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In basketball, dunking is among the most exhilarating and spectacular feats a participant can carry out. And whereas we usually affiliate dunking with tall gamers, there have been numerous brief gamers who’ve been capable of stuff the ball by means of the ring with authority.
Questioning who’re the shortest gamers to ever dunk in an NBA sport?
On this article, we’ll take a look at 15 of the shortest gamers within the historical past of the NBA who’ve been capable of dunk the ball. From Spud Webb to Nate Robinson, these little males have large video games, they usually have proved that peak will not be a barrier to success.!
List of the Top 15 Shortest NBA Dunkers
Whereas most basketball gamers are over 6 ft tall, some gamers are below 6 ft. We’ve compiled a listing of the fifteen shortest gamers to dunk in an NBA sport. From Spud Webb to Nate Robinson, these gamers could also be brief, however they’ll certain fly!
Scroll down to seek out out extra about them!
1. Muggsy Bogues – 5’3″
Muggsy Bogues is the shortest particular person to ever play within the NBA (Nationwide Basketball Affiliation).
At simply 5’3″, Bogues was an unimaginable athlete and had a profitable 14-year profession within the league. He’s greatest recognized for his time with the Charlotte Hornets, the place he grew to become a fan favourite and led the group to 2 playoff appearances.
Bogues was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He started enjoying basketball at a younger age and shortly developed right into a star participant.
He attended Wake Forest College after highschool and continued to excel on the courtroom. In 1987 Washington Bullets drafted him with the twelfth total choose.
He spent 4 seasons with the Bullets earlier than he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in 1991. He would go on to spend ten seasons with the Hornets, changing into some of the well-liked gamers in franchise historical past. In 2001, he retired from the NBA after 14 seasons.
Regardless of his lack of peak, Muggsy Bogues was the most effective basketball gamers of his technology. He was an incredible athlete with nice pace and quickness. He was additionally a superb passer and defender.
His lack of measurement might have shortened his profession, however he nonetheless managed to perform lots in his 14 years within the NBA.
2. Earl Boykins – 5’5″
Within the historical past of the NBA, there have been numerous gamers who’ve defied the chances and achieved nice issues regardless of being shorter than common. One of the crucial notable examples is Earl Boykins, who, at simply 5’5″, was the second shortest participant to dunk in an NBA sport.
Boykins started his basketball profession at Jap Michigan College, the place he shortly established himself as a serious participant. Regardless of his lack of peak, he was a superb scorer and playmaker, and he helped lead the group to a Mid-American Convention title in 1997.
After going undrafted within the 1998 NBA Draft, Boykins spent a number of years bouncing round between totally different groups earlier than lastly settling with the Denver Nuggets in 2002. It was right here that he had his breakout season, averaging 13 factors and three assists per sport whereas offering an enormous activate the bench.
Boykins continued to thrive with Denver over the subsequent few seasons, and in 2008 he set a brand new report for the shortest participant to ever dunk in an NBA sport. He would go on to play for a number of extra groups earlier than retiring in 2013, ending his profession with averages of 8 factors and two assists per sport.
Regardless of being undersized all through his total profession, Earl Boykins proved that coronary heart and dedication might overcome something. No matter peak, he’ll all the time be remembered as the most effective gamers in NBA historical past.
3. Greg Grant – 5’7″
Greg Grant is 5 toes 7 inches, one other brief participant to dunk within the NBA. After the 1989 season, Phoenix Suns drafted him within the second spherical.
Grant performed seven seasons within the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation (NBA).
In 2007, he obtained the “Group Service Man of the Yr Award” and the “African American Achievement Award” from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Workplace.
He performed within the NBA for 9 years, for six totally different groups. Grant now owns and manages a sports activities academy in Trenton. He additionally offers one-on-one instruction and clinics.
4. Keith Russell – 5’7
At simply 5’7″, Keith Russell is one other brief particular person to dunk in an NBA sport. Coaches had doubts about his talents, so he was not chosen within the 1991 NBA draft. This compelled him to enter the NBA as a free agent, the place he was signed by the Golden State Warriors.
