Top 10 Shortest NBA Basketball Players - Toptenz.net Toptenz.net Posted by Shell Harris on January 22, 2010 in Sports | 165,506 Views | 36 Responses When you think about basketball players, you probably think of a taller-than-average man who is strong, fast, and able to make a slam dunk with no problem. However, this isn’t always so. Even though the average height in basketball is about 6’7, there have been players and the past, and even in today’s world, that are much shorter than 6’7. Many of these players have been recognized not only for being short, but doing moves and plays that tall players can’t do. Most of these players are able run faster, quicker, and jump even higher than those who are tall. Below is a list of the 10 shortest basketball players to ever play the game. To put it easily, short men can jump! 10. Terrell Brandon – 5’11” After attending the University of Oregon, Terrell Brandon was picked 11th total in the 1991 NBA Draft.

The Cleveland Cavaliers drafted him onto their team and he played for six years as a point guard. He was picked to play in the NBA All-Star Game in both 1996 and 1997 and was called “The Best Point Guard in the NBA” in Sports Illustrated in 1997. The same year Brandon was given the NBA Sportsmanship Award. After playing on the Cavaliers, he decided to leave and play for the Milwaukee Bucks and was then traded to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Sadly, Brandon became highly susceptible to injuries and in 2002 he was placed on the injured list and never returned to playing on the court. 9. Damon “Mighty Mouse” Stoudamire – 5’10” Damon Stoudamire was first brought into the NBA scene by the Toronto Raptors. After being picked 7th overall in the 1995 NBA Draft, he was able to set his feet on the court and start his career. In 1995 and 1996, he was awarded the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, scoring an average 19 points per game, and has since allowed his career to flourish.

In February 1998, he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers and his stats didn’t stay as high as they were with the Grizzlies, and he was sadly usually benched during the 2001-2002 season. However, he was able to play a lot in the playoffs. Eventually his career took off again and he scored a franchise record of 54 points against the Hornets. After being traded again he went back to play for the Grizzlies in 2005 but tore his patellar tendon and had to miss the season. He was again traded off and settled a deal with the San Antonio Spurs in 2008. Today, Stoudamire is part of the coaching team for the Memphis Grizzlies. 8. Avery “Little General” Johnson – 5’10” Johnson, after graduating in 1988, wasn’t picked to go into the NBA Draft. After playing for the USBL Palm Beach Stingrays, Johnson was signed by the Seattle SuperSonics and played a total of 16 years within the NBA. He also played for teams including the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, and the Dallas Mavericks.

He is most popularly known for his seasons with the San Antonio Spurs. He is best known for his help in winning the 1999 NBA Championship against the New York Knicks after scoring a last shot in Game 5. The Spurs eventually retired Johnson’s number in 2007 and was most recently inducted into the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame on February 20, 2009. Besides being an NBA player, Johnson also coached the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA finals and now is basketball analyst for ESPN. 7. Michael Adams – 5’10” Michael Adams started his basketball career at Boston College and after a successful college career was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in the 3rd round of the 1985 NBA Draft. As a rookie he only scored about 2.2 a game but once he became part of the Denver Nuggets team his career became more successful. In 1990-1991, he averaged 26.5 points and 10.5 assists per game. After this season he went back to play for the Bullets and played his first NBA All-Star Game in 1992.

He then became known for his “push shot” and played a few more seasons. In 1996, while playing for the Charlotte Hornets, he retired, ending a career with 9,621 points and 4,209 assists total. 6. Calvin Murphy – 5’9” Calvin Murphy was a guard for the Houston Rockets during 1970-1983. At 5’9”, he has been able to accomplish plenty, despite his height. In totally he played 1,022 games and scored 17,949 points throughout his entire career. In 1971 he was part of the NBA All-Rookie Team, and in 1979 he was on the NBA All-Star Team. Through 1980-1981, he held the record for the second highest free throw percentage in a season. In 1980 he was also known for having the most NBA consecutive free throws made. In 1993 he was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame . Today, Murphy is actively involved with the Houston Rockets team. 5.

Nate Robinson – 5’9″ Nate Robinson plays for the New York Knicks. After having a very successful college career by leading the Washington Huskies to two NCAA basketball tournament appearances, he was the 21st pick in the 2005 NBA Draft. The Phoenix Suns picked him up but he was soon after traded to the New York Knicks. During the 2006 All-Star Weekend, Robinson won the Sprite Rising Stars Slam Dunk Contest. His best dunk was when he jumped over Spud Webb and got the perfect score of 50. Nate topped that performance at the 2009 Dunk Contest by leaping over the 2008 Dunk Contest winner, Dwight Howard (6’11”). 4. Wataru “Kilo Wat” Misaka – 5’7” Wataru Misaka is one of the very few well known Asian NBA players. Though he is now retired, he is well known as the first Asian player as well as the first non-Caucasian player to be part of the NBA, which was at the time known as the Basketball Association of America.

