Who Is The Shortest Player In The NBA?
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Do you know who the shortest player in the NBA is? If not, you’re about to find out! Keep reading to learn all about the shortest player in the NBA, and how they measure up against their taller counterparts.
Introduction
In the sport of basketball, height can be a major advantage. Players who are taller often have an easier time shooting over shorter defenders, and they also have a longer wingspan, which can make it more difficult for opponents to shoot over them. Because of this, many of the best players in the NBA tend to be tall.
But there are always exceptions to the rule. Every now and then, a shorter player will come along and prove that height isn’t everything. These players have to work harder than their taller counterparts, but they often make up for their lack of height with exceptional shooting ability, quickness, and toughness.
So who is the shortest player in the NBA? That would be Tyler Ulis of the Phoenix Suns, who is just 5’9” tall. Despite his small stature, Ulis has become one of the Suns’ best players, and he’s proved that size isn’t everything in the sport of basketball.
Shortest NBA Players by Height
Measuring in at five feet, nine inches, Isaiah Thomas is the shortest player in the NBA. Despite his lack of height, Thomas is one of the best scorers in the league, averaging over 28 points per game. He’s not the only short player in the NBA though. Let’s take a look at the other shortest players in the league.
Muggsy Bogues
Muggsy Bogues, who was born Tyrone Curtis Bogues, is a retired American professional basketball player. The shortest player ever to play in the NBA, Bogues stood just 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m) tall. He is also credited as one of the best point guards in NBA history, despite his relatively short stature for that position.
Earl Boykins
Earl Boykins is a retired American professional basketball player. He was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the 1999 NBA draft. He played college basketball for Eastern Michigan University. Standing at 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m), he is one of the shortest players in NBA history, and is tied with Calvin Murphy as the shortest player to ever play in the NBA Finals.
Spud Webb
In 1986, Spud Webb had one of the most memorable performances in NBA Slam Dunk Contest history. The 5’7” guard won the contest by jumping over 6’7” forward Larry Nance and completing a windmill dunk. Webb is one of only five players shorter than 6 feet to win the contest.
Webb was born in Dallas, Texas and played college basketball at Midland Junior College before being drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the 4th round of the 1985 NBA Draft. He played 12 seasons in the NBA for the Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Orlando Magic. He averaged 9.9 points per game and 5.3 assists per game during his career.
Since Webb’s retirement from basketball in 1997, there have been only two players shorter than 6 feet to play in an NBA game: Earl Boykins (5’5”) and Muggsy Bogues (5’3”).
Other Notable Short NBA Players
There have been many great NBA players who have been shorter than average. Some of these players have used their smaller size to their advantage, becoming some of the best players in the league. Here are some of the notable short players in the NBA.
Isaiah Thomas
Isaiah Thomas is an American professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He stands at 5’9″, making him one of the shortest active players in the NBA. Nevertheless, he has had a successful career, being named an All-Star and All-NBA player.
Calvin Murphy
At just 5’9”, Calvin Murphy is one of the shortest players in NBA history. Despite his lack of height, Murphy was an excellent player, earning All-Star honors three times and becoming one of the league’s top scorers. He also set a number of NBA records, including most points in a game by a player under 6 feet tall (57).
Other notable short NBA players include Spud Webb (5’7”), Earl Boykins (5’5”), and Muggsy Bogues (5’3”). While they may not be the tallest players on the court, these talented athletes have proven that size isn’t everything.
Allen Iverson
At just 6’0”, Allen Iverson is one of the shortest players to ever play in the NBA. He was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1996 and quickly became one of the most popular players in the league. Iverson was known for his quickness and scoring ability, and he was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1997. He was also a four-time NBA All-Star and won the league MVP award in 2001.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the shortest player in the NBA is Isaiah Thomas of the Boston Celtics. At 5’9”, he is not only the shortest player in the NBA, but also one of the shortest professional basketball players in history. Although he is not the tallest player on his team, he has proved time and time again that height is not a factor when it comes to success on the court.
