The Shortest Centers In Nba History

Introduction

The center position in basketball is traditionally associated with height and size. The tallest players on the team are usually assigned to play in the center position. However, there have been some exceptional players who have defied this norm and have made a name for themselves as the shortest centers in NBA history. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of these players who have made a significant impact in the NBA despite their height disadvantage.

Spud Webb

Spud Webb is famously known for winning the NBA Slam Dunk contest in 1986. He was only 5 feet 7 inches tall but was able to jump higher than most players in the league. He played as a point guard but also played as a center in some games because of his incredible jumping ability.

Muggsy Bogues

Muggsy Bogues was the shortest player in NBA history, standing at only 5 feet 3 inches tall. Despite his height, he managed to have a successful career in the NBA, playing for 14 seasons. He was known for his exceptional ball-handling skills and quickness on the court. He played as a point guard but also played as a center in some games, being able to hold his own against taller opponents.

Nate Robinson

Nate Robinson is another player who defied the norm and made a name for himself as a short center in the NBA. He is only 5 feet 9 inches tall but has a muscular build that allows him to take on taller opponents. He has played for several teams in the NBA and has had some memorable performances as a center, including a game where he scored 34 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

Chuck Hayes

Chuck Hayes is one of the shortest players to play as a center in the NBA, standing at only 6 feet 6 inches tall. Despite his height, he was able to hold his own against taller opponents, thanks to his exceptional strength and low center of gravity. He played for several teams in the NBA, including the Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings.

Tyrone Bogues

Tyrone Bogues, the older brother of Muggsy Bogues, was also a short center in the NBA. He was only 5 feet 6 inches tall but had exceptional ball-handling skills that allowed him to play as a point guard or center. He played for several teams in the NBA, including the Charlotte Hornets and Golden State Warriors.

Manute Bol

Manute Bol was one of the tallest players in NBA history, standing at 7 feet 7 inches tall. However, he is also remembered for his brief stint as a short center in the NBA. In 1987, he played as a center for the Washington Bullets in a game against the Phoenix Suns. The Suns had a small lineup, and Bol was assigned to play as a center to counter their strategy. Despite his height advantage, Bol struggled to keep up with the smaller and quicker Suns players, and the Bullets lost the game.

Earl Boykins

Earl Boykins is one of the shortest players to play in the NBA, standing at only 5 feet 5 inches tall. He played as a point guard but also played as a center in some games, being able to hold his own against taller opponents. He played for several teams in the NBA, including the Denver Nuggets and Charlotte Bobcats.

Mark Eaton

Mark Eaton was one of the tallest players in the NBA during his playing days, standing at 7 feet 4 inches tall. However, he is also remembered for his brief stint as a short center in the NBA. In 1989, he played as a center for the Utah Jazz in a game against the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors had a small lineup, and Eaton was assigned to play as a center to counter their strategy. He struggled to keep up with the quicker Warriors players and was eventually benched.

Conclusion

The NBA has seen some exceptional players who have defied the norm and have made a name for themselves as the shortest centers in NBA history. These players have shown that height is not the only factor that determines success in basketball. With their exceptional skills and determination, they have been able to hold their own against taller opponents and have made a significant impact in the NBA.

As fans of the game, we should celebrate these players and the impact they have made in the NBA. They have proven that anything is possible if you have the skill, determination, and heart to succeed in the game of basketball.