He obtained the French League International MVP award and the French League Finest Scorer award in 1999.
Although his profession was short-lived, Jennings is remembered for his breakout efficiency in certainly one of his remaining sport appearances: 23 factors and ten assists, an unimaginable stat line for an undrafted 5’7″ level guard.
5. Spud Webb – 5’7
Within the Eighties, Spud Webb was one of many NBA’s most fun gamers. He was additionally certainly one of its shortest, standing at simply 5’7″. Spud performed amongst giants within the NBA, the place the typical peak was round 6’6 – 6’8.
Regardless of his lack of peak, Webb was a superb dunker, and he even received the Slam Dunk Contest in 1986. Dominique Wilkins, the opponent he defeated, was a huge 6’8″.
Webb’s success on the courtroom proved that measurement isn’t all the things in basketball. He was fast and agile, and he might soar greater than many taller gamers. His dunks had been typically spectacular, and he thrilled followers along with his aerial acrobatics.
Though he solely performed within the NBA for a number of years, Spud Webb left a long-lasting impression on the league. He confirmed that shorter gamers might succeed on the highest stage of basketball, and he impressed future generations of brief dunkers.
Alongside along with his measurement, Spud was well-known for his unimaginable vertical leaping capability and for dunking in video games. In twelve seasons, he performed 814 video games within the NBA, averaging 9.9 factors per sport and 4,342 assists.
Spud Webb’s efficiency drew nationwide consideration, together with a function in Sports activities Illustrated.
6. Charlie Criss – 5’8
The peak of a number of gamers, together with Charlie Criss, is round 5-foot-8, however some consider he was even shorter.
The CBA (Continental Basketball Affiliation), the place Criss began his skilled profession, awarded him the league MVP (Most Worthwhile Participant) award in 1976 whereas he was enjoying for the Scranton Apollos.
All through his NBA profession, he performed for 4 totally different groups.
As a 29-year-old rookie in 1977-78, Criss averaged a career-high 11.4 factors per sport. He was a game-changer on account of his superior gameplay.
Based on Criss, his favourite reminiscence of enjoying within the league was simply making it. He averaged greater than thirty factors per sport within the Jap League and as soon as set a report with 72 factors.
7. Nate Robinson – 5’9
Nate Robinson is among the shortest gamers within the NBA, standing at simply 5’9″. Regardless of his small stature, he’s an unimaginable athlete and was even capable of dunk the ball throughout a sport.
Robinso was born in Seattle, Washington, and performed basketball for the College of Washington.
In 2005, New York Knicks chosen him within the fifth spherical. He has since performed for the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Clippers.
Robinson spent three seasons with the Knicks earlier than being traded to the Boston Celtics.
He received the Slam Dunk Contest in 2006 and 2010, changing into the primary participant to ever win it back-to-back. In 2012, he was traded to the Golden State Warriors, the place he spent one season earlier than signing with the Chicago Bulls in 2013.
Robinson is presently a free agent however has expressed curiosity in returning to the NBA. He’s an unimaginable participant, and regardless of his small stature, he has confirmed that he can compete with the perfect of them.
Regardless of his comparatively small stature, Robinson has proved to be a strong drive on the courtroom. His athleticism and dedication have helped him overcome any bodily disadvantages and make a reputation for himself as the most effective gamers within the league.
8. Isaiah Thomas – 5’9″
Isaiah Thomas is among the shortest gamers within the NBA, however that doesn’t cease him from being an unimaginable dunker. Standing at simply 5’9″, Thomas can fly excessive above the rim and throw down some critical dunks.
Actually, Thomas is so good at dunking that he’s been capable of do it in opposition to a number of the tallest gamers within the league.
In 1989 and 1990, Thomas led the Detroit Pistons to consecutive world championships.
Regardless of his brief measurement, Thomas established himself as a dominant participant due to his ball-handling talents and fearless drives to the basket.
