By T.A. September 16, 2022
What if I told you 5ft 3 inches??? It is unfortunate to realize that players of shorter stature(Kevin Hart- ish), face an uphill battle in achieving their dreams of playing in the NBA. The dream of playing in the NBA may be a more difficult one for shorter players to achieve, much like a fairy tale.
Well, there is hope for you! ( If you are shorter than 6’2 anyway) Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues was literally the same height as Kevin Hart and he played in the NBA. Bogues also made history by becoming the shortest player to ever play in the NBA.
Muggsy attended Dunbar High School in Baltimore, Maryland, where he played basketball for the school’s team. Dunbar High School is a well-known school in Baltimore known for its successful basketball program, having produced several notable players over the years. Muggsy Bogues played for Dunbar High School from 1981 to 1983. During his senior year, he led the team to an impressive record of 42-1 and a state championship. This outstanding accomplishment was one of the highlights of his high school career. This achievement helped to pave the way for his future success in basketball.
In the 1987 NBA Draft, Muggsy Bogues, the 5’3″ point guard from Wake Forest University, was selected by the Washington Bullets as the 12th overall pick in the first round. This was a significant moment in his career, as it marked the beginning of his professional basketball journey. The Washington Bullets had high hopes for Bogues and his exceptional ball-handling and passing skills. He was expected to bring a new level of energy and excitement to the team, he did not disappoint. Bogues would go on to have a successful five-year stint with the Bullets before moving on to play for the Charlotte Hornets and Golden State Warriors.
How many success stories do we have that are similar to Bogues? It’s sporadic to say the least. Bogues may be the last of his kind, and also as much as Bogues’s story is a motivation for kids all over the world. I would encourage kids to eat more proteins and do more stretching exercises- literally, anything that can get you taller.
The sad thing about height is that no matter what you do to get it, the reason why a person may find himself short(in the Kevin Hart range)is purely genes. When the two recessive genes of height mix- from both parents- the child seems to be destined short. Genes against dreams Huh?
Nothing is impossible though!
| Height of players 2023 | NBA |
| Shortest player’s height | 5ft 9 inches |
| Average player’s height | 6ft 6 inches |
| Tallest player’s height | 7ft 4 inches |
It’s advisable that a height of 6 ft 3 inches is realistic to compete in the NBA.
Moreover, the best compensation for being short is possessing great handling and good basketball IQ- this was what sustained Bogues in the League in the first place.
A player with a height of 6’3 can play the most adaptable role of a point guard. You just have to be special to get yourself sustainable in the league.
Two players with heights below 6’3 are Kyrie Irving and Steph Curry. Kyrie is the best ball handler in NBA history, while Steph is the best shooter in NBA history. The tallest point guard ever was surprisingly Magic Johnson at 6’9(Good Heavens!)
Short guys have even adapted to dunking- There is literally no excuse why they can’t make the NBA!
Nate Robinson was the only reason I liked the Knicks while I was younger. Nate won 3 Slam Dunk Contest, Nate blocked Shaq, Nate blocked Prime Lebron, Nate gave me the world’s best valentine’s gift by dunking on Dwight Howard, and Nate was a whopping 5 ft 9.
To me because of guys like Muggsy and Nate, there is real hope for the short guys. You just have to possess something special. A basketball gift that is more attractive than your 6’1 height.
I’m currently 6’1, Kyrie has been a great motivation, I have decided to hit the Gym after writing this article. I got to work on my handles! I suggest you too!