He was born in Utah and played basketball at the University of Utah where he was able to help take his team to the 1944 NCAA and the 1947 NIT championships. Even at just 5’7”, he was a valuable player and was the first round pick by the New York Knicks. Wataru had a very short career (1947-1948), and he was able to play only three games before being cut from the team. In 1999 he was inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame. 3. Anthony “Spud” Webb – 5’7″ Anthony Webb stands as the third shortest player to be part of the NBA. After attending Midland College and North Carolina State University, he was the 4th round draft pick by the Detroit Pistons in the 1985 Draft. In 1986, Webb entered the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, and despite being the shortest, had the highest jump of 42 inches and went on to win the contest. He spent most of his time with the Atlanta Hawks, playing six seasons with the team.

Statistically, Webb had his best seasons with the Sacramento Kings where he was a starter from 1992-1995. In 1998, Webb retired from basketball after playing just one season with the Orlando Magic. He played 814 games total and scored 8072 points throughout his entire career. 2. Earl Boykins– 5’5” Standing only 5’5”, Earl Boykins is the second smallest player to ever be in the NBA. Though second smallest, he stands as the lightest player ever, weighing in at only 133lbs. Even though he was never officially drafted by a team, he often signed short-term contracts with teams to play as the point guard. He spent most of his career with the Denver Nuggets. He is well known for his scoring techniques after he was able to score 32 points in a game on November 11, 2004. He also played for the L.A. Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Bobcats, and many others. Today, Boykins plays for the Washington Wizards. 1.

Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues – 5’3” Born and raised in Baltimore, MD, Tyrone Bogues is the shortest man to ever play in the NBA. Despite being only 5’3”, he used his height to his advantage by becoming known as a player who was a great passer, ball-stealer, and definitely one of the fastest on the court. His career was set in stone on June 22, 1988 when he was signed to play for the Charlotte Hornets during an expansion draft as a point guard. After settling in, he was able to play for the Hornets for 10 years and became one of the team’s most popular players. He was definitely seen as a play-off contender.

| Permalink i fall in love with basket ball during my primary school days but no court around me and there was no people to play the game with;i only saw two people playing it all through my high school days and it was one’s i met them in the court,after then i see them no more.now my problem is height because i have heard about basket ball player and their height but i am just 5″8″ft.i started basket ball this year,somebody tell me how can i meet up to play in any basket ball association i wish to,am 27 years?how can i improve faster?am trying my best compare with people i started with. | Permalink I had a twin brother that had his head chin level over the basket. His head was about 13 inches over the rim. He did this while playing against our dad in a basketball gym about 12 years ago. My brother grabbed the rebound and went straight back up. His head went 13 inches over the basket. He layed the ball in the hoop instead because his head was past the basket. It was the most amazing thing I ever saw because I SAW IT WITH MY OWN EYES.

This was a standing vertical because he did this without running first. This this when my twin brother was 16 years old at the time. Me and our our dad was amazed by it so we told him running vertical and he basically jumped 8 inches higher. His head was about 21 inches above the basket. Our dad measured his vertical afterward. At that time, my twin brother was 5’3 and had a standing reach of 6’10. HE COULD TOUCH 12’7 ON THE BACKboard while just standing first and he could touch 13’3 on the backboard while doing a running vertical. My twin brother standing vertical was 69 inches and his running vertical was 77 inches. I would had video taped it back when he did thi amazing thing, but our mom and dad did not own a video camera at that time. It sucks though because I want all of you people to see this amazing thing for yourself you people would be amazed by it as well. My twin brother is now 28 years old and is 5’8 now. It is very much possible to jump that high because my twin brother did it a while back while witnessing it and it was amazing to see.

We never videotaped him doing it his name is not on the very top of this chart plus we never told Guininess Book of World Records about it. I just had to tell yah that it is possible jump that high. My twin brothers Measurements as a 16 year old 12 years ago Standing vertical 69 inches | Permalink This list is horrible, to put Nate Robinson ahead of any of these players is outright stupidity. He sucks!!! All he can do is jump and that is it, he barely plays for crappy Knicks team. At least Webb had skills beyond dunking, including three straight seasons of 18+ points per game as a King not to mention he was a starter. Avery Johnson shouldn't even be on the list, and to not have Calvin Murphy #1 is slap in the face to the only guy on the list who is or will ever be in the Hall of Fame. (Bogues has an outside shot, but I doubt it) The list idea is great, but the order is and some of the players included are senseless.

