Shortest Player in the NBA Currently and All Time

When you think of the NBA you typically think of names like LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and others. What do they all have in common besides dominating the league and winning NBA titles and MVP awards? They're all extremely tall! That's usually step one for any player hoping to make an impact in the NBA. And while being 6'10 or 7'0 tall is definitely a plus when it comes to playing - and dominating - in the NBA, it's not a must. There have been a long list of players considered on the short side who have gone on to play in the NBA. Today, we're going to take a look at some of the current shortest players in the league as well as touching on some of the all time shortest players in league history. Let's take a look!

Current Shortest Players in the NBA

Gone are the days when the league was dominated by big men like Shaq, Hakeem, Bill Russell, Bill Walt and Wilt Chamberlain. The invention of the three point line has revolutionized the game and allowed players on the shorter side of things to stake their claim to NBA greatness. Here's a look at the shortest players currently playing…

Jordan McLaughlin

Listed at 5'11, McLaughlin was a standout at the University of Southern California. He was honored for his play by being named First Team all Pac 12 in 2018. After going undrafted in 2018, McLaughlin had to work his way through the G-League but did enough to impress the Minnesota Timberwolves that he was awarded a contract in 2021. He's found his spot as a solid reserve player who plays tough defense. Just goes to show prove that you can be under 6 feet tall and still play with the best in the NBA!

McKinley Wright IV

Wright IV is another player listed at 5'11. A star at the University of Colorado, Wright IV went undrafted in the 2021 NBA draft. After bouncing around in the G-Leauge, Wright IV found his home in 2022 with the Dallas Mavericks. He's now a backup point guard, playing behind superstars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

Patty Mills

At 6'0, Mills has established himself as a veteran player known for his leadership and three point shooting. Drafted in the second round in 2009, Mills found success with the San Antonio Spurs and became a crucial piece to their NBA championship in 2014.

Kyle Lowry

Known for his toughness, Lowry stands at 6'0 and was a standout at Villanova before being drafted 24th overall by the Memphis Grizzles in 2006. He found success with the Toronto Raptors, helping them win their first ever NBA championship in 2019. At 37 years old, Lowry is now playing for the Miami Heat and is a prime example that size doesn't matter!

Chris Paul

The future first ballot Hall of Famer, Paul is another player listed at just 6'0. A star at Wake Forest, Paul was the 4th overall pick in the 2005 draft. He is a 12 time All Star, 4 time All-NBA First Team, 5 time All-NBA second team, Rookie of the Year and a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary team.

All Time Shortest Players in NBA History

Now that we've touched on some of the current shortest players in the NBA, let's look at some of the all time shortest players.

Anthony 'Spud' Webb

Spud Webb stands at just 5'7 but played over 800 games in the NBA for various teams. Known for his unreal leaping ability, he's probably best known for winning the 1986 slam dunk contest. And, yes, he's the shortest player ever to win!

Melvin Hirsch

Hirsch played for the Boston Celtics in the 1940s and was only 5'6 tall. While he only played in 13 games, making it to the NBA at only 5'6 is quite the accomplishment.

Earl Boykins

Despite being only 5'5, Boykins had an NBA career that lasted over 10 years and for multiple teams. He was known for his leadership and quickness and when it was all said and done, Boykins had averaged nearly 9 points a game and tallied over 2,000 assists.

Tyrone 'Muggsy' Bogues

The name most associated with shortest NBA players, Muggsy stands at only 5'3 tall! A standout at Wake Forest, Muggsy was drafted 12th overall in the 1987 draft by the then Washington Bullets. Despite standing at only 5'3, Bogues would enjoy a 14 year career. His short stature would land him numerous advertisements and movie roles. So Muggsy might be short but he's certainly not short on cash!

Conclusion

So there we have it! Our list of the current and all time shortest players in the NBA. Just goes to show you that size doesn't matter and you can accomplish anything you set your mind to!