The Shortest Basketball Players in NBA History

When you think of basketball, you might imagine towering giants dominating the court. But what about the shortest basketball player to ever grace the NBA hardwood? These pint-sized powerhouses have not only defied expectations but have also left an indelible mark on the sport.

From Muggsy Bogues to Spud Webb, these vertically challenged athletes have proven that heart, skill, and determination can overcome any height disadvantage.

Today, I’m paying homage to those pint-sized kings of the courts talking about the fascinating world of the NBA’s shortest players, exploring their careers, the challenges they faced, and the lasting impact they’ve had on the game.

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Top 5 shortest NBA players in History

1. Muggsy Bogues (5’3″)

Starting the list, of course, I had to go with the most important shorty in NBA history. One of the main reasons I believe every kid growing up in the 90s had a soft spot for the Charlotte Hornets, the one, the only, Muggsy Bogues.

Standing at a mere 5’3″, Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues holds the record as the shortest basketball player in the NBA. Despite his stature, Bogues enjoyed a 14-year career in the league, proving that size isn’t everything. His lightning-quick speed, exceptional ball-handling skills, and defensive tenacity made him a formidable opponent on the court.

Bogues’ impact extended beyond his achievements. He inspired a generation of shorter players to pursue their basketball dreams, showing that anyone could compete at the highest level with the right skills and mindset. His ability to navigate through forests of towering defenders and dish out assists with pinpoint accuracy revolutionized the point guard position.

2. Earl Boykins (5’5″)

At 5’5″, Earl Boykins is the second-shortest player in NBA history. What he lacked in height, he more than made up for in scoring ability and tenacity. Boykins bounced around the league, playing for ten teams over a 13-year career.

His impact was most felt as a spark plug off the bench. Boykins had the uncanny ability to enter a game and immediately change its tempo with his speed and scoring prowess. He once dropped 32 points against the Detroit Pistons, setting a record (at the time) for the most points scored in a game by a player under 6 feet tall.

3. Spud Webb (5’7″)

Anthony “Spud” Webb might be best known for winning the 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, but his impact on the game goes far beyond that single event. At 5’7″, Webb was a dynamic player who used his incredible leaping ability to compete with much taller opponents.

Webb’s dunk contest victory was a watershed moment, proving that shorter players could not only compete but excel in aspects of the game traditionally dominated by taller athletes. His success opened doors for other undersized players and changed perceptions about what was possible on the basketball court.

4. Nate Robinson (5’9″)

My personal favorite on the list, a bonafide New York Knicks legend and OG of making poster dunks a thing for short kings in the league, give it up for Nate Robinson. While slightly taller than others on this list, Robinson deserves mention for his outsized impact on the game. The only three-time winner of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Robinson was a human highlight reel throughout his career.

Robinson’s fearless play and ability to take over games made him a fan favorite wherever he went. His 34-point performance in a triple-overtime playoff game for the Chicago Bulls in 2013 is the stuff of legend, showcasing how a shorter player could dominate even in high-stakes situations.

5. Calvin Murphy (5’9″)

Calvin Murphy might be the most accomplished player on this list. At 5’9″, he’s one of the shortest players ever inducted into the Naskith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Murphy’s scoring ability and free-throw shooting accuracy made him a standout player during his 13-year career with the San Diego/Houston Rockets.

Murphy’s impact on the game went beyond his height. He was a prolific scorer, excellent ball-handler, and tenacious defender. His success at the highest level of professional basketball paved the way for future generations of shorter players to be taken seriously in the NBA.

Who Is the Shortest NBA Player Right Now?

As of the 2023-2024 NBA betting season, the title of the shortest basketball player in the NBA belongs to Markquis Nowell, standing at 5’8″ (173 cm). Nowell, an undrafted rookie out of Kansas State, signed a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors in 2023.

While Nowell is just beginning his NBA journey, he’s already made waves in college basketball. He led Kansas State to the Elite Eight in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, showcasing his exceptional playmaking skills and proving that height isn’t a barrier to success in modern basketball.

Nowell’s presence in the league continues the tradition of shorter players making an impact at the sport’s highest level. His journey will be one to watch for fans and bettors alike, as he seeks to carve out his place in a league still dominated by much taller players.

How Tall Is the Shortest Basketball Player?

The shortest basketball player in NBA history remains Muggsy Bogues at 5’3″ (160 cm). Bogues’ height, or lack thereof, is truly remarkable when you consider the average height of an NBA player is around 6’6″ (198 cm).

To put this into perspective, Bogues often found himself defending players more than a foot taller than him. Yet, he managed not only to compete but excel, using his low center of gravity to his advantage on both offense and defense.

Bogues’ success at this height is a testament to his exceptional skills and determination. He proved that basketball is not just about how tall you are but how effectively you can use your unique attributes to contribute to your team’s success.

While it’s unlikely we’ll see a player shorter than Bogues in the NBA anytime soon, his career serves as an inspiration to shorter players everywhere. It shows that with the right combination of skill, determination, and heart, even the shortest players can make it to the pinnacle of professional basketball.

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