The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a highly competitive league that features some of the best and most talented players in the world.
Despite the fact that the majority of the NBA players are over 6 feet tall, there are still some amazing basketball players under 6 feet that have made their mark in the league.
These players possess a combination of athleticism, skill, and determination that make them stand out from the rest. From Stephen Curry to Damian Lillard, this list will highlight the best NBA players under 6 feet tall who have made a huge impact on the game.
1. Muggsy Bogues
Tyrone Curtis “Muggsy” Bogues is an American former professional basketball player who made a huge impact in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is known to be the shortest player ever to have played in the NBA, standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall.
Throughout his 14-season-long career in the NBA, Bogues played point guard for four different teams. Despite his physical limitations, Bogues was able to make a huge impact in the NBA due to his impressive skills and abilities.
He was an excellent passer and defender, and he was able to use his small stature to his advantage when it came to his agility and quickness. His quickness allowed him to get past defenders easily and set up his teammates for scoring opportunities.
He was also able to use his size to his advantage by getting shots off quicker than most other players. Bogues was not only a great player, but he was also an inspiration to many young players who were looking to make it in the NBA despite their physical limitations.
He showed that you don’t need to be the tallest or the strongest to make it to the top of the basketball world. His determination and passion for the game was an example to all aspiring NBA players.
Bogues was also a leader on and off the court, and he was always willing to help and mentor younger players. He was a kind and compassionate person who was always willing to give back to the community. He was a true role model for all basketball players around the world.
Tyrone Curtis “Muggsy” Bogues is an incredible basketball player who truly left his mark in the NBA. He has shown that determination and hard work can go a long way, and he has inspired many players to pursue their dreams no matter how difficult they may seem.
2. Isaiah Thomas
Isaiah Jamar Thomas is an American professional basketball player who had a successful career in the NBA. He began his NBA career in 2015 when he was signed by the Boston Celtics.
During his time with the team, Thomas was named an NBA All-Star twice and was given second-team All-NBA honors. He was part of the team’s success during his tenure, helping the Celtics reach the Eastern Conference Finals in 2017.
After his time in Boston, Thomas moved on to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers. In 2019, he signed with the Charlotte Hornets, where he spent the remainder of his career.
Throughout his NBA career, Isaiah Jamar Thomas was an accomplished and productive player, displaying a great desire to win and helping his teams to reach new heights. He was an integral part of the Celtics’ success and was a key contributor on all the teams he played with.
3. Nate Robinson
Nathaniel Cornelius Robinson is a renowned former professional basketball player who hails from Seattle, Washington. He is an alumnus of the University of Washington in Seattle, where he played college basketball.
His skill and athleticism was noticed by the NBA scouts, and he was selected as the 21st overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft.
Robinson was a vital part of the University of Washington’s basketball team during his college years, and he was widely recognized as one of the top players in the program.
His talent and potential were recognized by the NBA scouts and he was drafted in the first round of the 2005 NBA Draft. Since then, he has gone on to become one of the most successful professional basketball players in the NBA, playing for several teams throughout his career.
Robinson has been an inspiration to many aspiring basketball players, showing them that hard work and dedication can take them to great heights.
4. Spud Webb
Anthony Jerome “Spud” Webb is a retired American professional basketball player who was a part of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
He is particularly remembered for his incredible feat of winning the Slam Dunk Contest, despite being one of the shortest players in NBA history, measuring just 5 ft 6 in tall.
He is considered a legendary player in the sport, inspiring many other basketball players who are physically undersized to believe that they can be successful in the sport despite their height.
Webb was born on July 13, 1963, in Dallas, Texas and was raised in the city’s South Oak Cliff area. He began playing basketball in the local courts at an early age, and his jumping ability and ball-handling skills were evident from the start.
He attended Wilmer-Hutchins High School, where he was noticed by college scouts. Webb accepted a scholarship from North Carolina State University and from there he was drafted in the fourth round of the 1985 NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons.
