Top 10 Shortest Person to Dunk in the NBA
S.No. |
Shortest Person to Dunk in the NBA |
Height |
|
1 |
Muggsy Bogues |
5 feet 3 inches |
|
2 |
Earl Boykins |
5 feet 5 inches |
|
3 |
Spud Webb |
5 feet 7 inches |
|
4 |
Greg Grant |
5 feet 7 inches |
|
5 |
Keith Jennings |
5 feet 7 inches |
|
6 |
Charlie Criss |
5 feet 8 inches |
|
7 |
Kay Felder |
5 feet 9 inches |
|
8 |
Calvin Murphy |
5 feet 9 inches |
|
9 |
Isaiah Thomas |
5 feet 9 inches |
|
10 |
Nate Robinson |
5 feet 9 inches |
Shortest Person to Dunk in the NBA
The NBA has seen some incredible athletes achieve remarkable feats on the basketball court. Among these feats is the ability to dunk, a skill often associated with height and athleticism. However, a select group of individuals has defied the odds by becoming the shortest players ever to dunk in the NBA. These players, despite their stature, have demonstrated exceptional leaping ability and determination, earning their place in the history of the sport as some of the shortest individuals to ever throw down a dunk.
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1. Muggsy Bogues (5 feet 3 inches)
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Tyrone Curtis “Muggsy” Bogues stands as a true legend in the NBA, despite his remarkable height of just 5 feet 3 inches. His career is a testament to skill, determination, and a never-give-up attitude. Bogues was selected 12th overall by the Washington Bullets in the 1987 NBA Draft, and he quickly became known for his incredible speed, ball-handling, and defensive prowess. He played the majority of his 14-season NBA career with the Charlotte Hornets, where he solidified his status as one of the league’s top point guards. Muggsy’s impact went far beyond statistics; he was a leader on the court and a fan favorite for his tenacity and heart.
Bogues retired as the NBA’s all-time leader in steals among point guards, a remarkable feat given his height disadvantage. Off the court, Muggsy has remained involved in the basketball world, including coaching and mentoring young players. His story continues to inspire aspiring athletes, proving that size is not a limitation when you have the talent and determination to succeed.
2. Earl Boykins (5 feet 5 inches)
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Earl Boykins, standing at just 5 feet 5 inches, is another remarkable example of a diminutive player who made a big impact in the NBA. Boykins entered the league undrafted but quickly gained a reputation for his lightning-fast speed and scoring ability. Over his 13-year career, he played for an impressive 12 different NBA teams, showcasing his adaptability and value to various franchises. Despite his size, Boykins was a prolific scorer and an excellent ball handler, often coming off the bench to provide an offensive spark for his team.
Boykins’ standout moment came in 2004 when he scored a career-high 32 points for the Denver Nuggets against the Detroit Pistons, proving that even against larger opponents, his skills could shine. His journey from undrafted rookie to a respected veteran in the league is a testament to his work ethic and determination. Earl Boykins remains an inspiring figure for aspiring basketball players who refuse to let their physical limitations define their potential.
3. Spud Webb (5 feet 7 inches)
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Spud Webb, born Anthony Jerome Webb, may have stood at just 5 feet 7 inches tall, but his incredible leaping ability and determination earned him a lasting legacy in the NBA. Webb gained widespread fame when he won the 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, defeating the much taller Dominique Wilkins. Despite his height disadvantage, Spud’s 42-inch vertical leap allowed him to soar above the rim with ease, captivating fans and inspiring shorter players everywhere.
Webb’s NBA career spanned 12 seasons, during which he played for several teams, most notably the Atlanta Hawks. His speed, agility, and fearless drives to the basket made him a valuable asset on the court. Beyond his dunking prowess, Spud Webb was a skilled playmaker and a respected teammate. His success in the NBA shattered the misconception that height was the sole determinant of basketball ability, and he remains an enduring symbol of how heart and determination can overcome physical limitations
4. Greg Grant (5 feet 7 inches)
Standing at just 5 feet 7 inches, Greg Grant defied the odds to make his mark in the NBA. Grant’s story is one of determination and resilience. He initially had to work as a fisherman in his hometown, but his extraordinary jumping ability and undeniable talent on the basketball court led to his enrollment at The College of New Jersey in 1986. Despite his shorter stature, he never allowed it to hinder his aspirations. In 1989, he was selected in the NBA draft as the 52nd overall pick by the Phoenix Suns. Throughout his career, Grant played for an astonishing sixteen different teams, showcasing his versatility and adaptability as a point guard. His incredible journey includes being recognized as the CBA assists leader in 1995 and earning the title of NABC Division III Player of the Year in 1989. Grant’s tenacity and passion for the game serve as an inspiring example of how determination can overcome physical limitations.
5. Keith Jennings (5 feet 7 inches)
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Keith Russell Jennings, affectionately known as “Mister” Jennings, is another player who stood tall in the face of adversity, despite standing at just 5 feet 7 inches. His basketball journey is a testament to perseverance and dedication. Jennings played for nine different teams in his career, showcasing his skills as a point guard. What makes Jennings’ story even more remarkable is that he was never drafted by any NBA team. His standout moment came when he scored 30 points in a game for the Detroit Pistons, becoming the shortest player in NBA history to achieve this feat. In addition to his on-court accomplishments, Jennings transitioned into coaching after retiring from playing, further contributing to the basketball world. His journey serves as a reminder that determination and hard work can lead to success, regardless of physical limitations.
