The Nba’s Shortest Centers: Making The Most Out Of Their Height

Introduction

When most people think of NBA centers, they likely picture towering figures like Shaquille O’Neal or Yao Ming. However, there have been plenty of successful centers who have excelled in spite of their lack of height. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the shortest centers in NBA history, examining how they made an impact on the court and what made them successful.

Spud Webb: 5’7”

One of the most famous short centers in NBA history is undoubtedly Spud Webb. At just 5’7”, he was one of the smallest players in the league, but he still managed to carve out a successful career. Webb was known for his incredible vertical leap, which allowed him to dunk the ball despite his height. He won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1986, beating out players who were much taller than him.

Muggsy Bogues: 5’3”

If Spud Webb was small, then Muggsy Bogues was downright tiny. Standing at just 5’3”, Bogues is widely considered to be the shortest player in NBA history. Despite his height, he managed to play for 14 seasons in the league. Bogues was known for his quickness and ball-handling skills, which helped him to be an effective playmaker. He also had a knack for stealing the ball, racking up an impressive 1,369 steals over the course of his career.

Nate Robinson: 5’9”

Nate Robinson may not have been the shortest center in NBA history, but he was certainly one of the most explosive. At just 5’9”, Robinson was known for his incredible athleticism and ability to score in bunches. He won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest three times, putting on a show for fans with his acrobatic dunks. Robinson played for several teams over the course of his career, and while he wasn’t always a starter, he was always a fan favorite.

How Short Centers Succeed

So, what makes a short center successful in the NBA? There are a few key factors that seem to be common among players who have thrived despite their lack of height. The first is athleticism. Players like Spud Webb and Nate Robinson were able to make up for their lack of height with their incredible leaping ability and speed. This allowed them to compete with taller players in a way that many people thought was impossible.

The second key factor is skill. Short centers who are able to handle the ball well and make smart decisions on the court can be incredibly effective playmakers. Muggsy Bogues was famous for his ability to set up his teammates and find the open man, even in the midst of a crowded court. This kind of skill is invaluable, and can help a player to be successful even if they’re not the tallest person on the court.

Conclusion

While the NBA may be a league dominated by tall players, there have been plenty of short centers who have made a lasting impact on the game. Whether it’s through incredible athleticism, impressive skill, or just sheer determination, these players have shown that height isn’t always the most important factor in basketball success. As we continue to see new players enter the league, it will be interesting to see if any new short centers emerge and make their mark on the game.