Webb began his NBA career with the Pistons before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks, where he became a regular part of the rotation.
He was known for his excellent dribbling and passing skills, which made up for his lack of size, and was also able to finish plays with his impressive jumping ability. In 1986, Webb made history by competing in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, and against all odds, he won the event.
He is the shortest player ever to win the contest, and his victory has become an iconic moment in the history of basketball. After retiring from the NBA in 1998, Webb returned to his hometown of Dallas, where he was inducted into the Texas Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.
To this day, he continues to be an inspiration to many smaller players, demonstrating that height is not a factor when it comes to success in basketball.
5. Earl Boykins
Earl Antoine Boykins is a former American professional basketball player who stands at 5 feet 5 inches, making him the second-shortest player in NBA history. This puts him second only to Muggsy Bogues, who is 5 feet 3 inches.
After his time as a professional basketball player, Boykins went on to become the head coach of the Douglas County High School boys varsity basketball team. He is known in basketball circles for his incredible talent and skill despite his size.
He was able to overcome his short stature to become a successful basketball player and coach. His success is an inspiring story for anyone, regardless of size, to pursue their dreams.
6. Chris Paul
Christopher Emmanuel Paul, commonly known as CP3 or the Point God, is an American professional basketball player. He currently plays for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
He is widely regarded as one of the best point guards of his generation, having won nine All-Star selections, four All-NBA selections, two Olympic gold medals, and the 2006-07 NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
Paul’s career has been characterized by its consistent excellence and hard-nosed defense. He is known for his ability to score, distribute the ball, and run the offense with great efficiency. He is also a vocal leader on the court and an excellent communicator.
Paul has a unique mix of speed, quickness, and strength that make him a dangerous player both on the offensive and defensive end. His quick hands and feet help him to be a pest on defense and a playmaker in transition.
His leadership, experience, and competitiveness have been invaluable to the Golden State Warriors in their quest for an NBA Championship.
7. Calvin Murphy
Calvin Jerome Murphy was a talented basketball player who began his career at Niagara University. During his three years at Niagara, he averaged an impressive 33.1 points per game.
His success at the collegiate level earned him a spot in the National Basketball Association, where he played as a guard for the San Diego/Houston Rockets from 1970 to 1983.
Murphy was an outstanding player during his time in the NBA, winning a number of awards and recognition for his skill and leadership. He was a five-time All-Star, a three-time All-NBA selection, and a 1979 NBA champion.
After his retirement from the NBA, Murphy was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. He was also honored with a spot in the San Diego/Houston Rockets Hall of Fame in 2007.
Murphy’s legacy lives on today, and he is remembered as one of the best players of his era.
8. Ty Lawson
Tywon Ronell Lawson is an accomplished basketball player, having achieved a great deal of success both in college and professionally. He currently plays for Gaiteros del Zulia in the Venezuelan Basketball League. Lawson’s college career was particularly successful.
He played basketball for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels from 2006 to 2009. During his junior year, he helped the Tar Heels to win the 2009 national championship.
Lawson’s performance during that season earned him numerous accolades, including being named ACC Player of the Year, All-ACC First Team, and All-American Second Team. Since entering the professional ranks, Lawson has played for several teams in both the NBA and international leagues.
He has played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Denver Nuggets, the Houston Rockets, the Sacramento Kings, and the Shanghai Sharks in China.
He is currently playing for Gaiteros del Zulia in the Venezuelan Basketball League. Lawson’s impressive basketball career is a testament to his skill and hard work.
He has demonstrated that he can succeed at the highest levels of the sport, and his achievements will rightly be remembered for years to come.
9. Allen Iverson
Allen Ezail Iverson is a former professional basketball player who made his mark in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He earned the nickname “the Answer” for his impressive ability to answer any challenge that was thrown his way.