6. Charlie Criss (5 feet 8 inches)
Charles Washington Criss Jr., known as Charlie Criss, is a name that resonates in NBA history due to his incredible gameplay despite being just 5 feet 8 inches tall. Criss made his mark as a point guard, becoming the shortest active player in the NBA when he first joined the league. Over the course of his career, he played for four different teams, showcasing his ability to adapt and excel on the court. In addition to his NBA career, Criss was honored with the EBA Most Valuable Player award twice in 1976 and 1977 while playing in the EBA. His contributions to the sport extended beyond his playing days, making him a respected figure in the basketball community. Charlie Criss remains an inspiring figure, proving that talent and determination can transcend physical limitations in the world of professional basketball.
7. Kay Felder (5 feet 9 inches)
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Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, Kay Felder is one of the NBA’s shorter players who has managed to make a significant impact. Known for his dynamic and energetic style of play, Felder has proven himself as a formidable point guard despite his height disadvantage. He was selected by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2016 NBA Draft, marking the start of his professional career. Over the years, he’s displayed impressive speed and agility on the court, making him a challenging player to defend against. Besides the NBA, Felder has received accolades such as being honored with Third-team All-American by Associated Press, NABC, and Sporting News in 2016, highlighting his outstanding skills on the hardwood. His determination and drive serve as an inspiration to aspiring basketball players who might be considered undersized for the sport.
8. Calvin Murphy (5 feet 9 inches)
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Calvin Jerome Murphy, standing at 5 feet 9 inches, is a former American basketball player who played for the San Diego and Houston Rockets in the National Basketball Association. Despite his relatively short stature for an NBA player, Murphy was a remarkable point guard known for his incredible jumps and agility. He was selected by the San Diego Rockets in the 1970 NBA Draft, beginning his professional career. Throughout his career, he consistently challenged taller opponents with his exceptional skills, earning him recognition as an NBA All-Star in 1979. Additionally, he received honors like the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 1971 and the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award. Calvin Murphy’s success in the NBA serves as a testament to the fact that height isn’t always the defining factor of a player’s ability to excel in the sport.
9. Isaiah Thomas (5 feet 9 inches)
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Isaiah Jamar Thomas, known as Isaiah Thomas, is a professional basketball player from the United States who stands at 5 feet 9 inches tall. Despite his relatively shorter stature in the NBA, Thomas has consistently proven himself as a force to be reckoned with on the court. He was selected by the Sacramento Kings as the final pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, launching his professional career. Thomas is known for his extraordinary ability, courage, and aggressive style of play, making him a difficult opponent for anyone to tackle. His remarkable jumps and agility have allowed him to consistently challenge taller players and excel in the league. Over the years, he has been named an NBA All-Star twice and has earned numerous accolades, including a place on the All-NBA Second Team in 2017 and NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2012. Isaiah Thomas’s story is a testament to the idea that heart and skill can overcome physical limitations.
10. Nate Robinson (5 feet 9 inches)
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Nate Robinson, standing at 5 feet 9 inches, is a player who has left an indelible mark on the NBA despite his relatively shorter height. He made history by becoming the first three-time slam dunk champion in 2010, showcasing his incredible leaping ability and athleticism. Nate’s journey to the NBA was marked by versatility as he was initially a multi-sport athlete in high school in Washington, even earning a football scholarship to Washington College. However, he ultimately pursued basketball, which proved to be a significant turning point in his career. Selected by the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Draft, Robinson embarked on a career that saw him play for eight different teams over 11 seasons, earning over 24 million dollars in earnings. His transition to professional boxing after retiring from the NBA further illustrates his determination and passion for sports, making him a true inspiration for aspiring athletes who face height-related challenges in their careers.
How Did Muggsy Bogues Become the Shortest Dunker in NBA History?
Muggsy Bogues, whose full name is Tyrone Curtis Bogues, is widely recognized as the shortest dunker in NBA history, standing at just 5 feet 3 inches tall. His journey to becoming a dunker in the NBA is a remarkable story of determination, athleticism, and an unrelenting passion for the game of basketball.
Muggsy’s early life in Baltimore, Maryland, was marked by a love for sports, particularly basketball. Despite his small stature, he excelled on the court with his exceptional speed, agility, and ball-handling skills. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and he played high school basketball at Dunbar High School in Baltimore, where he showcased his abilities as a point guard.
After a successful high school career, Bogues received a scholarship to play for Wake Forest University, a Division I NCAA program. It was at Wake Forest that he continued to develop his skills and refine his game. His diminutive stature never deterred him; instead, it fueled his determination to prove that size should not limit one’s success in basketball.
In 1987, Muggsy Bogues declared for the NBA draft, and the Washington Bullets (now the Washington Wizards) selected him as the 12th overall pick in the first round. This marked the beginning of his historic NBA career. Despite being the shortest player in the league, Muggsy made a name for himself with his incredible ball-handling, lightning-fast passes, and tenacious defense.
But it was his ability to dunk that truly astonished fans and critics alike. Muggsy’s dunking prowess was a testament to his extraordinary vertical leap, quickness, and sheer determination. Standing at just 5’3″, he would explode off the ground and defy gravity to slam the ball through the hoop, often leaving opponents and spectators in awe.
Muggsy Bogues played in the NBA for 14 seasons, earning a reputation as one of the league’s most beloved and respected players. He became an inspiration not only to aspiring basketball players but to anyone who faced challenges and obstacles in pursuing their dreams. His story is a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a relentless passion for one’s craft, even the shortest person can achieve greatness in the world of sports. Muggsy Bogues is celebrated not just as the shortest dunker in NBA history but as a true basketball legend who defied the odds and left an indelible mark on the game.
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