The 10 Shortest Players in NBA History - Sports Management Degree Hub The 10 Shortest Players in NBA History Image Source Traditionally, basketball is a game for tall people. From 1985 to 2006, the average height of players in the NBA was roughly 6’7”, and the two most towering players in NBA history are Romania’s Gheorghe Muresan and Sudan’s Manute Bol, who both measure a staggering 7’7”. Still, the world is full of rule-breakers who challenge conventions. The following 10 basketball players are extraordinarily short by NBA standards, yet they refused to give up on their dreams. Even in the face of a significant disadvantage, they all went on to play professionally – and a few of them also became coaches after their playing days were over. These 10 stories are sure to motivate, energize and encourage us all to push the limits of what’s possible. Read on to find out about the 10 shortest players in NBA history. 10.

Charlie Criss – 5’8” Image Source Charlie Criss is not the only 5’8” powerhouse to have played in the NBA; Don “Dino” Martin and Willie Somerset both measured 5’8” as well. The road to the NBA was a long one for Criss. After graduating from New Mexico State University, he played in the Continental Basketball Association. But even though he was twice voted Most Valuable Player there, his ambition was always to move up into the NBA. In 1977, seven years after he left college, this dream came true thanks to pure determination and perseverance. The 28-year-old Criss became, in the words of Sports Illustrated, “the NBA’s smallest player and oldest rookie” when he joined the Atlanta Hawks as guard. His coach, Hubie Brown, said he chose Criss because of his speed and his ability to shoot and pass. “Charlie is dynamite,” said Brown. “When he gets on the court, things happen.” 9.

Keith “Mister” Jennings – 5’7” Image Source At 5’7”, NBA star Keith “Mister” Jennings could easily have considered his height a drawback – but he didn’t look at it that way. “I always felt that I played bigger than I was,” said Jennings in an interview with Collegehoopsnet.com. “I actually felt it was easier for me to play against bigger guys, because I played inside and did not mind trying to battle for a rebound.” Jennings graduated from East Tennessee State University in 1991. In 1992, he joined California’s Golden State Warriors as a point guard and played for them until 1995. He was also a member of teams in Germany, Spain, Turkey, Russia and France. After his playing career, Jennings went on to become a coach at various schools and colleges in Virginia and Tennessee. Currently, he is the assistant coach at Bluefield College in Bluefield, Virginia and was inducted into the East Tennessee State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013. 8.

Monte Towe – 5’7” Image Source Point guard Monte Towe may have been described as an underdog thanks to his 5’7” frame, but when he finally got his chance to play, he more than proved his worth. In 1972, Towe enrolled at North Carolina State University, and when he signed up to the NC State Wolfpack team, head coach Norm Sloan had deep misgivings. He thought Towe would be “eaten alive” – but he couldn’t have been more wrong, because Towe soon proved indispensable on the court. In 1974, he helped lead the team to a national championship win. Fellow player David Thompson said that Towe “brought that attitude, that fight, that never-say-die attitude” to the team. He sped past the competition as though they were standing still, and despite his height disadvantage, he was extremely confident. Towe was drafted into the Denver Nuggets and went on to play for them from 1976 to 1977. After his playing career, Towe became assistant coach at NC State.

He went on to enjoy an extensive coaching stint at a number of different colleges and is currently assistant coach at Middle Tennessee State University. In 2002, he was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. 7. Wataru “Wat” Misaka – 5’7” Image Source Measuring just 5’7”, Wataru “Wat” Misaka may have been small in stature, but as a youngster he suffered more prejudice and discrimination relating to his Japanese ancestry than due to his height. Born in Ogden, Utah, Misaka was still in high school at the start of WWII. When he finished high school, he attended the University of Utah and signed up to the Utah Utes, in which he helped lead his fellow players to the 1944 NCAA championship. He then left college to spend two years in the US Army, which included a stint in Japan. While there, he interviewed atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima. Misaka said the experience was like being in “a personal no-man’s land. No matter where I looked, I was a traitor in someone’s eyes.” When it came to basketball, however, he was an equal.

