Defying the Odds: The Smallest NBA Players to Ever Hit the Court
When most people think of NBA athletes, towering heights come to mind. But basketball’s history proves that heart and skill can overcome any physical limitation. The league’s remarkable list of shorter players, led by Muggsy Bogues at 5’3”, inspires by challenging what’s possible. This comprehensive look spotlights the NBA’s shortest players—past and present—showcasing their journeys, highlights, and lasting impact on the game.
Jacob Gilyard: The NBA’s Shortest Active Player
No player currently active in the NBA stands shorter than Jacob Gilyard. The Brooklyn Nets guard measures just 5’8”, an astonishing contrast to behemoths like 7’4” Victor Wembanyama sharing the league. Gilyard’s path has been anything but conventional: after making his mark at the University of Richmond, he went undrafted in 2022 but caught the attention of the Memphis Grizzlies. There, he honed his craft with their G League affiliate before earning short-term spots on the Grizzlies’ main roster and, more recently, with the Brooklyn Nets. In his initial outings for Brooklyn, Gilyard contributed with playmaking, offering an average of 1.5 assists in 11 minutes per game, despite not yet scoring. His presence proves once again that determination and skill can bridge the gap where height cannot.
The Shortest NBA Players Competing Today
Among the hundreds of NBA athletes, only two currently come in below six feet: Jacob Gilyard (5’8”, Brooklyn Nets) and Isaiah Thomas (5’9”, Phoenix Suns). The next tier of smaller players, all standing at 6’0”, makes up an elite group who prove quickness and court vision are just as valuable as vertical reach.
| Player | Height | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Jacob Gilyard | 5’8” | Brooklyn Nets |
| Isaiah Thomas | 5’9” | Phoenix Suns |
| Jose Alvarado | 6’0” | New Orleans Pelicans |
| Mike Conley | 6’0” | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Aaron Holiday | 6’0” | Houston Rockets |
| Kyle Lowry | 6’0” | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Jordan McLaughlin | 6’0” | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Davion Mitchell | 6’0” | Sacramento Kings |
| Chris Paul | 6’0” | Golden State Warriors |
| Fred VanVleet | 6’0” | Houston Rockets |
Muggsy Bogues: The Shortest NBA Player Ever
When it comes to breaking height stereotypes in basketball, Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues is the league’s most iconic example. Standing only 5’3”, Bogues completed 14 seasons with nearly 900 games under his belt despite starting out alongside 7’7” Manute Bol in Washington. After a single season with the Bullets, Bogues became the heartbeat of the expansion Charlotte Hornets, dazzling fans with his blazing speed and court awareness. From leading the Hornets in assists to racking up steals and even the occasional blocked shot—most notably a famous rejection of 7-foot Patrick Ewing—Bogues continuously proved that what he lacked in height he made up in tenacity and basketball IQ. His #14 jersey was retired by Wake Forest University in recognition of his outstanding collegiate career.
The Top 10 Shortest Players in NBA History
Muggsy Bogues sits alone as the NBA’s shortest player ever, but he’s far from the only undersized athlete to leave a mark on the league. Here are the ten shortest NBA players to ever play in regular-season or playoff contests:
| Player | Height | Active Years |
|---|---|---|
| Muggsy Bogues | 5’3” | 1987-2001 |
| Earl Boykins | 5’5” | 1999-2012 |
| Spud Webb | 5’6” | 1985–1998 |
| Mel Hirsch | 5’6” | 1946–1947 |
| Greg Grant | 5’7” | 1989–1996 |
| Kieth Jennings | 5’7” | 1992–1995 |
| Red Klotz | 5’7” | 1947–1948 |
| Wat Misaka | 5’7” | 1947–1948 |
| Markquis Nowell | 5’7” | 2023–2024 |
| Monte Towe | 5’7” | 1976–1977 |
What Sets the Shortest Players Apart? Key Insights and Trends
A closer look at the careers of the NBA’s shortest players reveals some fascinating trends and realities in a game dominated by height:
Smaller Athletes Score Fewer Points on Average
Historically, shorter players have found it harder to score compared to their taller peers. Among the 25 shortest in NBA history, just a handful have averaged double-digit points for their careers. Calvin Murphy and Isaiah Thomas are unique standouts—both, despite being just 5’9”, have put up 20 or more points per game in multiple seasons. The physical challenge of shooting over much taller defenders impacts not just scoring opportunities, but also accuracy, as most undersized veteran guards rarely surpassed a 50% field-goal average.
Yes, Short Players Can Dunk!
It’s not all about disadvantage, though—several NBA high-flyers shatter the “too small to dunk” myth. Spud Webb, standing 5’6”, famously won the 1986 NBA Dunk Contest, out-leaping competitors at least half a foot taller. Nate Robinson, at 5’9”, is the only player with three Dunk Contest trophies. Even smaller players like Chris Paul, JJ Barea, and Allen Iverson have landed highlight dunks. Muggsy Bogues insisted he was able to dunk in high school and college, even if no video evidence exists from his NBA days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Short NBA Players
What Is a “Short” Height in the NBA?
With most rosters featuring athletes well over 6’2”, any NBA player below that mark is generally considered “short” for the league. For context, the average adult male in the United States is 5’9”—barely taller than the NBA’s shortest current player and, interestingly, a full four inches shorter than the average height of a WNBA player.
Who Is the Greatest NBA Player Under Six Feet?
Calvin Murphy, a Hall of Fame guard for the Houston Rockets, is widely recognized as the best NBA player under 6 feet tall. At just 5’9”, Murphy scored more than 17,000 points in his storied career—an achievement unmatched by today’s sub-six-foot competitors. Currently, neither Jacob Gilyard nor Isaiah Thomas has consistently played meaningful minutes in recent seasons.
Are NBA Players Getting Shorter Over Time?
Not substantially. Since the early 1950s, the average height of NBA players has climbed from 6’4” to around 6’6.5” today. The league’s tallest period was the 1980s, peaking slightly above today’s average; however, projections show no signs of a significant decline, especially with exceptionally tall rookies like Victor Wembanyama entering the league.
Is There Any NBA Player Listed at 5’11”?
There are currently no players officially listed at 5’11”. The shortest are at 5’8” and 5’9”, with several at the 6’0” mark. Some believe certain NBA players may round their listed height up to avoid the “small” label—Chris Paul, for instance, is suspected by many fans to be slightly shorter than his official 6’0”.
How Many 6-Foot Players Are in the NBA?
There are eight athletes currently recorded as 6’0” tall, including Jose Alvarado, Mike Conley, Aaron Holiday, Kyle Lowry, Jordan McLaughlin, Davion Mitchell, Chris Paul, and Fred VanVleet.
Could Muggsy Bogues Dunk?
Muggsy Bogues always maintained he could dunk—claiming he did so in high school and college. There is, however, no confirmed footage or record of him dunking in an official NBA game.
Conclusion: Short Height, Tall Achievements
The story of the NBA’s smallest players is one of unwavering determination, unique skillsets, and the will to succeed in a sport built for giants. Whether it’s Muggsy Bogues rewriting expectations, Spud Webb flying high above the rim, or Jacob Gilyard making his mark today, these players show that size may matter on the stat sheet—but not in the heart of the game.
