The average NBA player stands 6’6 and climbing. But every so often, someone else slips in (pun intended) and proves that you can be one of the greatest, no matter your height.
Muggsy Bogues, who stands at just 5’3, made history as one of the shortest players in NBA history. Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1987 Expansion Draft, Bogues spent 10 seasons with the franchise and remains the Hornets’ all-time leader in assists (5,557) and steals (1,067). He was essentially the engine of the iconic team in the 1990s.
In February 2027, this great player of short stature will have his No. 1 jersey retired and raised to the rafters at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“After all those times that you felt like you were looking up, looking up for so many years, at people. Then here comes this particular moment, and when that jersey actually goes up, it’ll be like I’m the one looking down at the entire world. It’s going to be a surreal moment,” Bogues stated, according to The Washington Post.
Being a short king on the courts doesn’t happen every day, but when it does, these players leave a legacy. Here are seven basketball stars who stood tall and scored points (no net!), even though they were under 6’0.
Charlie Criss — Height: 5’8″
Charlie Criss had to wait for his NBA moment, and when it came, he made it count. After playing in the Continental Basketball Association, the guard made his NBA debut with the Atlanta Hawks in 1977 at age 28. Criss brought energy and scoring off the bench, spending most of his eight-season NBA career in Atlanta. He also suited up for the San Diego Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks. In a league where size often gets the first look, Criss’s journey showed that patience, preparation and a good game can open doors.
Jacob Gilyard — Height: 5’8″
If Jacob Gilyard was on the court, it was wise to keep a close eye on the basketball. At the University of Richmond, the guard became the NCAA Division I men’s career steals leader, finishing with 466. Gilyard brought that defensive instinct and playmaking ability to the NBA, debuting with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2023 before also playing for the Brooklyn Nets. He started games for Memphis during the 2023–24 season, giving the league a look at the skills that made him such a standout in college. He now plays as a point guard for BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque in France’s top-tier LNB Élite league.
Greg Grant — Height: 5’7″
Greg Grant’s journey took him from the Trenton, New Jersey, playgrounds to the bright lights of the NBA. At Division III Trenton State College, now The College of New Jersey, the point guard became a scoring sensation and helped lead his team to the 1989 national championship game. That same year, the Phoenix Suns selected him in the second round of the NBA draft. Grant went on to play seven seasons in the league, bringing his quickness and playmaking to six teams, including the New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Bullets and Denver Nuggets.
Keith “Mister” Jennings — Height: 5’7″
Keith Jennings entered the NBA with a nickname that already demanded respect: “Mister.” The guard made his name at East Tennessee State, where his play earned him the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award, an honor given to an outstanding college player under six feet tall. After going undrafted, Jennings joined the Golden State Warriors and spent three seasons with the team from 1992 to 1995. He averaged 6.6 points per game during his NBA career, using his quickness and court vision to score.
Markquis Nowell — Height: 5’7″
Before his NBA opportunity came calling, Markquis Nowell gave basketball fans a March Madness performance to remember. The Harlem native lit up the 2023 NCAA tournament with Kansas State, showing off the creativity and passing skills that earned him the nickname “Mr. New York City.” After going undrafted, Nowell signed a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors. He made one NBA appearance during the 2023–24 season, but he showed out. He scored two points, grabbed two rebounds, added two assists and stole one ball … in just four minutes. He most recently played in the 2026 NBA Summer League with the Pelicans and competed overseas with Baskonia in Spain during the 2025–26 season.
Spud Webb — Height: 5’6″
At the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest, Atlanta Hawks guard Spud Webb faced off against teammate Dominique Wilkins, the reigning champion known as the “Human Highlight Film.” Webb soared past him and took home the trophy, creating one of the contest’s most unforgettable moments. Over 12 NBA seasons with teams like the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic, Webb brought speed, playmaking and scoring, showing fans a player didn’t have to be the tallest to rise to the occasion.
Earl Boykins — Height: 5’5″
Earl Boykins may have been the second-shortest player in NBA history, but he knew how to put up some very big numbers. In 2004, the speedy point guard dropped 32 points for the Denver Nuggets against the Detroit Pistons, becoming the shortest player in league history to score at least 30 in a game. Undrafted out of Eastern Michigan, Boykins built a 13-season NBA career, playing for the New Jersey Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors and many more, using his quickness and scoring ability to keep defenders on their toes.