During his 14-season NBA career, he played both the shooting guard and point guard positions. Iverson was a prolific scorer who averaged 26.7 points per game during his career, making him the fourth-highest all-time scorer in the NBA.
He was also a good playmaker and was able to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Despite his size and build, Iverson was an excellent defender who was adept at stealing the ball from his opponents.
He was selected to 11 All-Star Games, won the MVP award in 2001 and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. Iverson was a true pioneer in the NBA and his legacy will live on for many years to come.
10. Charlie Criss
Charles Washington Criss Jr., born in Valhalla, New York, is a former professional basketball player who has achieved much success in his career. Growing up in Valhalla, Criss Jr. was exposed to basketball at a very young age and quickly developed an interest in the game.
By the time he reached high school, he was already a standout player and was invited to play for the school’s varsity team. After graduating high school, Criss Jr. went on to pursue a college basketball career.
He played for the University of Rhode Island, where he earned a degree in sociology. During his college career, he was named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, and helped lead the team to the NCAA Tournament. Criss Jr.
was then drafted into the NBA in the second round of the 1998 NBA Draft. He went on to play professionally for four teams throughout his career. During this time, he was a consistent starter for each team and averaged double-digit scoring.
He was also a significant contributor to the teams on the defensive end. After retiring from the NBA in 2005, Criss Jr. has kept busy by working as a basketball analyst for various television and radio networks.
He also works as a skills coach for high school and college basketball teams, helping to develop the next generation of players. In his career, he has achieved much success, both on and off the court, and is an inspiration to many aspiring basketball players.
11. J. J. Barea
José Juan Barea Mora is a Puerto Rican basketball star and the head coach of the Mets de Guaynabo in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional.
After graduating from Northeastern University, he went on to join the Dallas Mavericks in 2006, making him the seventh Puerto Rican to make it to the NBA. His impressive basketball career has inspired many in Puerto Rico to pursue their dreams of playing in the NBA.
He has been an important role model for the Puerto Rican community, both on and off the court. Barea has had a remarkable career, being named to the All-NBA Rookie Second Team in 2007 and winning an NBA Championship in 2011 with the Mavericks.
In 2014, he set the record for most assists by a Puerto Rican player in the NBA, and he holds the record for the highest amount of points scored by a Puerto Rican in the playoffs.
He also led the Puerto Rican national team to the gold medal in the 2011 Pan American Games, making him a national hero for his country. Barea is now the head coach of the Mets de Guaynabo, a team that he had played for in the BSN before his NBA career.
He has been successful in this role too, leading the Mets to the championship in 2019. He has also been involved in various philanthropic projects in Puerto Rico, working to help those in need and giving back to his community.
José Juan Barea Mora is an inspirational figure for not only Puerto Rican basketball players but all those who strive to achieve their dreams. He is a true leader and role model for his people, and his career is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
12. Kay Felder
Kahlil Ameer “Kay” Felder Jr. is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Shanxi Loongs of the Chinese Basketball Association. Felder is a 5-foot-9-inch point guard who declared for the 2016 NBA draft at the conclusion of his junior year at Oakland.
His impressive career has been highlighted by being the Horizon League career assists leader, which is an impressive feat considering the level of competition in the Horizon League.
Felder has proven himself to be a talented and reliable player over the course of his basketball career, and he continues to make a name for himself in the professional basketball world.
13. Darren Collison
Darren Michael Collison is a highly experienced professional basketball player in the NBA. Having played for 13 years in the league, he currently is a free agent. Prior to his professional career, Darren played four seasons of college basketball for the UCLA Bruins.
During his time at UCLA, he became a star player, setting the school record for the most combined wins in a season and being named to the All-Pac-10 first team. Collison was drafted in the 2009 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Hornets.
Over the years, he has played for several different teams, including the Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Sacramento Kings.
He has been a reliable and consistent player in the NBA, earning several awards and accolades, including an All-Star nod in the 2010-11 season.
