This article was originally published on November 3, 2023, and then updated on April 16, 2024 to reflect the latest NBA roster data.
It’s no secret that height is valued in the NBA, particularly as towering players like Victor Wembanyama and Joel Embiid dominate the league. It’s certainly easy to downplay those shorter NBA players, even as they defy the odds and make it to the pros.
Let’s not pretend that height it isn’t an advantage, but it doesn’t always equate to basketball success. I would still argue that a player’s skill, determination, and persistence ultimately determines whether they can reach the league and contribute.
My evidence? The shortest players in the NBA right now and of all-time.
So, who is the shortest NBA player right now? And how about the shortest NBA player to have ever played the game?
Quick takeaways:
- Jacob Gilyard, at 5’8”, is the shortest player in the NBA today.
- Muggsy Bogues, at 5’3”, is the shortest NBA player ever.
- Only 2 NBA players are under 6 feet tall in 2024.
We dove into both old and current NBA rosters to provide this fascinating look at the shortest NBA players, from today and all-time.
Who is the Shortest NBA Player Right Now?
Jacob Gilyard is the shortest NBA player right now, standing at 5’8”. He’s 10 inches shorter than the average NBA height!
Photo credit: By Rikster2 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=88137880
Gilyard is a 25-year-old point guard currently on a two-way deal with the Brooklyn Nets. After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, he quickly found a home with the Memphis Hustle and Memphis Grizzlies, thanks to the impressive defense he showcased while at Richmond University.
Under the current contract that he signed in 2024, he can suit up for either Brooklyn or the team’s G-League affiliate, the Long Island Nets.
Learn more: How many NBA teams are there?
List of the Current Shortest NBA Players
Only a small handful of the league’s 536 athletes are shorter than 6’1″, and most are at least 6’5″. But, there are a select few who, despite their shorter stature, have made it onto a NBA roster this season.
Below is a list of the 10 shortest NBA players in 2024 (there are a total of 13, as 10 of them tie at 6’0″).
Table 1: Shortest NBA Players by Height, 2023-2024 Season
| RANK | NAME | TEAM | HEIGHT |
| 1 | Jacob Gilyard | Brooklyn Nets | 5’8” |
| 2 | Isaiah Thomas | Phoenix Suns | 5’9” |
| T-3 | Jose Alvarado | New Orleans Pelicans | 6’0” |
| T-3 | Mike Conley | Minnesota Timberwolves | 6’0” |
| T-3 | Aaron Holiday | Houston Rockets | 6’0” |
| T-3 | Kyle Lowry | Philadelphia 76ers | 6’0” |
| T-3 | T.J. McConnell | Indiana Pacers | 6’0” |
| T-3 | Jordan McLaughlin | Minnesota Timberwolves | 6’0” |
| T-3 | Davion Mitchell | Sacramento Kings | 6’0” |
| T-3 | Xavier Moon | Los Angeles Clippers | 6’0” |
| T-3 | Chris Paul | Golden State Warriors | 6’0” |
| T-3 | Zavier Simpson | Memphis Grizzlies | 6’0” |
| T-3 | Fred VanVleet | Houston Rockets | 6’0” |
1. Jacob Gilyard – 5’8” (Brooklyn Nets)
Jacob Gilyard holds the impressive title of all-time NCAA career steals leader. His defensive prowess earned him a spot on the G-League’s Memphis Hustle’s opening night roster.
2. Royce O’Neal – 5’9” (Phoenix Suns)
Royce O’Neal battled it out in Germany following his college career at Denver and then Baylor. He eventually earned a spot on the Utah Jazz’s NBA Summer League team before making his official NBA debut in 2017.
T-3. Jose Alvarado – 6’0” (New Orleans Pelicans)
Nicknamed “Grand Theft Alvarado” for his steal-creating ability, Jose Alvarado’s defensive skills are a key asset for the Pelicans.
T-3. Mike Conley – 6’0” (Minnesota Timberwolves)
A seasoned veteran, Mike Conley is an NBA All-Star point guard with a history of sportsmanship and team leadership awards. Before joining the Timberwolves, he spent 12 seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies and became the team’s all-time leading scorer.
T-3. Aaron Holiday – 6’0” (Houston Rockets)
Aaron Holiday, a first-round pick by the Indiana Pacers, brings All-American recognition from his UCLA days. He now plays for the Rockets, contributing as a skilled point guard.
T-3. Kyle Lowry – 6’0” (Philadelphia 76ers)
A six-time All-Star and NBA champion, Kyle Lowry’s leadership and experience are invaluable to the 76ers. He represented the United States at the 2016 Olympics, earning a gold medal win. While some think he’s the biggest flopper in the NBA, there’s no arguing that he’s one of the best there is at drawing charges in basketball.
T-3. T.J. McConnell – 6’0” (Indiana Pacers)
T.J. McConnell signed with the Philadelphia 76ers after being undrafted out of Arizona. In 2021, he broke the NBA record for most steals in a half, with 9.
T-3. Jordan McLaughlin – 6’0” (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Undrafted out of USC, Jordan McLaughlin’s journey through the G League to a two-way contract with the Timberwolves is representative of his perseverance and talent.
T-3. Davion Mitchell – 6’0” (Sacramento Kings)
Davion Mitchell, an NCAA champion and ninth overall draft pick, has already made his mark by winning the NBA Summer League MVP and being named to the All-NBA Summer League First Team in 2021.
