1. Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues - 5’3” Image result for Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues
Born and bred in Baltimore, MD, Tyrone Bogues is the smallest guy 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 put 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 down, he was able to play with the Hornets for 10 years and became one of the team’s most popular players. He was obviously viewed as a play-off contender.
2. Earl Boykins– 5’5” Image result for Earl Boykins
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 much of his career with the Denver Nuggets. He is highly renowned for his scoring skills when 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 more. Today, Boykins plays for the Washington Wizards.
3. Anthony “Spud” Webb - 5’7″
Anthony Webb ranks as the third smallest player to be part of the NBA. After attending Midland College and North Carolina State University, he was the 4th round selection choice by the Detroit Pistons in the 1985 selection. In 1986, Webb joined the NBA Slam Dunk event, and despite being the smallest, had the greatest leap of 42 inches and went on to win the event.
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He spent most of his career with the Atlanta Hawks, spending six seasons with the franchise. Statistically, Webb had his greatest seasons with the Sacramento Kings when he was a starter from 1992-1995. In 1998, Webb retired from basketball after playing only one season with the Orlando Magic. He played 814 games altogether and scored 8072 points during his whole career.
4. Wataru “Kilo Wat” Misaka – 5’7” Image result for Wataru “Kilo Wat” Misaka
Wataru Misaka is one of the very few widely recognised 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 assist guide his team to the 1944 NCAA and the 1947 NIT titles. Even at just 5’7”, he was a valuable player and was the first round pick by the New York Knicks. Wataru had a relatively brief career (1947-1948), and he was able to play just three games before being removed from the squad. In 1999 he was inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame.
5. Nate Robinson – 5’9″
Nate Robinson plays for the New York Knicks. After having a highly successful collegiate career by guiding the Washington Huskies to two NCAA basketball tournament trips, he was the 21st choice in the 2005 NBA Draft. The Phoenix Suns picked him up but he was shortly after moved to the New York Knicks. During the 2006 All-Star Weekend, Robinson won the Sprite Rising Stars Slam Dunk Contest. His finest dunk came when he leapt over Spud Webb and achieved the perfect score of 50. Nate matched his accomplishment in the 2009 Dunk Contest by leaping over the 2008 Dunk Contest champion, Dwight Howard (6’11”).
6. Calvin Murphy - 5’9”
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Calvin Murphy was a guard with the Houston Rockets between 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 member 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 noted for having the most NBA straight 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.