After his service in the Army, he returned to the University of Utah, and in 1947 his college basketball team won the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship. After college, Misaka played briefly as point guard for the New York Knicks between 1947 and 1948, becoming the first Asian-American (and first non-Caucasian) player to participate in the NBA, which was then known as the Basketball Association of America. In 1999, Misaka was inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame. 6. Louis “Red” Klotz – 5’7” Image Source Louis “Red” Klotz is remembered for his vibrant red hair and his slight 5’7” frame. Most famously, perhaps, Klotz put together the Washington Generals, who have competed in exhibition matches against the Harlem Globetrotters for more than 50 years. In 1947, Klotz joined the NBA’s Baltimore Bullets as a point guard. Five years later, he bought the American Basketball League’s Philadelphia Sphas and renamed them the Washington Generals.

In 1953, the Generals were asked to go on tour with the Harlem Globetrotters to regularly compete with them, and since then, Klotz’s team have become nothing short of legendary – if not for the reasons one might expect. The last time the Generals won a game against the Globetrotters was in 1971, and although they have lost over 13,000 games, Klotz always played for the win. In 1995, Klotz changed the name of the team to the New York Nationals to “change their luck,” though in 2007 it was reverted back to the Washington Generals. Klotz has been credited with “bringing out the best in the opponents.” Most importantly, he became an ambassador for basketball, spreading the love of the game across the world. 5. Greg Grant – 5’7” Image Source Like many of his vertically challenged NBA counterparts, 5’7” Greg Grant made up for his lack of height through sheer skill and energy.

Jim Lynam, manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, put it this way: “He’s a spark plug, a guy who can come off the bench and get the crowd involved and change the flow of it.” Drafted in 1989, Grant spent a year with the Phoenix Suns before signing with the New York Knicks as a free agent in 1990. In December 1991, he joined the Philadelphia 76ers as point guard, playing for them until 1993, before signing with the Orlando Magic in 1994. Describing his time with the 76ers, Grant said that Lynam gave him the chance he’d “always wanted” and that it was a boost to his confidence. After his career, Grant started running a sports academy in his hometown of Trenton, New Jersey. In 2009, he published 94 Feet and Rising: The Journey of Greg Grant to the NBA and Beyond, which details his unlikely route to the NBA. 4.

Anthony “Spud” Webb – 5’7” Image Source Like the previous five players on this list, Anthony “Spud” Webb is only 5’7” tall – but like those five other players, he didn’t let this get in the way of his professional basketball career. Astonishingly, the point guard played 814 games in the NBA, managing to average 9.9 points a game. He first garnered national attention thanks to his brilliant performance for the Midland College Chaparrals in the 1982 junior college championship, which resulted in a 93-88 win for Midland. In 1983, North Carolina State University (NCSU) offered Webb a scholarship, and he is remembered at NCSU as a “satellite who could practically leap into orbit.” In 1985, Webb signed with the Atlanta Hawks, and he went on to play with the Sacramento Kings, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Orlando Magic. Webb is well remembered for winning the 1986 NBA slam-dunk contest – the shortest player ever to do so. 3.

Melvin Hirsch – 5’6” Image Source Although not much is known about point guard Melvin “Mel” Hirsch, what is certain is that, at 5’6”, he is the third shortest player in the history of the NBA. Hirsch was born in New York in 1921, and in the early 1940s he attended Brooklyn College, NY, where he played on the basketball team. After a loss to Manhattan College in the last game of the 1941 season, The New York Times wrote, “If Brooklyn had two or three more Mel Hirschs, the outcome might have been different, for Hirsch… was all over the floor, sneaking in for rebounds and intercepting an occasional pass.” In 1946, Hirsch joined the Boston Celtics in the NBA – then still called the Basketball Association of America. Although the Celtics missed the playoffs, Hirsch played 13 games and scored 19 points for his team. Pictured above is Boston Garden, which was the home arena of the Celtics at the time when Hirsch was playing. 2.

Earl Boykins – 5’5” Image Source Earl Boykins started playing basketball when he was very young; in fact, he was so little that he had to learn to dribble with a tennis ball. Until he was three, he snuck into games in his father’s gym bag. Boykins is only 5’5” and weighs in at 133 pounds, yet according to his NBA bio he can bench press 315 pounds – nearly two and a half times his own weight. From 1994 to 1998, Boykins attended Eastern Michigan University, signing up with the Eagles basketball team, through which he became the second-leading scorer in the nation. The guard soon stood out for his uncanny court sense, his speed, his ball handling, and his shooting and passing skills. After college, he wasn’t drafted by an NBA team but still made his mark on the game through short-term contracts. In 2008, he even spent a season with Virtus Bologna in the Italian A League. But he was signed to the NBA’s Washington Wizards in 2009 and went on to play with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Houston Rockets in the following years. 1.

Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues – 5’3” Image Source Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues got his nickname from neighborhood players when he was growing up in Baltimore, Maryland. He was so good at defense that they claimed he was “mugging” them. At 5’3”, Bogues is the shortest player in the history of the NBA. He’s had to prove himself every single day and show the world that he can stand next to giants as an equal. “What drives him is when people say he can’t do something because he’s too short. He thinks to himself, ‘Oh yeah?’ He’s been that way all his life,” explains his wife, Kim. Bogues’ ex-teammate Larry Johnson said that the team fed “off his energy.” And Spud Webb remarked, “Muggsy is a spark on offense and a real pest on defense. There is no higher compliment.” Between 1983 and 1987, Bogues played basketball at Wake Forest University. After finishing college, he was drafted into the NBA and went on to play 14 seasons – most notably as guard for the Charlotte Hornets.

Currently, he is the head coach for the United Faith Christian Academy basketball team. Shortest Players in the NBA - SportingCharts.com Shortest Players in the NBA By Jason Buzzell on December 15, 2014 [Updated: March 03, 2015] Tweet Height in sports is often a commodity, but these few players at their respectful positions give that a whole new meaning. We`re talking about a couple guys who aren`t even close to 6 feet. That`s at least a 7-inch disadvantage with the average height between 6 feet, 6 or 7 inches. Let`s take a quick look at some of the shortest guys to hobble down the hardwood during their NBA careers. Shortest Player In NBA History Muggsy Bogues - Point Guard, 5 feet, 3 inches The beloved pint-sized passer and thief of the basketball lasted an astounding 13 seasons despite his 5 foot, 3 inch stature. Bogues started his career with the Washington Bullets as a 12th overall pick, playing alongside one of the tallest players in history , Manute Bol , in his rookie campaign.

Bogues was remembered for his days with the Charlotte Hornets where he amassed 5,525 points and 1,065 steals in nine years. The smallest player in NBA history also had 39 blocks in his lengthy career. Shortest Players By Position Nate Robinson - Guard, 5 feet, 9 inches At just 5 feet, 9 inches, Nate Robinson is an elite distributor of the ball. He averaged almost a steal per game and 3 assists from his rookie season in 2005. He`s also a three-time slam-dunk champion (2006, 2009 and 2010). The current Chicago Bull led the Washington Huskies to a Sweet 16 appearance during his collegiate days in 2005. He was originally on scholarship as a football player at Washington. Looks like he made a gutsy but correct choice to pursue basketball. He got his break after being drafted by the Phoenix Suns late in the first round. He would start his first game in the NBA with the New York Knicks .

DeJuan Wheat - Shooting Guard, 5 feet, 11 inches A short stint in the NBA followed a heralded college career for his hometown Louisville Cardinals where the diminutive shooting guard led the Cardinals to an Elite Eight appearance. The Los Angeles Lakers drafted Wheat but he began with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1997. Wheat played just 80 games in two seasons. His second coming with the Vancouver Grizzlies where he averaged just over 4 points per game. Wheat ended his career playing in Mexico and Canada for a variety of minor league teams. Fred Jones - Guard-Forward, 6 feet, 2 inches Fred Jones enjoyed an 8-year NBA career with stops in Indiana, Toronto, Portland, the New York Knicks and finally with the Los Angeles Clippers . A 14th pick overall of the Pacers in 2002, Jones peaked in 2004 averaging more than 10 points per game, including 87 trifectas in 77 games played. Jones bounced back with his former GM Isiah Thomas, but the next year he signed with the Clippers to close out his NBA days.

Byron Houston - Small Forward, 6 feet, 5 inches Being 6-5 might sound big for your community league team, but Byron Houston put new meaning to small forward. The Oklahoma State Cowboy was selected in the first round, 27th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 1992 draft. Houston struggled to find consistency, steadily declining in his short four-year career. His best season was his rookie campaign with the Golden State Warriors . Tyrone Nesby - Power Forward, 6 feet, 6 inches The UNLV power forward went undrafted but got his break with the Los Angeles Clippers in 1998. Nesby played in 50 games and had over 500 points. A year later he hit 973 but never quite got back to that level again. He changed his game and had a career year in his final season, this time with the Washington Wizards in 2000-2001 where he amassed 318 rebounds and only 13 three-pointers. Charles Barkley - Forward, 6 feet, 6 inches What more can you say about Sir Charles.