Therefore, whereas Thomas is probably not the tallest participant within the NBA, he’s undoubtedly the most effective dunkers.
9. Calvin Murphy – 5’9
Calvin, regardless of standing solely 5’9″, is thought to be some of the exceptional shortest folks to dunk in NBA historical past. He’s a degree guard within the NBA, and along with his unbelievable jumps and strikes, he all the time provides powerful competitors to his opponents.
Murphy was solely 5-9, however his brief peak was by no means a problem. His uncooked expertise was so spectacular that he shortly established himself as a dominant participant in a sport dominated by a lot bigger males.
Calvin Murphy had all the things {that a} basketball participant ought to have besides peak! He has pace, nice fingers, quickness, and ball-handling expertise.
He thrived in 13 NBA seasons with the San Diego Chargers and Houston Rockets, averaging double figures in scoring every year. Over his three years, he averaged 33.1 factors per sport.
Regardless of being the league’s smallest participant, he made the NBA All-Rookie group in 1971. Murphy began for the Rockets for 13 seasons, averaging 17.9 factors per sport and totalling 17,949 factors.
Murphy, a top-ranked baton twirler nationally, was entertaining to observe. He loved competing and all the time gave his all. He was additionally an excellent group participant.
10. Kay Felder – 5’9
Kay Felder is an rising basketball participant from the US and one of many NBA’s shortest gamers.
At 5’9, he is among the most thrilling gamers within the league. Felder has performed for eight totally different groups.
In 14 video games for the Bulls, he averaged 3.9 factors, 1.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 9.6 minutes. In three video games with the Windy Metropolis Bulls, he averaged 17.3 factors, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists whereas taking pictures 45.2 p.c from the sphere.
He has an incredible capability to complete on the rim, and his dunks are all the time highlight-reel-worthy.
Felder obtained the Horizon League Freshman of the Yr award in 2013–14. As well as, he was a finalist for the Lou Henson Award, which is given to the “Mid-Main Participant of the Yr.” Felder was additionally named NCAA Participant of the Week on February 9, 2016.
Whereas Felder is probably not amongst the tallest gamers within the NBA, he greater than makes up for it along with his unimaginable athleticism and leaping capability. He is among the quickest gamers within the league and makes use of his pace and quickness to his benefit on each ends of the ground.
On protection, Felder is a pest. He makes use of his fast fingers to create turnovers and his fast toes to remain in entrance of opposing ball handlers. On offense, he’s a scoring machine. He can get to the basket at will and finishes effectively across the rim.
Felder could also be small in stature, however he’s a big-time participant who can take over a sport at any second. He’s must-see TV each time he steps on the courtroom and is among the most fun gamers within the NBA right now.
11. Ty Lawson – 5’11
Ty Lawson, at 5’11, is one other brief particular person to dunk within the NBA.
Lawson was drafted 18th total within the 2009 NBA draft on account of issues about his peak and his continuously sprained ankle. Nevertheless, that they had already chosen two level guards, making Lawson expendable.
Lawson was traded to the Denver Nuggets. He spent six seasons with the Nuggets earlier than transferring on to the Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, and Washington Wizards.
Lawson excels at scoring and changing performs below strain by utilizing his higher physique energy to provoke contact first. His capability to push the ball in transition after a profitable shot is one other high quality that units him aside.
Lawson, who helped North Carolina win the NCAA championship, performed eight NBA seasons, the bulk with the Denver Nuggets, and averaged 12.7 factors per sport.
For the PG place on the subsequent stage, Lawson is undersized and athletically unprepared. He shoots the ball low and with out a lot carry, making it troublesome to get off in opposition to larger defenders.
12. Allen Iverson – 5’11
In 1996, Allen Iverson was drafted by the Philadelphia Sixers as the primary total choose within the NBA draft. At simply 5’11”, Iverson was one of many shortest gamers within the NBA.
Regardless of his lack of peak, Iverson was an unimaginable participant. He was an eleven-time NBA All-Star and was additionally named the NBA Rookie of the Yr in 1997.
