The average height of an NBA player in today's league is 6'7". While the NBA has always been known as a big league, highlighted by its numerous dominant seven-footers, the NBA has also featured some entertaining and talented players on the other end of the height spectrum. These shorter players came into the L with a clear disadvantage in their size, but were able to compensate with varying talents on the basketball court. Slater Martin was an elite defender for his size, and players like Earl Boykins and Nate Robinson have proven to be very explosive scorers despite vertically challenged.
In light of Nate's 29th birthday, we're taking a look at the NBA's little guys (5'10" and under) who came up big on the court. From Calvin Murphy to Muggsy Bogues, here are the 15 Greatest Short NBA Players of All Time.
15. Keith Jennings
14. Charlie Criss
13. Brevin Knight
12. Ralph Beard
11. Isaiah Thomas
10. Earl Boykins
9. Spud Webb
8. Fred Scolari
7. Nate Robinson
6. Avery Johnson
5. Damon Stoudamire
4. Michael Adams
3. Muggsy Bogues
2. Slater Martin
Listed height: 5'10"
Years: 1949-60
Team(s): Lakers, Knicks, Hawks
Career statistics: 745 G, 9.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 4.2 APG
Championship teams are always known for featuring leaders with a hard mettle and tough defensive mindset. Slater Martin represented this to the fullest. During his playing days in the '50s, Martin was known for being an exceptional defender. His toughness could be encapsulated in this quote after warning competitor Bob Cousy about palming:
“I told him that if he did that again that I would break his nose. He didn’t do it again.”
Martin is best known for playing on the Minneapolis Lakers team built around George Mikan that won four NBA championships between 1950 and 1954. The Hall of Famer also made seven consecutive All-Star teams from 1953-1959.