Back-to-back-to-back leader in offensive rebounds from 1986 to 1989 despite his stature for a power forward, Barkley epitomized what it meant to fight for every inch of the court. He led the league in fouls his second season with the Philadelphia 76ers who drafted him 5th overall in 1984 out of Auburn. Barkley`s 16 seasons in the league was highlighted by 11 all star appearances and an MVP award in 1993. Oliver Miller - Center, 6 feet, 9 inches Miller manned the tallest of positions at 6-9, small by NBA standards. He played nine years with seven different teams, but enjoyed his most success in his fourth season as a member of the Toronto Raptors . Miller had a career high 982 points, including a 35-point night against Philadelphia in his final game of the season. After a three-year break with European teams and even the Harlem Globetrotters, Miller had a short-lived NBA comeback with the Minnesota Timberwolves for just 48 games in 2003-2004.

Here is the complete list with individual details: Name No Small Feat: The NBA's Shortest Player Never Gave Up : NPR Charlotte Hornets guard Muggsy Bogues (works his way around New York Knicks guard Chris Childs in the first half of the NBA Eastern Conference playoffs on April 24, 1997. Bill Kostroun/AP hide caption toggle caption Bill Kostroun/AP Charlotte Hornets guard Muggsy Bogues (works his way around New York Knicks guard Chris Childs in the first half of the NBA Eastern Conference playoffs on April 24, 1997. Bill Kostroun/AP At 5 feet, 3 inches, Tyrone Bogues, better known as Muggsy Bogues, holds the record as the shortest player in NBA history. He was drafted by the Washington Bullets in 1987, but he's best-known for playing with the Charlotte Hornets alongside Alonzo Mourning and Larry Johnson. Bogues says he comes from a family of "5-footers," so when he stopped growing, it was no surprise.

"I always tell people, I think my mom had me when I was 5 feet, 3 inches" — I don't remember ever growing," Bogues says. 'Little Ty' Raised in Baltimore's Lafayette projects, Bogues loved to play basketball — but he always had to prove himself. The other kids didn't take him seriously on the court, saying he was too short to play. Article continues after sponsorship Tyrone Bogues had a passion for basketball at an early age. Growing up in Baltimore's Lafayette projects, he earned the nickname "Muggsy" for his scrappy, aggressive defense. Courtesy of Tyrone Bogues hide caption toggle caption Courtesy of Tyrone Bogues "I was 'Little Ty,' 'Little Tyrone.' I always got this negative feedback from the game of basketball," he says. People told him he was wasting his time; he'd never play basketball. He remembers thinking, "Why were these people saying this? I know I could play." When the team captains picked their players, Bogues was always left out. "The game is being played and we got to sit over there and watch," he says.

"You get tired of just watching." So he and his friends found empty milk crates and cut the bottoms out to make baskets. "We tied the milk crates on each end of the fence and we had our own milk crate basketball pickup game and it was a good time cause we could jump off the fence and dunk the basketball," he says. "You had to be creative in order to play and I wanted to play." Even back then, Bogues was an aggressive defender. "I had to play that way because I was small," he says. "A little kid that just was out there trying to create havoc, just trying to disrupt a lot of things." That's when the older kids started to notice him. "All of a sudden, little Muggsy started getting a little reputation in the neighborhood," he says. Rolling With The Punches Throughout his teenage years, Bogues continued to build that reputation on the court. He even became a star player on the Dunbar High School basketball team. "We were the No. 1 team in the nation," he says. Yet he still overheard his skeptics in the crowd questioning his ability to play.

"People still didn't believe: 'Well, he played in high school, he had success in high school, but it's a whole other world when you get to college.' " Luckily, not everyone saw it that way. Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., a school that has produced several NBA players, offered Bogues a four-year basketball scholarship. "Wake Forest came knocking on the door and I accepted that offer," he says. "It changed my life completely." Still, his critics were relentless. Even the commentators at games openly criticized Wake Forest for taking a chance on Bogues. "[They would say] 'Why did they waste a four-year scholarship on a little kid that's only 5 foot 3, who can barely see over a table?' " Bogues says. "All this negativity started coming from so many directions." It was almost too much to handle, but Bogues' talent was undeniable. "We had the chance to play a national televised game against [North Carolina State University]," he says. Finally, this was his chance to shine at Wake Forest. And it was one of his best games. Chicago Bulls' Michael Jordan looks down on Muggsy Bogues during a game in 1995.