14. Aaron Brooks
Aaron Jamal Brooks is a man of many hats. He is an American professional basketball player and coach, currently working as a two-way liaison for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association and an assistant coach for the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League.
Brooks was selected by the Houston Rockets with the 26th overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft. After spending five seasons with the Rockets, he went on to play for the Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
During his professional playing career, Brooks averaged 9.3 points, 3.0 assists, and 1.7 rebounds per game. After his playing career, Brooks went on to coach.
He was an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers in 2016 and 2017 before transitioning to the two-way liaison role for the New York Knicks in 2018. In his current role, Brooks works with both the New York Knicks and the Westchester Knicks, the Knicks’ G League affiliate.
Aaron Jamal Brooks is a dedicated basketball professional, with an impressive career in both playing and coaching. He has a wealth of experience in the NBA, and the Knicks are fortunate to have him on board in a two-way liaison role.
15. Jameer Nelson
Jameer Lamar Nelson Sr. is a highly accomplished former professional basketball player.
He had a successful college career playing for the Saint Joseph’s Hawks, where he was bestowed the highest honor a college basketball player can receive when he was named the National College Player of the Year in 2004.
His career in professional basketball was long and distinguished, and he now serves as the assistant general manager for the Delaware Blue Coats of the NBA G League. Nelson’s college career was impressive.
He was one of the top players in the country and a leader on the Hawks team. He was a three-time All Big-5 selection and was named Atlantic 10 Player of the Year three times.
He also was named National Player of the Year by the Associated Press, Wooden Award, Naismith Award, and the Adolph Rupp Trophy.
His success in college led him to be selected in the first round of the 2004 NBA Draft. After a successful professional career, Nelson is now an assistant general manager for the Delaware Blue Coats of the NBA G League.
In this capacity, he helps to manage the team and provide strategic direction. It is a role that requires a great deal of knowledge and experience, both of which Nelson has in abundance.
He brings his years of experience in the NBA to the organization and helps to ensure the team is successful both on and off the court. Jameer Lamar Nelson Sr. has had an impressive career.
His accomplishments as a player and now as an assistant general manager have been significant, and he is a great example of how hard work and dedication can lead to success.
16. D. J. Augustin
Darryl Gerard “D. J.” Augustin Jr. is an American professional basketball player who is currently a member of the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA. He has had a successful basketball career, beginning with his college playing days at the University of Texas from 2006 to 2008.
During his time at Texas, he helped the Longhorns to a number of successful seasons. In 2008, he was drafted ninth overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in the NBA draft.
Since then, he has gone on to play for a number of teams, including the Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors, and Orlando Magic, before joining the Los Angeles Lakers.
Augustin is a versatile guard who has the ability to score and distribute the ball, making him a valuable asset to any team. He has established himself as a reliable player who can be counted on to make an impact on the court.
17. Isaiah Canaan
Isaiah Canaan is an accomplished basketball player who currently plays for both the Greek Basket League and the EuroLeague. He has been a prominent figure in the professional basketball world and has previously been an All-American college player at Murray State University.
Canaan has been able to make a name for himself in the basketball world by showcasing his talents and skills on the court. He has had a successful career at the college level, helping lead Murray State to a successful season.
His accomplishments have been recognized at the collegiate level, and he has earned an All-American college player title.
Canaan has since been able to take his talents to the professional level, where he currently plays for Olympiacos of the Greek Basket League and the EuroLeague.
He has been able to make an impact in the professional arena as well and is one of the most talked about players in the game.
Canaan has been able to use his skills to help contribute to the success of both Olympiacos and the EuroLeague and has been able to showcase his talents on the court.
Conclusion
The best players under 6 feet in the NBA have proven to be some of the most talented and successful players in the league. From Allen Iverson to Steph Curry, these stars have shown that size doesn’t necessarily determine success in the NBA.
With a combination of skill, dedication, and hard work, these players have gone above and beyond expectations to become some of the best players in the NBA.
