Top 10 Shortest NBA Players Who Made History on the Court

Basketball is often dominated by tall athletes, where height is seen as a key advantage. However, some of the Shortest NBA Players proved that skill, speed, intelligence, and determination can overcome physical limitations. These remarkable players under six feet tall left a powerful legacy in the NBA, changing how basketball is played and inspiring future stars like Stephen Curry.

10. Charlie Criss (5'8")

Charlie Criss, one of the Shortest NBA Players, stood at just 5'8". Despite going undrafted in 1970, he carved out an impressive eight-season NBA career. Before joining the NBA, Criss excelled in the Eastern Basketball Association (EBA), where he won two championships and earned two MVP awards.

He made his NBA debut with the Atlanta Hawks in 1977 and later played for the San Diego Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks. At the time, Criss was the shortest active player in the league. His perseverance and skill made him a fan favorite.

Career Highlights:

NBA debut: 1977 (Atlanta Hawks)

Career-high points in a game: 34 (1982)

EBA MVP (1976, 1977)

9. Keith Jennings (5'7")

Keith "Mister" Jennings, another of the Shortest NBA Players, measured 5'7". Undrafted in 1991, he joined the Golden State Warriors and played three seasons in the NBA. Jennings was a standout in college at East Tennessee State, where he won multiple conference titles and awards.

Known for his quickness, passing, and smart decision-making, Jennings controlled the floor efficiently despite his small frame. His excellent ball-handling and vision allowed him to compete successfully against much taller opponents.

Career Highlights:

Played for Golden State Warriors (1992–1995)

Two-time Southern Conference Player of the Year

Known for elite passing and game control

8. Monte Towe (5'7")

Monte Towe, standing 5'7", remains one of the Shortest NBA Players to have played in both the ABA and NBA. Drafted by the Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets, Towe played one season in each league.

At NC State, Towe was known for his leadership and teamwork, guiding his team to the 1974 NCAA championship. His speed, precision passing, and basketball intelligence helped him overcome physical disadvantages on the court.

Career Highlights:

NCAA Champion (1974, NC State)

Played for Denver Nuggets (ABA & NBA)

Known for court vision and leadership

7. Wat Misaka (5'7")

Wat Misaka holds a unique place among the Shortest NBA Players for breaking racial barriers in professional basketball. Standing 5'7", Misaka became the first player of Asian descent in the NBA, debuting for the New York Knicks in 1947 - the same year Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier.

Though he played only three games, Misaka's courage and pioneering role made him a historical figure. He led the University of Utah to NCAA and NIT championships before joining the NBA.

Career Highlights:

First Asian-American NBA player

Played for New York Knicks (1947–48)

NCAA Champion (1944) and NIT Champion (1947)

6. Red Klotz (5'7")

At 5'7", Red Klotz was one of the earliest Shortest NBA Players to win a professional basketball title. Playing for the Baltimore Bullets, Klotz helped his team win the 1948 BAA Championship - the forerunner to the NBA title.

Beyond his brief NBA stint, Klotz became famous as the founder and coach of the Washington Generals, who famously played against the Harlem Globetrotters. His lifelong dedication to basketball symbolized perseverance and love for the game.

Career Highlights:

BAA Champion (1948) with Baltimore Bullets

Founded the Washington Generals

Promoted basketball for over five decades

5. Greg Grant (5'7")

Greg Grant's rise from working in a fish market to playing in the NBA is one of the most inspiring stories among the Shortest NBA Players. Standing at 5'7", Grant was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 1989 and played six seasons for various teams.

His quickness, passing, and consistency made him a reliable backup point guard. Grant became a symbol of persistence, proving that hard work could overcome physical limitations.

Career Highlights:

Drafted by Phoenix Suns (1989)

Played for 6 NBA teams

Inspirational success story of resilience

4. Spud Webb (5'7")

Spud Webb, at 5'7", is one of the most Shortest NBA Players ever. He shocked the basketball world in 1986 when he won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest - defeating his much taller teammate Dominique Wilkins.

Webb's vertical leap, quick drives, and fearless play made him an icon. Playing mostly for the Atlanta Hawks, he inspired generations of young players to believe that heart and determination matter more than size.

Career Highlights:

NBA Slam Dunk Contest Winner (1986)

Played 12 seasons in the NBA

Career-best season with Atlanta Hawks

3. Melvin Hirsch (5'6")

Melvin Hirsch, one of the Shortest NBA Players, stood 5'6" and played briefly for the Boston Celtics in the 1940s. Though his career was short, Hirsch's smart plays and sharp shooting earned him respect during basketball's early professional years.

His strong understanding of the game and precise passing made him a key contributor whenever he stepped on the court. Hirsch showed that brains and skill could challenge height advantages.

Career Highlights:

Played for Boston Celtics

Known for sharp shooting and quick playmaking

Early pioneer for short players in pro basketball

2. Earl Boykins (5'5")

Earl Boykins, standing 5'5", is often considered one of the most talented among the Shortest NBA Players. Despite his size, Boykins was a scoring and assist machine, especially during his time with the Denver Nuggets.

His speed, low center of gravity, and creativity made him a nightmare for defenders. Boykins became a crowd favorite wherever he played, proving that confidence and skill could outmatch physical disadvantages.

Career Highlights:

Played 13 NBA seasons

Notable stint with Denver Nuggets

Known for clutch scoring and quick drives

1. Muggsy Bogues (5'3")

Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues, at 5'3", remains the shortest player in NBA history and the most iconic among the Shortest NBA Players. Drafted 12th overall in 1987, Bogues played 14 NBA seasons, primarily with the Charlotte Hornets.

Known for his lightning-fast speed, defensive pressure, and exceptional passing, Bogues led his teams with heart and intelligence. From 1989 to 1995, he ranked among the top players in assists and steals. His leadership and energy made him one of the most respected point guards of his era.

Career Highlights:

Shortest player in NBA history (5'3")

Played 14 seasons in the NBA

Ranked among top 10 for assists and steals during prime years

Legacy of the Shortest NBA Players

Throughout NBA history, these Shortest NBA Players proved that height isn't the only path to success. With skill, courage, and dedication, they made lasting impacts on the game. Each one of them broke stereotypes and inspired countless young athletes to dream big - no matter their size.