Bogues, who stands 5 feet, 3 inches, is the shortest player in NBA history. Ruth Fremson/AP hide caption toggle caption Ruth Fremson/AP Chicago Bulls' Michael Jordan looks down on Muggsy Bogues during a game in 1995. Bogues, who stands 5 feet, 3 inches, is the shortest player in NBA history. Ruth Fremson/AP "I had 20 points, 10 assists," Bogues says. "From that moment on, I continued to keep building that reputation." The stage was set for Bogues' professional career. By the time he graduated, he had a real shot at the NBA. The Draft On the night of the 1987 NBA draft, Bogues was one of the many prospective players sitting in the crowd in New York. He had no idea what his future in basketball would look like. NBA Commissioner David Stern said from his podium, "The Washington Bullets select" — pause — "Tyrone Bogues of Wake Forest." "It felt like the whole world was lifted off your shoulders," Bogues says.

"You felt like, 'I have arrived.' " The 22-year-old, 140-pound, 5-foot-3 Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues became the shortest player in league history — a record he still holds. "All the naysayers, the people saying that you'll never [play]. Why are you even thinking about it? A guy my size wanting to pursue a game that was supposed to be meant for the big guys," Bogues says. "That was a special, special moment." Tallest, Shortest, Biggest, Smallest, Youngest, Oldest: NBA Trivia TV & Film Tallest, Shortest, Biggest, Smallest, Youngest, Oldest: NBA Trivia The new NBA season has begun, so here’s a statistical survey of sports sizes. We bring you a handful of NBA trivia. Tallest Romanian-born Gheorghe Muresan center, at 7’7”. He came to the NBA after playing professionally in France. Drafted by the Washington Bullets in 1993, he averaged a respectable 9.8 points over his seven-year NBA career, as well as 1.5 blocks.

However, Muresan is probably best known for his off-court activities—he starred in the 1998 movie My Giant with Billy Crystal. Muresan played the giant. Shortest Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues played in the NBA from 1987 to 2001, despite being just 5’3” tall. Being small in the NBA means being fast, and Bogues was adept at assists and steals—he’s the Charlotte Hornets’ all-time leader in both categories. Biggest Routinely showcasing players who are more than seven feet tall, the NBA is naturally going to have players who also weigh a lot. However, only 12 players in league history have ever topped 300 pounds. Among that group are Jerome “Big Snacks” James, Robert “Tractor” Traylor, and Charles “The Round Mound of Rebound” Barkley. The heaviest player in NBA history: Oliver Miller, who played for five teams in the 1990s and weighed 375 pounds.

Smallest At 5’7”—a full foot under league average, and two full feet shorter than Gheorghe Muresan—Spud Webb is tied for fourth place on the list of shortest-ever NBA players. But he is the lightest player in league history, listed at a mere 133 pounds. Despite his small stature, however, Webb surprised the basketball world by winning the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest. He beat Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins. Youngest In 2005, the Los Angeles Lakers drafted a New Jersey high school senior named Andrew Bynum. He skipped college ball and played in his first NBA game just six days after his 18th birthday. Oldest Only 21 NBA players have ever hit the court after their 40th birthdays. Nat Hickey was the oldest. Playing for the Providence Steamrollers in the early years of the NBA, he played his final game in January 1948, three days shy of his 46th birthday. To put that in perspective, the average coach in the NBA today is 49.

Shortest NBA Players: 10 Players with Tons of Heart | Bleacher Report Shortest NBA Players: 10 Players with Tons of Heart Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse the slideshow Ken Levine/Getty Images 0 Comments High-flyers Blake Griffin and LeBron James have been filling up highlight reels with monster dunks this season. Large, athletic players have always captivated our attention with dizzying displays of power and height. Players on the opposite end of the size spectrum have similarly sparked our interests. Most fans can relate to the smaller-statured, giving hope to people everywhere that they too can succeed in a game of giants. I wasn't sure where to set the bar (literally), but ultimately decided on players shorter than six feet. Two of my picks are inconclusively below 6'0", so I’ll include them first. Sam Greenwood/Getty Images One part of "Lob City" He is listed as 6’0" tall with shoes, making his real height probably around 5’11". He is the best point guard playing the game right now and has the Los Angeles Clippers performing far above their bottom-dwelling past.

