NBA’s Little Giants: Celebrating The Shortest Players In History
By Ankita Tripathy
08 November, 2023
Sports
Last Updated on: October 17th, 2024
When you think of the NBA, towering giants like Shaquille O’Neal or Wilt Chamberlain might come to mind. But basketball, as they say, is a game for everyone, and that includes the little giants who have left their mark on the court despite their shorter stature.
In this article, I am going to celebrate the shortest NBA players in history, showcasing their incredible skills and impact on the game. So, let’s dive into the world of these basketball dynamos and explore their extraordinary journeys in the NBA.
Keep on reading this blog till the end to learn more…
Who Are The Shortest NBA Players In History?
When you search on the internet for who is the shortest NBA player, the first name that you will come across is the name “Muggsy.” But he is not the only one!
While you might be thinking about a single player, I have decided to go the extra mile for you. In this article, I have jotted down all the names of the NBA players that fall on the shorter side of the spectrum.
So, scroll down to know the names and their heights…
1. Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues (5’3”)
Our list of little giants kicks off with the legendary Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues, who stood at just 5 feet 3 inches. He is THE shortest player in the NBA. Named Tyrone Curtis Bogues, Muggsy’s diminutive frame didn’t stop him from becoming a fan favorite and one of the best defensive point guards in NBA history.
He spent 14 seasons in the league, primarily with the Charlotte Hornets, and his lightning-fast speed and tenacity on the court made him a true inspiration for vertically challenged players.
2. Earl Boykins (5’5”)
Earl Boykins, at 5 feet 5 inches, is the second shortest player in NBA history. Despite his height, he had an impressive 13-year career in the league. Boykins was known for his scoring ability and lightning-quick crossovers. His diminutive size made him an underdog, but he consistently proved that heart and skill can overcome physical limitations.
3. Spud Webb (5’7”)
Spud Webb’s incredible vertical leap and dazzling dunks defied his 5 feet 7 inches height. Webb won the Slam Dunk Contest in 1986, stunning the basketball world with his aerial acrobatics. His career was a testament to the fact that size is just a number; it’s the heart and determination that truly matter in the game of basketball.
4. Keith Jennings (5’7”)
Keith Jennings, at 5 feet 7 inches, played in the NBA for a brief period with the Golden State Warriors. Despite his shorter stature, Jennings was known for his speed and ball-handling skills. He was an inspiration for many aspiring players, proving that determination and skill can open doors, regardless of height.
5. Chris Clemons (5’9”)
Standing at just 5 feet 9 inches, Chris Clemons is another shining example of a little giant who made it to the NBA. Clemons played for the Houston Rockets and quickly gained a reputation for his scoring prowess. Unfortunately, his promising career was temporarily derailed by an Achilles injury, but his determination and work ethic continue to inspire aspiring basketball players.
6. Nate Robinson (5’9”)
Nate Robinson, the three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, is a name that resonates with basketball fans. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, Robinson’s incredible athleticism and high-flying dunks made him a memorable figure in the league. His energy and enthusiasm on the court endeared him to fans and showcased the heights that can be reached, regardless of stature.
7. Calvin Murphy (5’9”)
Calvin Murphy, at 5 feet 9 inches, was a scoring machine during his career with the Houston Rockets. He averaged over 17 points per game and was a deadly free-throw shooter, ending his career with an impressive 89.2% free-throw percentage. Murphy’s ability to score in various ways made him an invaluable asset to his team.
8. Kay Felder (5’9”)
Kay Felder’s journey to the NBA is one of perseverance and determination. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, he was a second-round pick by the Atlanta Hawks in 2016. Although he faced challenges due to his size, his brief stints with several NBA teams showcased his skills as a playmaker and scorer. Felder’s story is a reminder that dreams can come true with hard work and unwavering belief.
9. Facundo Campazzo (5’10’’)
Playing for the Dallas Mavericks, Campazzo is the shortest NBA player right now. This thirty-one-year-old player is the point guard and hails from Argentina. If there is one thing that people know him for, it is his super flashy, yet highly elite ability of passing. Campazzo has 5.6 points on average. Pretty impressive for his stature, isn’t it?
10. Johnny O’Bryant III (6’4”)
While 6 feet 4 inches might not seem short in everyday life, in the world of the NBA, it’s on the shorter side. Johnny O’Bryant III defied the odds with his height and played as a forward in the league. His versatility and determination allowed him to carve out a niche for himself, demonstrating that being shorter in the NBA doesn’t necessarily mean being limited.
Wrapping It Up!
In the world of the NBA, height is often associated with success, but the little giants we’ve celebrated in this article shattered that stereotype. These remarkable athletes proved that talent, determination, and heart can overcome any physical limitations. Their stories continue to inspire not only basketball players but anyone chasing their dreams.
So, the next time you watch an NBA game, remember the little giants who left an indelible mark on the league, showing that it’s not about the size of the player but the size of their passion for the game.
In case you are searching for the shortest NBA player, it is Muggsy Bogues. But he is not the only one who is on the shorter side! If you were searching for something along those lines, I hope that this blog has been of help to you.
If there are any other queries related to the same, feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then leave your comments and suggestions in the box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you!
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