T-3. Xavier Moon – 6’0” (Los Angeles Clippers)
Xavier Moon is a shooting guard on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Ontario Clippers of the NBA G League. He played international professional basketball for five years before joining the Clippers organization in 2021.
T-3. Chris Paul – 6’0” (Golden State Warriors)
“CP3” is celebrated as one of the greatest point guards ever, with numerous awards, including two Olympic gold medals and selection to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. Chris is also one of the oldest NBA players in the league right now, and still can pass a dime in basketball games.
T-3. Zavier Simpson – 6’0” (Memphis Grizzlies)
After four seasons at Michigan University, Zavier Simpson did a brief stint with the Los Angeles Lakers before making his NBA G League with the Oklahoma City Blue. He eventually made his NBA debut with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2022.
T-3. Fred VanVleet – 6’0” (Houston Rockets)
Fred VanVleet, undrafted out of Wichita State, has earned his way in the NBA with his leadership and skill as a point guard. He was named to his first NBA All-Star Game in 2022.
Learn more: Who has the most NBA championships?
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Who is the Shortest NBA Player of All Time?
At 5 feet 3 inches, Muggsy Bogues is the shortest NBA player of all time.
Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues stands out in NBA history. Despite his stature, he had a remarkable career spanning 14 seasons, primarily with the Charlotte Hornets.
Muggsy was a force to be reckoned with, using his speed and agility to navigate the court and set up plays for teammates. He averaged 7.7 assists per game over his career, and is one of only two players in NBA history to have had over 760 assists and fewer than 160 turnovers in a season.
Muggsy Bogues battled head-to-head with the tallest NBA players and proved that height isn’t everything in basketball.
Learn more: What is an assist in basketball?
Other Notable Short NBA Players
The NBA’s history features a long list of athletes who demonstrate that height doesn’t always limit the capacity for making and succeeding in the NBA.
These are some of the shortest NBA players who have made significant contributions to the league:
- Spud Webb: At 5 feet 7 inches, Spud’s victory in the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest is legendary, defying expectations with his incredible leaping ability and dunking skills.
- Earl Boykins: Despite being just 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 133 pounds, Earl impressed with his scoring and playmaking during his career, demonstrating that agility and skill can make a big impact on the court.
- Nate Robinson: Standing 5 feet 9 inches, Nate is a three-time Slam Dunk Contest champion. His explosive athleticism and energy have made him a fan favorite and a formidable opponent.
Are There Advantages of Being a Shorter Player in the NBA?
Shorter NBA players are naturally at a disadvantage in reach, making it challenging to get shots off, defend shooters, and pull down rebounds. But, the ones who make the league have figured out how to leverage the unique advantages of being shorter offers.
These include:
- Speed: Their quickness allows for rapid transitions up and down the court, often outpacing taller opponents during fast breaks.
- Agility: With the ability to change direction swiftly, shorter players can navigate through defenses, creating opportunities and avoiding blocks.
- Lower Center of Gravity: This provides better balance and stability, which is crucial for maintaining control during drives and playing tenacious defense.
- Endurance: The shortest NBA players often have superior endurance, allowing them to maintain a high level of play throughout the game without tiring as quickly as larger players might.
- Ball Handling: Lower to the ground, they tend to have better ball control, making them excellent dribblers and playmakers.
- Steals and Defense: Their proximity to the floor makes it easier to steal the ball and create turnovers, which can be critical in changing the game’s momentum.
- Perimeter Shooting: Many shorter players develop strong perimeter shooting skills to compensate for their inability to score inside among taller defenders.
Learn more: Discover more about NBA players from today and the past in our NBA Fan Guide.
Skills Development for Shorter Players
You can’t control your height. But you have a say over your skill level, physical conditioning, and mindset.
By honing the following skills, shorter basketball players can level the playing field and turn perceived disadvantages into strengths:
- Master Ball Handling: Shorter players can use their natural proximity to the ground to enhance their dribbling and protect the ball from taller defenders.
- Perfect Shooting Technique: A consistent and accurate shot, especially from long-range, can compensate for the inability to penetrate taller defenses. Former players suggest shooting hundreds of shots daily from various positions to improve.
- Increase Basketball IQ: Understanding the game deeply allows players to make smarter plays. Studying game film can help anticipate opponent moves and find the best positions to take advantage.
- Develop a Quick First Step: A rapid first step can create space from defenders, a tip frequently given by professional trainers to shorter players looking to improve their offensive game.
- Focus on Physical Conditioning: Anybody can be the hardest worker on the floor. Enhanced endurance and strength training can give an edge in matchups, as suggested by sports performance coaches.
- Learn to Draw Fouls: Smaller players can use their speed to draw contact, an often recommended strategy by former NBA guards to get to the free-throw line.
Learn more: Does playing basketball make you taller?
FAQs
Can a short player dunk in the NBA?
Yes, short NBA players have dunked before. Notably, Spud Webb, who was 5 feet 7 inches tall, won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1986.
Can being short be an advantage in basketball?
Yes, shorter players often benefit from greater speed, agility, and a lower center of gravity, which can be advantageous on the basketball court.
How do you get good at basketball if you are short?
To excel in basketball as a shorter player, focus on developing ball handling, shooting, speed, and a high basketball IQ. Training should emphasize skills where height is not a factor.
Data Sources and Notes
To collect and calculate data for this article on the shortest NBA Players, we collected the up-to-date height data of each player on active 2023-2024 NBA rosters available at NBA.com. The data is accurate as of 4/13/24.
Royce O’neal is 6’6″ and plays power forward. Get reading glasses