In 2001 and 2005, he was titled because the NBA Most Worthwhile Participant.
Iverson received a bronze medal for the US on the 2004 Summer time Olympics. In 2008, ESPN ranked him because the fifth-best NBA taking pictures guard of all time.
At 5’9, he had an uncanny capability to transform offense into protection. He averaged 2.2 steals per sport in his profession.
Iverson had a expertise for by no means getting drained, which is one high quality that’s not often talked about. With 41.1 minutes per sport, Iverson ranks fourth all-time. He has had a legendary profession.
Regardless of his comparatively small stature, Iverson was additionally the most effective scorers in NBA historical past. He ranks seventh all-time in scoring common and fourth all-time in free throw share. His profession scoring common of 26.7 factors per sport is the best ever for a participant below 6 toes tall.
13. Will Bynum – 5’11”
Will Bynum is a former skilled basketball participant from the US who was drafted into the NBA in 2005. His peak is 5’11 toes, which isn’t thought-about brief on the whole, however in basketball, he is among the shortest gamers to dunk.
His peak has sometimes brought on his defenses to fail whereas standing in a circle of taller guards. However, regardless of his common peak of 6 toes, Bynum has a light-weight and athletic construct that permits him to maneuver shortly amongst his opponents.
In 2005, Bynum joined the Boston Celtics for the NBA Summer time League, the place he averaged 2.7 assists, 4.2 factors, and a pair of.3 rebounds per sport in six video games.
Bynum signed a ten-day contract with the Golden State Warriors on March 17, 2006, with the group lastly deciding on him for the 2005-06 season.
Towards the top of the season, he was named NBA D-League Rookie of the Yr.
14. Jonny Flynn – 5’11”
Johnny William Flynn is the shortest particular person to dunk within the NBA. He was born in Niagara Falls, New York, on February 6, 1989. The Minnesota Timberwolves chosen Flynn sixth total within the 2009 NBA Draft.
As a senior, Flynn averaged 26.7 factors, 6.0 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and three.5 steals.
Following his senior yr, he was additionally named New York State Mr. Basketball, an award beforehand held by some well-known NBA gamers.
Flynn’s rookie season stats had been strong: he averaged 13.5 factors and 4.4 assists per sport.
He additionally performed in 2010 Rising Star Problem, with 9 factors and seven assists in 17 minutes. He performed within the NBA for 3 seasons and appeared in 163 video games.
On January 18, 2010, he set a brand new career-high with 29 factors in a 108-103 additional time victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Flynn had a career-high 8 rebounds in a 112-91 win over the New York Knicks on January 31, 2010.
15. Kemba Walker – 5”11”
Kemba Hudley Walker is a degree guard for the New York Knicks within the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation. He’s fairly small for an NBA participant, standing at 6’0 with footwear on, however he is a good scorer who makes use of his pace to his benefit.
He went on to play school basketball for the Connecticut Huskies after graduating from Rice Excessive College in 2008.
Whereas popping out of the college, Walker wasn’t an excellent shooter, however he has labored tirelessly to enhance his mechanics and prolong his vary.
Walker was the nation’s second-leading scorer in 2010-11 and was a consensus first-team All-American; he additionally led the Huskies to the 2011 NCAA championship and received the title of the event’s Most Excellent Participant.
He recorded his first triple-double on January 28, 2012, with 20 factors, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds.
Walker set an NBA report by making 19 three-point area targets within the first three video games of the season, changing into the primary participant in NBA historical past to take action.
Defenders merely can’t keep in entrance of him in transition or on the half-court, regardless of his 5’11 peak. His aggressiveness with the ball, capability to vary pace and route immediately, and phenomenal physique management allow him to effortlessly slice by means of protection.
This simply goes to indicate that something is feasible when you set your thoughts to it and work laborious!
So when you’re on the market dreaming of being the subsequent large factor within the NBA, don’t let anybody inform you that it’s unattainable. Shoot for the celebs, and by no means quit in your goals!
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