Who is the shortest NBA player? Where does Jacob Gilroy rank in shortest ever?

Given the nature of basketball, height has long been regarded as a significant advantage in the game. Many NBA superstars, both past and present, have dominated the court thanks to their towering frames and impressive wingspans, using their physical gifts to score, defend, and alter the course of matches.

The league often celebrates the exploits of its tallest stars, who have changed the way basketball is played through their sheer presence in the paint and ability to control the glass.

However, there have always been remarkable outliers who have defied expectations to carve out successful NBA careers despite being relatively undersized.

These players have consistently proven that skill, speed, basketball IQ, and relentless determination can sometimes outshine pure physical stature at the highest level of competition. Their journeys provide inspiration to countless aspiring athletes who may not fit the traditional mould but possess the attributes needed to succeed in elite basketball.

A prime example is Isiah Thomas, who was drafted second overall in 1981 by the Detroit Pistons. Standing at just 6ft 1in, Thomas led the franchise to back-to-back NBA titles in 1989 and 1990, earning Finals MVP honours in 1990. Over the course of his illustrious career, he was selected to 12 All-Star teams and is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in league history.

Like Thomas, other shorter players have managed to leave a lasting mark on the league. Spud Webb, for instance, famously won the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest despite being just 5ft 6in tall—making him the third-shortest player in NBA history. Calvin Murphy, meanwhile, earned All-Star honours in 1979 and was later enshrined in the Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the most skilled guards of his era. These examples demonstrate that heart and hustle can bridge the gap where height is lacking.

Over the years, 27 players with listed heights of 5ft 9in (175cm) or shorter have featured in the NBA. Their stories continue to inspire, showing that it is possible to overcome physical limitations and thrive at the highest level of basketball.

Below, Sports Mole takes a look at the shortest player currently in the league as well as in history.

WHO IS THE SHORTEST NBA PLAYER?

Standing at just 5ft 8in, Japanese guard Yuki Kawamura is the shortest active player in the NBA.

Kawamura first gained international attention at the 2024 Olympics, where he impressed for Japan. Following his Olympic stint, he joined the Memphis Grizzlies on a training camp deal, earning a two-way contract in October. He continued to showcase his talents by signing another two-way deal with the Chicago Bulls for the 2025 Summer League, demonstrating adaptability and resilience as he pursued his NBA dream.

Kawamura succeeded former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jacob Gilyard as the league’s shortest active player, with Gilyard also measuring 5ft 8in and boasting a 5ft 10in wingspan. Gilyard enjoyed stints with the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Cavaliers before departing the league in February 2025.

WHO IS THE SHORTEST NBA PLAYER EVER?

Although nine players in NBA history have measured 5ft 7in or shorter, the record for the shortest ever to play in the league belongs to Muggsy Bogues, who stood at just 5ft 3in.

Selected 12th overall in the 1987 NBA Draft by the Washington Bullets (now Wizards), Bogues enjoyed a remarkable 14-year career, representing the Bullets, Charlotte Hornets, Golden State Warriors, and Toronto Raptors.

Despite a significant height disadvantage, Bogues posted a career-high 24 points and notched 19 assists in a game on three occasions. He finished his NBA career with 39 blocks—most memorably denying 7ft centre Patrick Ewing during a clash between the Hornets and New York Knicks in April 1993.