The Top 10 Shortest Basketball Players of All-Time
The Top 10 Shortest Basketball Players of All-Time
By Edcel Panganiban December 15, 2023 00:47
Basketball, a sport known for its tall and towering players, has always celebrated those who can dominate the court with their height and athleticism. However, there have been remarkable exceptions to this trend - players who have defied the odds and left an indelible mark on the game despite their shorter stature. In this article, we present the top 10 shortest basketball players of all time, their achievements, and the impact they had on the sport.
1. Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues
Standing at only 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm), Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues is the shortest player in NBA history. Despite his height disadvantage, Bogues showcased exceptional talents on the court. He played as a point guard for various NBA teams, most notably the Charlotte Hornets. Known for his speed, agility, and incredible ball-handling skills, Bogues was a defensive force and a fan favorite.
2. Earl Boykins
At 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm), Earl Boykins proved that height is just a number. Boykins played as a point guard in the NBA for over a decade. He was known for his lightning-fast speed, agility, and incredible scoring ability. Boykins played for several teams, including the Denver Nuggets, where he had some memorable performances, leaving a lasting impact on fans and opponents alike.
3. Mel Hirsch
Mel Hirsch, standing at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm), played professional basketball in the 1940s. Despite his short stature, Hirsch was an accomplished player who showcased his skills in both the American Basketball League (ABL) and the National Basketball League (NBL). He was known for his exceptional shooting and scoring ability, earning him recognition as one of the best players of his time.
4. Keith "Mister" Jennings
Keith "Mister" Jennings, standing at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), played college basketball at East Tennessee State University. Although he went undrafted, Jennings played professionally in the European leagues and had a successful career. Known for his quickness, agility, and deadly three-point shooting, Jennings became a legend in European basketball and inspired many players around the world.
5. Calvin Murphy
Calvin Murphy, at 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm), played his entire career with the Houston Rockets in the NBA. Despite his height disadvantage, Murphy was a prolific scorer and a tenacious defender. He was known for his quickness, exceptional ball-handling skills, and ability to finish at the rim against much taller opponents. Murphy's impact on the game earned him a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
6. Damon Stoudamire
Damon Stoudamire, standing at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm), played as a point guard in the NBA for several teams, including the Toronto Raptors and the Portland Trail Blazers. He won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1996 and had an impressive career. Stoudamire was a talented scorer and playmaker, known for his speed, court vision, and leadership qualities.
7. Spud Webb
Spud Webb, at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), is best remembered for his electrifying performance in the 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, where he defeated his taller opponents and became an instant sensation. Webb played as a point guard for various NBA teams and was known for his incredible leaping ability, which allowed him to block shots and finish acrobatic dunks despite his height disadvantage.
8. Michael Adams
Michael Adams, standing at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm), played as a point guard in the NBA for several teams, including the Denver Nuggets. He is best known for his exceptional scoring ability, especially from beyond the arc. Adams holds the record for the most three-pointers made in a single season by a point guard. His on-court exploits and scoring prowess made him a memorable player in NBA history.
9. Michael "Mouse" McFadden
Michael "Mouse" McFadden, at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm), played college basketball for Georgia Tech and later had a successful career playing professionally in Europe. McFadden was known for his quickness, exceptional ball-handling skills, and ability to penetrate the defense. He proved that size doesn't define a player's abilities and inspired many aspiring basketball players around the world.
10. Earl Watson
Earl Watson, standing at 6 feet (183 cm), might be considered relatively taller compared to other players on this list, but he deserves recognition for his achievements. Watson had a successful career as a point guard in the NBA, playing for teams such as the Seattle SuperSonics and the Utah Jazz. Known for his leadership qualities, defensive skills, and ability to facilitate the offense, Watson made a significant impact on the game.
These top 10 shortest basketball players of all time have defied expectations and left a lasting impact on the sport. Despite their height disadvantages, they showcased exceptional skills, unmatched determination, and a passion for the game. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring basketball players around the world, proving that size is not the sole determinant of success in this beautiful game.