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When people talk about the NBA, the majority would automatically think of freakishly tall athletes. They aren't to blame considering how there has been a stereotype that having towering height gives you an advantage in basketball.
However, that isn't always the case. Throughout the league's history, fans have witnessed a plethora of athletes who dominated the sport standing at six feet and below.
Greats like Allen Iverson, Nate Robinson and Spud Webb showcased fearlessness when attacking the rim despite being defended by giants. Then there are players like Isaiah Thomas and Mugsy Bogues who figured out ways to use their short size to their advantage.
Here are the five shortest players heading into the 2024-25 NBA season.
Yuki Kawamura and four other shortest NBA players heading into 2024-25 season
#1. Yuki Kawamura (5-foot-8)
Yuki Kawamura is the Memphis Grizzlies' latest acquisition for the 2024-25 season. Initially seen playing at the FIBA World Cup and 2024 Paris Olympics, Kawamura proved to the world that he belonged on a bigger stage. Fortunately for him, the Grizzlies saw his potential and decided to give him a shot during the 2024 NBA preseason.
With the time that he was given on the hardwood, Kawamura proved to be an efficient guard for Memphis. He showcased remarkable shooting abilities and let his taller opponents know that he wasn't afraid to slice the defense and attack the paint. Aside from his offensive skillset, he has a knack for playmaking, which makes him a more versatile point guard.
The Grizzlies ultimately awarded him with a two-way contract.
#2. Chris Paul (6-foot-0)
Chris Paul is the oldest player in the NBA next to his close friend LeBron James. Since he got drafted in 2005, Paul has proven himself to be one of the best point guards the league has ever seen. Despite having a significant size disadvantage throughout his career, "CP3" made a name for himself through his dazzling playmaking abilities.
Paul helped the LA Clippers become some of the most famous teams during his tenure with the team after he built "Lob City" alongside Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Then come the later stages of his career, he still proved to be an effective guard for the Phoenix Suns when he helped the team reach the NBA Finals in 2021.
Now suiting up for the San Antonio Spurs, it seems that the veteran will play more of a mentorship role for the team. His playmaking prowess should help Victor Wembanyama reach the heights he couldn't last season.
#3 Fred VanVleet (6-foot-0)
Another veteran on this list is Fred VanVleet. While he wasn't able to maintain his elite status in the NBA, VanVleet surely proved that height disadvantage isn't a problem for him.
During his tenure with the Toronto Raptors, he found success serving as the team's point guard. He played a prominent role and gained a lot of experience in the Raptors' championship win in 2019. VanVleet then evolved into an All-Star in the 2021-22 season, averaging 20.3 points, 6.7 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game.
Although his stardom was short-lived, he's undoubtedly a guard that teams would want to have on their team.
#4 Aaron Holiday (6-foot-0)
Another Houston Rockets player on this list is Aaron Holiday. While he may be the younger brother of Jrue Holiday, Aaron still has some things to prove in the NBA. So far in seven seasons, Holiday played for five teams already.
Now suiting up for the Rockets, he serves as Fred VanVleet's backup point guard. While he isn't a bad player, it's clear that he's still searching for his identity on the hardwood averaging 6.6 ppg, 1.8 apg and 1.6 rpg last season.
#5 Davion Mitchell (6-foot-0)
Previously playing for the Sacramento Kings, Davion Mitchell now has the opportunity to prove himself with the Toronto Raptors. Throughout his tenure with the Kings, he averaged 7.4 ppg, 2.8 apg and 1.6 rpg.
Similarly to Aaron Holiday, Mitchell also needs to figure some things out on the court to prove his efficiency as a point guard. Fortunately for him, playing with a new team might be that opening that he needs.
