Basketball is a sport that requires athletes to score in a basket that is as high as 3.05 meters. To become a professional player, it is very difficult to achieve without sufficient height. However, in the history of the NBA, there are quite a few players under 1.8 meters (5’10”). How did they survive in the NBA? Let’s take a look:
1. Allen Iverson: Super Talent
Although Iverson is listed at 1.83 meters (6 feet), his actual height is less than 180cm (5’10”). Despite this severe height deficiency, Iverson became the number one overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, thanks to his exceptional talent, long wingspan, outstanding athletic ability, and mature skills. Most importantly, Iverson never feared taller opponents and only wanted to defeat them, which is a crucial reason for his success in the NBA.
2. Muggsy Bogues: Shorter, but Advantageous
Bogues dreamt of playing in the NBA since high school, despite being ridiculed for his 160cm (5’3”) height. This height seemed like a laughable disadvantage, but Bogues turned it into an advantage. His agility and low center of gravity on the court made him a difficult player to defend, and his court vision and playmaking skills made him a standout player for the Charlotte Hornets. He turned his height “deficiency” into an impressive accomplishment.
3. Nate Robinson: Short, but High Jumper
Nate Robinson was another famous “short” player, but his extraordinary jumping ability made him a force on the court. He even managed to block Yao Ming, who had a 50cm (18-inch) height advantage over him! Robinson won the Slam Dunk Contest three times in 2006, 2009, and 2010, becoming the only player in NBA history to achieve this honor thrice.
4. Spud Webb: “I Jump Higher Than You, Nate”
Comparable to Nate Robinson, “Spud” Webb was 6cm (2.5 inches) shorter than Robinson! The Detroit Pistons selected him in the 4th round (87th overall) of the 1985 NBA Draft. Webb then signed with the Atlanta Hawks and began his NBA career. In his rookie season, Webb participated in and won the Slam Dunk Contest, defeating Dominique Wilkins and becoming the shortest player to win the contest in NBA history.
5. Isaiah Thomas: Not Tall, but Strong
Isaiah Thomas, also known as the “Smiling Assassin,” was dubbed as the “Most Powerful 5’9” Player in the World.” He was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the 60th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. Thomas earned contracts by showcasing his sharp dribbling and scoring abilities. In the 2016-17 season, he was one of the top players in the MVP race and became known as the “King of the Fourth Quarter” for his clutch performances. In a playoff game, after his sister’s tragic passing, Thomas scored 52 points while dealing with numerous injuries, showcasing his resilience. Although Thomas has declined in recent years, he remains one of the most tenacious and determined undersized players in NBA history.
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