Top 5 Shortest Player in NBA History

Mel Hirsch, standing at 5 feet 6 inches, was one of the shortest NBA player ever but still made a name for himself with the Boston Celtics. In today’s NBA, even the average point guard is around 6 feet tall. However, with shooting guards and small forwards often standing close to 6 feet 6 inches.

However, some players have defied the odds despite their shorter stature. They relied on their skills and game knowledge rather than just their physical height.

While, stars like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Kobe Bryant are famous for their greatness on the court, shorter players impress us with their ability to compete alongside much taller opponents.

This article highlights the top 5 shortest NBA players of all time. These players, many of whom were point guards, are recognized for their skill, achievements, and impact on the game. The list is based on their height (6 feet or shorter), their teams, stats, and overall popularity.

Also read: Top 5 Tallest Player to Watch in the 2024-25 NBA Season

5 shortest NBA player

1. Isaiah Thomas, 5’ 9

During the years whilst the Maloofs owned the Sacramento Kings, the group struggled, however one vibrant spot became finding Isaiah Thomas. Drafted as the final pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. Moreover, Thomas speedy made a name for himself, earning a niche on the All-Rookie Second Team and emerging as a key participant for the suffering team in California’s capital.

One of his standout moments came in March 2012 when he dominated the fourth area of a sport towards the New Orleans Hornets, showcasing his talent and solidifying his place in the league.

2.Fred Scolari, 5’ 10

Fred Scolari makes the list for his surprising achievements inside the Fifties, which include 2 All-Star picks. Despite being mocked for his overweight and not worthy appearance, Scolari used his strength and savvy to excel at the court docket.

Of Italian heritage, Scolari was known for his aggressive defense. He often fouled opponents to disrupt plays and frustrate them, which made him a challenging opponent for many coaches.

Although his career might handiest span about 5 seasons through nowadays standards, Scolari become a reputable player in the Fifties, competing for groups like the Pistons, Bullets, and Celtics.

3.Damon Stoudamire, 5’10

In 1995, Stoudamire become picked 7th typical by way of a Raptors team in desperate need of a sensation. Sporting a tattoo of a mouse on his arm, Stoudamire lit up the league with a huge rookie campaign.

He deservingly earned the nickname, “Mighty Mouse” triumphing “Rookie of the Year” in 1995-96. After a string of injuries and nifty performances, Stoudamire ended up on the Blazers wherein he scored a franchise file fifty-four points towards the Hornets.

Read also: LeBron James Eager to Play with Son Bronny James After NBA Draft

As of now, Stoudamire is an integral part of the NBA coaching staff, last seen at the Grizzlies.

4.Brevin Knight, 5’ 10

Brevin Knight, an undrafted player from Stanford, carved out a awesome profession in the NBA, playing for several teams, together with the Hawks and Bobcats.

Though frequently a backup, Knight appeared in over seven hundred NBA games and scored greater than 5,000 points for the duration of his career.Brevin Knight excelled at dispensing the ball, averaging over 6 assists according to game, and validated strong defensive abilities.

He proved to be a talented participant whose competencies went underappreciated throughout the early 2000s.

5.Avery Johnson, 5’ 10

Johnson is possibly higher known these days for his role as a head teach, but inside the 1990s, he made a call for himself by way of hitting the game-triumphing shot in an NBA Finals series.

Although undrafted, Johnson loved a a success career spanning over 1,000 NBA video games—a fantastic success for any player.

Nicknamed “The Little General,” Johnson led with strong leadership and charisma, motivating his teammates. In 2009, the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame inducted Johnson, and the AT&T Center retired his jersey.