Meet the Shortest Player in NBA History Who Took Over the Court

In basketball, it is always assumed that being tall is a quintessential necessity to be a successful basketball player. Although true in several aspects, there have been several short NBA players over the course of decades who left behind a great impact and legacy in the league.

Die-hard hoop fans know that height seldom matters when the passion for the game exists. Players being shorter than 6 feet tall have inspired the legends of today, such as Stephen Curry. This article explores the lives of some of the shortest NBA players.

Who is the Shortest Player in NBA History?

Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues, standing at 5'3" (1.60m), is definitely the shortest player in NBA history. He was drafted 12th overall in the first round of the 1987 NBA Draft by the Washington Bullets now know as the Washington Wizards. Bogues played for four teams during his remarkable 14-season career: the Washington Bullets, Charlotte Hornets, Golden State Warriors, and Toronto Raptors.

In his whole NBA career, he secured averages of 7.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 7.6 assists over his career, and even averaged a double-double (points and assists) in the 1993-94 season. His enduring legacy is a testament to skill and determination over physical stature.

10 Shortest NBA Players Ever to Play in the League

Whenever someone has to picture an NBA player, we would imagine them to be taller than average and to be extremely athletic beyond their height. However, there are players who combine their skills and tenacity as players to compensate for their height. Some of them have established themselves as a few of the greatest point guards in league history. Let's dive into reading about the shortest player in NBA history.

In a league that is dominated by giant players, some smaller players have defied the odds and made an indelible mark in the NBA. They have shown that heart, will, and ability can beat physical size. In the table below, we have presented the top 10 shortest player in NBA history:

#10. Charlie Criss (5'8'')

Charlie Criss, at 5'8", played eight seasons in the NBA after going undrafted in 1970 and holds the 10th position as the shortest player in NBA history. He began his professional career in the Eastern Basketball Association (EBA), where he was a two-time EBA champion (1974, 1977) and a two-time EBA Most Valuable Player (1976, 1977). Criss made his NBA debut with the Atlanta Hawks in 1977. He also played for the San Diego Clippers and the Milwaukee Bucks, and at that time, he was the league's shortest active player. In his NBA career, Criss averaged 8.5 points and 3.2 assists per game, with his best year being his first in 1978, where he averaged 11 points and 4 assists. He once scored a career-best 34 points with the Clippers in 1982.

#9. Keith Jennings (5'7'')

Keith "Mister" Jennings, standing at 5'7", had a three-year NBA career despite going undrafted in 1991, and he primarily played for the Golden State Warriors from 1992 to 1995 and holds the 9th position as the shortest player in NBA history. He was selected by the Toronto Raptors in the 1995 expansion draft but did not play for them. While he didn't achieve NBA championships, Jennings was a highly decorated collegiate player at East Tennessee State, leading them to three consecutive Southern Conference championships and earning numerous individual accolades, including two-time Southern Conference Player of the Year and a consensus Second-Team All-American honor in 1991.

#8. Monte Towe (5'7'')

Monte Towe, at 5'7", had a brief professional basketball career, playing from 1975 to 1977. He was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in the 4th round (57th overall) of the 1975 NBA Draft, and also by the Denver Nuggets in the ABA Draft. He played for the Denver Nuggets for one season in the ABA (1975-76), earning an ABA All-Star selection that year. When the Nuggets joined the NBA for the 1976-77 season, Towe played one more season with them in the NBA and became one of the shortest NBA players. Prior to his pro career, Towe was a key player for NC State, leading them to the 1974 NCAA championship.

#7. Wat Misaka (5'7'')

Wat Misaka, a 5'7" point guard, holds a significant place in basketball history and holds the 7th position as the shortest player in NBA history. He was drafted by the New York Knicks in the 7th round of the 1947 BAA Draft (Basketball Association of America, which later became the NBA) and became one of the shortest NBA players. Misaka played a brief NBA career, appearing in only three games for the Knicks during the 1947-48 season, scoring seven points in total. His most notable achievement lies beyond statistics: he was the first non-white player and the first player of Asian descent to play in the BAA, effectively breaking the league's color barrier in 1947. This occurred the same year Jackie Robinson broke the baseball color line. Before his professional stint, Misaka also led the University of Utah to the 1944 NCAA championship and the 1947 NIT championship, showcasing his talent at the collegiate level.

#6. Red Klotz (5'7'')

Red Klotz, at 5'7", had a brief but notable NBA career and holds the 6th position as the shortest player in NBA history. He was not drafted in the modern sense, as he played in an earlier era of professional basketball. His main stint was with the Baltimore Bullets in the 1947-48 season, a team that competed in the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which later became the NBA. Klotz achieved a significant accomplishment that season, as the Baltimore Bullets won the BAA championship in 1948. He played in 11 regular season games, averaging 1.4 points, and also participated in 6 playoff games. After his playing career, Klotz became widely known as the owner, coach, and sometimes player for the Washington Generals, the long-standing opposition to the Harlem Globetrotters.

#5. Greg Grant (5'7'')

Greg Grant, standing at 5'7", carved out a six-year NBA career despite his stature. He was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the second round, 52nd overall, of the 1989 NBA Draft. As gone through his career, we know that he played for several teams including the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, and Washington Bullets. While not known for individual statistical achievements like championships or All-Star selections, Grant was a reliable point guard who contributed as a steady role player. His journey from working in a fish market to the NBA is highlighted in his autobiography, "94 Feet and Rising."

#4. Spud Webb (5'7'')

As a 5'7" player, Anthony Jerome Webb, aka, Spud Webb's memory is still etched into some of the diehard followers of the league, especially for his dunk performance in the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest. Webb defied expectations, showing peak athleticism and talent facing his taller counterparts. In 1985, he signed with the Atlanta Hawks and also went on to play with many other teams. He is also well known for winning the 1986 NBA slam-dunk contest. He is one of the most iconic members to rank in the list of the best short players in league history. He is also known as one of the shortest NBA player ever.

#3. Melvin Hirsch (5'6'')

Standing at 5'6", Mel Hirsch's name is donned in basketball history as one of the short legends of the game. Hirsch played during the heydays of the league, shining in both the American Basketball League (ABL) and the National Basketball League (NBL) before their merger to form the NBA. Hirsch was known for his great shooting form and scoring ability, which set him apart from his counterparts as one of the best players from his era. He is also famous as shortest NBA player ever.

Hirsch played one season for the Boston Celtics in the NBA and these are his averages from 13 games played:

#2. Earl Boykins (5'5'')

Standing at 5'5" tall, Earl Boykins was known for his footwork and scoring ability. In his NBA career, Boykins most notably played for the Denver Nuggets, where he utilized his talent to emerge as a dynamic point guard. After his college career, he was drafted by an NBA team and played his professional career with short contracts. Being a short player, he has achieved many awards and titles for the team as well as for himself. Boykins had impeccable on-court perseverance and vision, ranking him as one of the shortest NBA player of all time.

#1. Muggsy Bouges (5'3'')

Tyrone ‘Muggsy’ Bouges is the shortest in NBA history. Standing 5'3", Bouges was a point guard playing for the Charlotte Hornets, Washington Bullets(now Wizards), Golden State Warriors, and the Toronto Raptors in his 14-year spanning NBA career. Bouges defied all odds and finished top seven in assists for six consecutive seasons, from 1989 to 1995. He also finished top ten in steals during that time and had a career 146 double-doubles. Muggsy's caliber as a player warranted him as a force on both ends of the floor, making him an idol for future NBA legends such as Stephen Curry. He is well known as the shortest NBA player of all time.