Naturally a distributer, Paul is not afraid to take over games with the smart pass or a clutch jumper. And despite his height, he is a great on-the-ball defender. Paul is quick enough to remain in front of his man and is second in steals per game (2.44). With a solid core around him, the best of Chris Paul is yet to come. No. 9: Allen Iverson Stephen Dunn/Getty Images Allen Iverson embodies the ideal of small body, big heart. Like Chris Paul, Iverson is listed as 6’0" in shoes. In reality, he is closer to 5’11" in height. Known for his speed and scoring ability, Iverson is not afraid of contact, with 8,168 career free-throw attempts. He was a four-time NBA scoring champion, 11-time All-Star and 2001 MVP. Most impressive, he led the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals in the 2000-2001 season, ultimately losing in six games to the Los Angeles Lakers. At the age of 36, the motor that made Iverson a great NBA player is still purring.

He is currently looking for a new basketball home, with rumors of Puerto Rico as a destination. No. 8: Avery 'Little General' Johnson Christian Petersen/Getty Images Current coach of the New Jersey Nets and Coach of the Year winner in 2006, Avery Johnson was also a fantastic NBA player. Nicknamed the “Little General," Johnson is listed as 5’10”. Initially undrafted, Johnson went on to play a pivotal role for the 1999 NBA Championship-winning Spurs, as he hit the series-winning shot in Game 5. He played from 1988 to 2004, hopping from team to team. His time with the Spurs is most memorable, with San Antonio retiring his number in 2007. After his career as a player, Johnson has proved to be a very capable head coach. In his first three full seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, the team won 50-plus games each. No. 7: Damon 'Might Mouse' Stoudamire Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images Also standing at 5’10”, Damon Stoudamire was drafted seventh overall by the Toronto Raptors in 1995 and subsequently took home the Rookie of the Year award.

He averaged 19 PPG and 9.3 APG in his rookie campaign. Damon earned his nickname not just because of his size, but also because of his Might Mouse tattoo on his right arm. Damon Stoudamire was traded to the Portland Trailblazers in 1998. Though his statistics fell off for a couple seasons, he rebounded in 2005. That year, Stoudamire set the Blazers' franchise scoring record with 54 points. The Trailblazers, looking to rebuild with younger and cheaper players, did not re-sign him. He ended his career on the bench with the Memphis Grizzlies, and finally, the San Antonio Spurs. Tweet One of the shortest players in NBA history, Spud Webb stands at a mere 5’7”. He was drafted 87th by the Detroit Pistons in large part because of his stellar junior college performance, but played his first six seasons with the Atlanta Hawks. In the junior college national title game of 1982, Spud scored 36 points to lead his Midland College team to victory in double overtime.

Spud Webb scored a respectable 8,072 points (9.9 PPG) and 4,342 assists (5.3 APG). Most notably, Spud won the Sprite Slam Dunk contest in 1986, defeating teammate and defending champion Dominique Wilkins. He remains the shortest contestant and winner in NBA history. Tweet Nate Robinson only stands at a height of 5’9”. Make no mistake, Robinson still has above-the-rim capabilities. He is a three-time Sprite Slam Dunk Champion, winning in 2006, 2009 and 2010. He most notably jumped over Dwight Howard for a slam-dunk clinching victory. Fittingly, Spud Webb coached Robinson for his first dunk championship. Robinson was drafted 21st overall in 2005 and has spent time playing for the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City, and is now on the roster for the Golden State Warriors. He has proven to be a capable back-up point guard, with career averages of 11.3 PPG and 2.6 APG. No.

2: Earl Antoine Boykins Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images As the height shrinks, the rankings rise. Earl Boykins is the second shortest NBA player of all time, standing only 5’5”. Although not the shortest, Boykins was the lightest at a mere 133 pounds. Never drafted, Boykins spent his years journeying from team to team. His longest stint was with the Denver Nuggets, with whom he played for from 2003 to 2007. Despite his size, Boykins scored and passed well. He even dropped 32 points against the Pistons, the shortest player in the NBA to have ever scored 30-plus points. Boykins also averaged 3.2 assists per game, impressive for someone who averaged only 20 minutes per game. No. 1: Tyrone Curtis 'Muggsy' Bogues Tim DeFrisco/Getty Images Who else but Muggsy could be at the No. 1 spot? Muggsy Bogues is the shortest player in NBA history, listed at 5’3”. He was drafted 12th overall by the Washington Bullets in 1987 and played later played for the Hornets, Warriors and Raptors.

Using his size to his advantage, Muggsy was considered a great passer and stealer. Muggsy only averaged 7.7 PPG, but notched an amazing 7.6 APG. He even recorded 39 blocks in his career, one of them against Patrick Ewing of the New York Knicks. As these pint-sized (relative to the NBA) players have proven, individuals can succeed in a league that strongly favors size. While height is not something you can change, heart and dedication prove just as important.

Question: Who was the shortest player to play in the NBA?
Answer: Muggsy Bogues