The Shortest and Tallest NBA Player Ever
- Ethan Melwani
- Sep 1, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 9, 2024
Muggsy Bogues
The shortest player in NBA history was Muggsy Bogues at 5'3
Muggsy Bogues was drafted 12th overall to the Washington Bullets (now known as the Washington Wizards), in the 1987 NBA draft.
Despite his size, Muggsy Bogues had an impressive career, playing in the NBA for 14 years, mostly for the Charlotte Hornets.
In his 14 years, Bogues averaged a very solid:
7.7 Points
7.6 Assists
1.5 Steals
45.8% of shots made
Throughout his career he was known for his quickness, passing ability, and steals.
In fact, he still holds the Charlotte Hornets' all-time record for both steals (1,067) and assists (5,557).
Here are some of Muggsy Bogues' impressive highlights:
Overall, Muggsy Bogues had a very solid and impressive career, especially for someone his size, being able to compete with players way taller than him.
Manute Bol
The tallest player in NBA history was Manute Bol at 7'7.
Manute Bol was drafted by the Washington Bullets with the 31st pick in the 1985 NBA draft.
In his career, Manute Bol averaged:
2.6 Points
4.2 Rebounds
3.3 Blocks
18.7 Minutes Played
Manute Bol was pretty much just known for his shot-blocking ability, which makes sense considering his height.
He holds the rookie records for total blocks and blocks per game when he had 397 and averaged 5.0 in the 1985–86 season.
He's the only player in NBA history to record more blocked shots than points
At one point, Manute Bol and Muggsy Bogues actually played for the same team at the same time.
Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama is the current tallest player in the NBA at 7'4.
Wembanyama was selected first overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 NBA draft.
He had a very impressive first season and won Rookie of the Year.
So far in his career, he is averaging an impressive :
21.4 Points
10.6 Rebounds
3.9 Assists
3.6 Blocks
1.2 Steals
46.5% of shots made
Jacob Gilyard
Jacob Gilyard is the shortest player currently in the NBA at 5'8
Jacob Gilyard went undrafted 2022 NBA draft but was then later signed by the Memphis Grizzlies. After this contract ended he signed a 2-way contract with the Brooklyn Nets. (this means he can play for both the Brooklyn Nets and their G-league team, the Long Island Nets.)
Gilyard has appeared in 42 games in the NBA, where he has averaged:
4.2 Points
3.4 Assists
1.2 Rebounds
17.6 Minutes Played
40% of shots made
That's all folks, The NBA regular season begins on Tuesday, October 22nd :)
Very interesting!!