Basketball has always been a game of size—tall players, long wingspans, and powerful builds dominate highlight reels. But some of the league’s most legendary names had to fight off doubters who said they simply weren’t big enough to make it.
These players heard it all: too short, too light, too weak. And yet, they carved out careers that left their critics looking very, very small.
13. Muggsy Bogues
At just 5’3″, Muggsy Bogues made it to the NBA and stayed for 14 seasons. He may have been the smallest player in league history, but his heart and hustle were absolutely massive.
12. Fred VanVleet
Undrafted and undersized, Fred VanVleet heard every reason why he wouldn’t make it. Then he went out and helped Toronto win a title while becoming one of the league’s most reliable guards.
11. Spud Webb
Standing 5’7″, Spud Webb shocked the world when he won the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest. He turned his small frame into a high-flying symbol of perseverance.
10. J.J. Barea
Listed at barely 6 feet tall (if that), J.J. Barea spent over a decade frustrating defenses with his quickness and grit. He even played a key role in the Mavericks’ 2011 title run.
9. Isaiah Thomas
Not the Pistons legend—this Isaiah Thomas stands around 5’9″ and once dropped 28.9 points per game in a season. Injuries slowed him down, but for a while, he was one of the most electric scorers in the league.
8. Allen Iverson
Generously listed at 6 feet tall, Iverson was constantly told he wouldn’t last in a league full of giants. Then he became an MVP, a Hall of Famer, and one of the most iconic players ever.
7. Nate Robinson
Nate Robinson made a career out of defying physics, winning three dunk contests despite being just 5’9″. His energy and fearlessness made him a fan favorite wherever he played.
6. Damon Stoudamire
Nicknamed “Mighty Mouse” for a reason, Stoudamire silenced size concerns by winning Rookie of the Year in 1996. He went on to have a steady NBA career and later became a respected coach.
5. Kemba Walker
At barely 6 feet, Kemba Walker became a college legend and an NBA All-Star. His handles and clutch gene turned him into one of the league’s toughest coverages for years.
4. Chris Clemons
Coming in at 5’9″, Chris Clemons led the nation in scoring in college and cracked the Rockets’ roster as an undrafted free agent. He proved that volume scoring doesn’t require a towering frame.
Read More: 15 NBA Stars Who Were All About Me, Me, Me
3. Tyronn Lue
Ty Lue’s playing career was solid despite his small size, but it’s his coaching success that truly flipped the narrative. Now an NBA champion as both a player and coach, he’s shown there are no height restrictions on leadership.
Read More: 20 NBA Shooters Who Would’ve Thrived in Today’s 3-Point Frenzy
2. Earl Boykins
At 5’5″, Earl Boykins was the second-shortest player in NBA history but carved out an impressive 13-year career. He became a walking reminder that toughness doesn’t come in one size.
Read More: 20 NBA Superstars Who Never Had a Diva Phase
1. Steph Curry
Early on, Steph Curry was doubted for being too skinny, too small, and not athletic enough. Then he went ahead and changed the entire way the game of basketball is played.
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