18 Shorter NBA Players Who Still Dominated the League
Basketball might be a big man’s game, but nobody told these guys that. Most basketball courts are ruled by players well over six feet tall, but that hasn’t stopped a select few from challenging expectations. They were armed with quick feet, sharp minds, and an extra dose of determination. In fact, they took their “height disadvantage” and flipped it into an edge.
Interestingly, the impact continues to shape how the sport values grit over height.
Muggsy Bogues (5’3″)
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How do you play in the NBA at 5’3″? With turbo jets for legs and a basketball IQ through the roof. Muggsy survived among the giants by dictating the pace and swiping the ball over a thousand times. He was a defensive menace with uncanny court vision who racked up over 5,500 assists and 1,000 steals. His 14-year career included leading the Charlotte Hornets during their early playoff runs.
Earl Boykins (5’5″)
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Despite being overlooked in the draft, Earl Boykins spent 13 seasons torching defenses off the bench. His strongest years came with the Denver Nuggets, where he averaged over 12 points per game. Boykins routinely disrupted games with explosive speed and sharp shooting, often outscoring players nearly a foot taller.
Spud Webb (5’7″)
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Best remembered for winning the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest, Spud Webb made headlines for being a consistent starter and playmaker who averaged double-digit scoring during multiple seasons. Webb’s leaping ability stunned defenders and expanded the possibilities for players considered too small to compete above the rim.
Greg Grant (5’7″)
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A Division III product making it to the NBA is rare enough. But doing it at 5’7″ was pure persistence. Greg Grant bounced from team to team like a pinball but left his mark as a burst of energy wherever he landed. Six teams, six seasons, and one constant: hustle. He stood as a reliable backup point guard during the ‘90s.
Nate Robinson (5’9″)
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Three dunk contest trophies, one playoff explosion after another, and a career highlight reel–Nate Robinson brought superhero-level swagger to every team he joined. He also delivered standout moments in big games, including a 34-point playoff performance in 2013.
Calvin Murphy (5’9″)
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As a Hall of Famer and lifelong Houston Rocket, Calvin Murphy used his speed and sharp shooting to rack up over 17,000 points. His free-throw accuracy ranked among the best in NBA history. Murphy’s legacy legitimized the idea that smaller guards could carry the scoring load.
Isaiah Thomas (5’9″)
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At his peak with the Boston Celtics, Isaiah Thomas was nearly unstoppable. He averaged 28.9 points during the 2016–17 season and earned All-NBA Second Team honors. He thrived in late-game situations and often outmaneuvered larger defenders with his fearless drives.
Yuki Kawamura (5’8″)
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Yuki Kawamura was the NBA’s shortest player in 2024-25. The Japanese guard earned a spot with the Memphis Grizzlies through a two-way contract. And he’s already dropping jaws with his on-the-move passing and high-speed playmaking.
Markquis Nowell (5’8”)
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Go back to March Madness 2023, and you’ll find Markquis Nowell running an assist clinic, including a record 19-assist game against Michigan State. That vision earned him a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors. While he only logged one NBA game in the 2023–24 season, his pace and pinpoint passing keep him in the conversation.
Chris Paul (6’0″)
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Chris Paul may just make the six-foot cutoff, but his impact as one of the greatest point guards ever is unquestionable. Paul’s 20-year career has included multiple All-Star selections and assists titles. His leadership continues to shape young teams deep into his career.
Kyle Lowry (6’0″)
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At six feet, Lowry played a key role in delivering Toronto’s first NBA title in 2019. He was a six-time All-Star who earned respect across the league for taking charges, leading fast breaks, and knocking down critical shots when needed.
Mike Conley (6’0″)
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He won’t wow you with wild highlights, but he’ll beat you with calm decisions and perfect timing. Mike Conley helped turn Memphis into “Grit and Grind” central, and he’s still orchestrating offenses nearly two decades later.
Fred VanVleet (6’0″)
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Fred VanVleet’s rise from undrafted free agent to NBA champion was due to his precision and patience. He played a crucial role in Toronto’s 2019 title run and now leads a young Houston Rockets team.
Jose Alvarado (6’0″)
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They call him “Grand Theft Alvarado,” and once you’ve seen his sneaky steals, you get it. He hides in corners, then strikes like a prankster who read the scouting report. Just ask the Pelicans fans, and they’ll tell you he’s a menace in the best way.
Davion Mitchell (6’0″)
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You do not want this guy guarding you. He’s been nicknamed “Off Night” for what he does to opponents’ stat lines. Offense may be a work in progress, but when the game’s on the line, he’s getting that stop.
Yuri Collins (6’0″)
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Collins led the entire NCAA in assists, then slid straight into Golden State’s high-IQ offense. He is carving out a role in one of the league’s most competitive backcourts. Where the defense is leaning, where the cutter’s going to be—he sees it all.
Aaron Holiday (6’0″)
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As part of the Holiday basketball family, Aaron has become a dependable backup guard. His ability to shoot threes and handle secondary playmaking duties has kept him employed across several teams. Now with the Houston Rockets, he continues to provide spacing and tempo control in spot minutes.
Jordan McLaughlin (6’0″)
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Though often overlooked, Jordan McLaughlin has earned trust with solid performances as a backup for the Spurs. He keeps offenses flowing when starters rest. His consistency and low turnover rate make him a reliable contributor whenever his number is called.