams during his career, including the Washington Capitols and the Boston Celtics.
Anthony "Spud" Lewis With The Basketball
Anthony "Spud" Lewis With The Basketball

Anthony "Spud" Lewis - 5'6"

Anthony "Spud" Lewis was a former NBA player who stood at 5'6". He played in the league during the 1940s and was known for his speed and ball-handling skills. Lewis played for several teams during his career, including the Chicago Stags and the Philadelphia Warriors.
Wataru Misaka In Young Age
Wataru Misaka In Young Age

Wataru Misaka - 5'7"

Wataru Misaka was a former NBA player who stood at 5'7". He was the first non-white player to be drafted by an NBA team and played for the New York Knicks during the 1947-1948 season. Misaka was known for his quickness and his ability to steal the ball from opponents, despite his short stature.
Michael Adams Playing Basketball
Michael Adams Playing Basketball

Michael Adams - 5'10"

Michael Adams is a former NBA player who stood at 5'10". While he may be taller than the other players on this list, he still falls on the shorter side for NBA players. Adams played for 11 seasons in the league and was known for his impressive shooting skills. He led the NBA in three-pointers made during the 1990-1991 season.
These 10 NBA players have proven that height is not the only factor in succeeding in basketball. Despite their short stature, they have been able to make an impact on the court and have successful careers in the league. But who is the shortest NBA player of all time?

Who Is The Shortest NBA Player?

Muggsy Bogues is widely known as the shortest NBA player in history, standing at just 5'3". He played for 14 seasons in the league and was a valuable asset to his teams due to his quick reflexes and defensive skills. However, there are some other players who come close to his height.
One of them is Earl Boykins, who stands at 5'5". He played for 13 seasons in the NBA and was known for his quickness and ball-handling skills. Another player who is close in height is Spud Webb, who is also 5'7". Webb played for 12 seasons in the league and won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1986.
While these players may be short compared to their counterparts, they have proven that height is not the only factor in succeeding in basketball. They have been able to make an impact on the court and have successful careers in the league.

The Advantages Of Being Short In Basketball

While height may be an advantage in basketball, being short can also have its benefits. Shorter players are typically quicker on their feet and have better agility than taller players. This makes them better at dribbling the ball and getting past defenders.
Shorter players also tend to have a lower center of gravity, which can make them more stable on the court. They are less likely to be pushed around by taller players and can hold their own in physical plays.
Another advantage of being short in basketball is that it forces players to develop other skills to compensate for their lack of height. This can include improving their shooting accuracy or developing better defensive skills.

The Challenges Of Being Short In Basketball

While being short in basketball may have its advantages, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Taller players have an easier time shooting over shorter players and can often out-rebound them.
Shorter players also tend to have a harder time defending taller players, particularly in the post. They may not have the height to block shots or the strength to hold their ground against larger players.
Overall, being short in basketball requires players to work harder and develop unique skills to succeed on the court. But as the 10 players on this list have proven, it is possible to have a successful career in the NBA even if you are not the tallest player on the court.

Top 10 Shortest Players In NBA History

Height Requirements In The NBA - Fair Or Discriminatory?

The NBA has long been known as a league where height plays a significant role. Players who are taller often have an advantage over their shorter counterparts, and teams often prioritize height when scouting and recruiting players. But is this emphasis on height fair or discriminatory?
On the one hand, height is a measurable factor that can impact a player's ability to play basketball at a high level. Taller players generally have longer wingspans and can reach higher, making them more effective at blocking shots, grabbing rebounds, and shooting over defenders. In this sense, it makes sense for teams to prioritize height when evaluating potential players.
However, some argue that this emphasis on height is unfair and discriminatory toward shorter players. Height is not a skill that can be learned or developed, and some players may be overlooked simply because they do not meet a certain height requirement. This can be especially problematic for underserved communities, where access to nutritionand healthcare may impact a player's growth and height.
Moreover, there have been numerous instances where shorter players have defied expectations and succeeded in the NBA. Players like Muggsy Bogues and Spud Webb, who stand at just 5'3" and 5'7" respectively, have had long and successful careers in the league despite their height. This suggests that height should not be the only factor that teams consider when evaluating players.

People Also Ask

Who Was The First Undersized Player To Make An Impact In The NBA?

One of the first undersized players to make an impact in the NBA was Calvin Murphy, who stood at just 5'9" and played for the Houston Rockets in the 1970s.

How Do NBA Teams Evaluate Undersized Players During The Draft Process?

NBA teams often look at a player's overall skill set and potential, as well as their physical attributes, when evaluating undersized players during the draft process.

How Has The Trend Towards Taller Players In The NBA Affected The Game?

The trend towards taller players in the NBA has led to a more physical and defensive game, with taller players dominating in areas such as rebounding and shot-blocking.

Conclusion

The 10 NBA players listed in this article have proven that height is not the only factor in succeeding in basketball. Despite their short stature, they have been able to make an impact on the court and have successful careers in the league.
While being short in basketball may have its challenges, it also has its advantages. Shorter players tend to be quicker and more agile, which can make them better at dribbling and getting past defenders.
So, who is the shortest NBA player of all time? That title belongs to Muggsy Bogues, who stood at just 5'3". But as the other players on this list have shown, being short in basketball is not a limitation, but rather an opportunity to develop unique skills and make an impact on the court.
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Gabriel Martinez

Gabriel Martinez

Author
Gabriel Martinez is a respected author at Tennessee Independent, renowned for his expertise in covering News and Sports topics. With a comprehensive understanding of current events and a knack for delivering accurate and engaging content, Gabriel provides readers with insightful analysis and compelling narratives. His dedication to factual accuracy and commitment to delivering authoritative content make him a trusted source for news and sports enthusiasts on Tennessee Independent.
Daniel Clark

Daniel Clark

Reviewer
Daniel Clark is an experienced author at Tennessee Independent, renowned for delivering insightful articles with a professional approach. With a focus on factual accuracy and authoritative insights, Daniel covers a wide range of topics, providing valuable information and engaging narratives. His expertise in areas such as performance, player profiles, and current events ensures that readers receive trustworthy and informative content. Daniel's commitment to delivering well-researched articles makes him a reliable source for expert perspectives on Tennessee Independent.
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