Who is the Shortest Player in the NBA?
The world of basketball is filled with interesting facts and trivia, and one of the most fascinating ones is the search for the shortest player in the NBA. With the average height of a male basketball player being around 6’7″, it is certainly a rare phenomenon to find a player who is substantially shorter than that. Nonetheless, there have been some players who have defied the odds and made it to the top tiers of professional basketball despite being relatively short. In this article, we will explore the world of the shortest NBA player and try to determine who holds the title.
Height Requirements in the NBA
Before we delve into the search for the shortest NBA player, it’s worth discussing the height requirements for the league. The NBA does not have a strict height requirement, but the average height of players in the league is around 6’7″. Most teams look for players who are at least 6’2″ or taller, as height is seen as an essential attribute for success in basketball.
The Shortest Players in NBA History
There have been several players in the NBA who were notably short compared to their peers. One of the most famous examples is Muggsy Bogues, who played for several teams during his 14-year career. Bogues was listed at just 5’3″, making him the shortest player in NBA history. Despite his diminutive size, Bogues was a skilled player and was known for his dribbling and passing abilities, as well as his defensive skills. Another notable player is Earl Boykins, who was listed at 5’5″ during his time in the NBA. Boykins played for several teams and was known for his quickness and scoring ability.
The Current Shortest Player in the NBA
As of the 2020-21 season, the title of the shortest player in the NBA belongs to Isaiah Thomas. Thomas is listed at 5’9″ and has played for several teams throughout his career. Despite his small stature, Thomas has been a successful player and was named an NBA All-Star in 2016 and 2017. He is known for his scoring ability and is considered one of the best small guards in the league.
Conclusion
While height is certainly an important attribute in basketball, it is not the only factor that determines a player’s success. As we have seen, there have been several players throughout NBA history who were notably short but were still able to make it to the top tiers of professional basketball. Whether it’s Muggsy Bogues, Earl Boykins, or Isaiah Thomas, these players have proven that size doesn’t always matter when it comes to playing the game of basketball at the highest level.
