Image via Complex Original
The average height of players in the NBA is about 6-foot-7. So, for dudes who stand around 6-foot, making the league, much less dunking in it, is a feat in itself. Today, 5-foot-7 Spud Webb, one of the greatest short players and most prolific dunkers in NBA history celebrates his 48th birthday. And in honor of this pioneer's born day, we're looking back at the best short dunkers (6-foot-2 and under) in NBA history. From Robert Pack to Nate Robinson, we bring you the 10 Best Little Man Dunkers in NBA History. Size matters? Think again. Pause.
10. Darrell Armstrong (6-foot-1)
CAREER: 1991–2008
COMPLEX SAYS: Yeah, Darrell Armstrong will forever be remembered for his epic fail in the 1996 NBA Slam Dunk contest, but during games homie proved he had hops. From his early years in Europe to his glory days with the Orlando Magic, D.A. was known for serving his opponents on the court.
9. Brandon Jennings (6-foot-1)
CAREER: 2008–present
COMPLEX SAYS: The Milwaukee point guard wasn't able to participate in this year's Slam Dunk contest due to injury but as you can see in this compilation video, homie can definitely get up there and has plenty of years to compete for the title. He repped for the lil guys in the 2008 McDonald's All-American Slam Dunk Competition (won by DeMar DeRozan), now he's a full-time Young Money representative. SMH, c'mon son!
8. Fred Jones (6-foot-2)
CAREER: 2002–present
COMPLEX SAYS: Fred who? Fred Jones! Yeah, outside of hoop heads he's not known by many, but Jones won the 2004 NBA Slam Dunk contest, edging out two-time champion Jason Richardson to become the fourth shortest person to ever with the competition. Jones never competed in the contest again though. Grand opening, grand closing. *Hova voice*
7. Stephon Marbury (6-foot-2)
CAREER: 1996–present
COMPLEX SAYS: OK, OK. We know the video quality is terrible but this rare clip is the only one available online and whether it's in HD or looking like you're back watching stolen cable, this shit was ridiculous. Like eating Vaseline, getting your shoe logo tattoed on your head, dancing to get closer to God ridiculous.
6. Allen Iverson (6-foot)
CAREER: 1996–present
COMPLEX SAYS: A.I. certainly had his share of badass moments before taking his talents to Turkey, and while he had crossovers for days, he was known to throw it down every now and then, too. The best example being this put-back dunk on Marcus Camby. Iverson to the 6-foot-11 power foward: "Homie, tell me how my nuts taste!"
5. Kevin Johnson (6-foot-1)
CAREER: 1987–2000
COMPLEX SAYS: During Game 4 of the 1994 Western Conference Semifinals, Kevin Johnson pulled off one of best dunks on a big man in NBA history and one of the best dunks period. We don't know how K.J. thought it was a good idea (or even possible) to challenge Hakeem Olajuwon who's about a full foot taller than him, but that shit was epic. Now dude is the mayor of Sacramento. Ambition FTW, kids.
4. Dee Brown (6-foot-1)
CAREER: 1990–2002
COMPLEX SAYS: Dee Brown is the third shortest player to ever win the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. His "no-look" and Reebok Pump dunks stole the championship from that year's favorite, Shawn Kemp. Smashing raw on the court? Dope. Smashing raw off of it? Not so much. Word to the Reignman.
3. Robert Pack (6-foot-2)
CAREER: 1992–2004
COMPLEX SAYS: The other Pacman (not Mr. Please Arrest Me), separates himself from others on the list with his collection of ill in-game dunks throughout his career. Yeah, he dunked on Shawn Bradley but so has everyone else. His dunk on Shawn Kemp? Now that's noteworthy. Sidebar: The effort it took to edit Pack's highlights, incorporate the Pac-Man video game, and add a soundtrack just lets us know that YouTube uploaders have a little too much time on their hands. Dope nonetheless, though.
2. Nate Robinson (5-foot-9)
CAREER: 2005–present
COMPLEX SAYS: Little Nate is the only three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2006, 2009, 2010). The creativity in his dunk over Spud Webb and the "Krypto-Nate" dunk over 6-foot-11 Dwight Howard have made him a fan favorite. Now if he can just try to avoid those celebration fails.
1. Spud Webb (5-foot-7)
CAREER: 1985–1998
COMPLEX SAYS: As one of the shortest players in NBA history, Spud shocked the world in 1986, by winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest over heavily-favored Dominique Wilkins. Webb dazzled the crowd with a slew of dunks including a "360 helicopter" and "180-degree reverse double-pump" dunk. Webb and his 42-inch vertical leap proved that big things could come in small packages (II). FOH, Gillette.
