Muggsy Bogues - The Shortest Player in NBA History

Muggsy Bogues Card

Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues was the shortest player in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA). At 5’3” Bogues was noticeably shorter than even the shortest players. Spud Webb was the second shortest player in the NBA during Bogues’s career, and he was 5’7”.

Early Years

Muggsy Bogues grew up in inner-city Baltimore, Maryland. Although his parents called him “Apple,” he earned the nickname “Muggsy” because of the toughness and leadership he showed during pick-up basketball games on the outdoor courts in Baltimore. His high school team, the Dunbar Poets, was arguably one of the best of all-time. Including Bogues, Dunbar’s 1981-1982 team featured four future NBA players. During his senior season, Dunbar went 31-0. Bogues earned a scholarship to Wake Forest University, where he would become the school’s star point guard. Bogues left Wake Forest as the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) career leader in steals and assists. The Washington Bullets drafted him 12th overall in the 1987 NBA draft. Interestingly, he was on the same team as Manute Bol – the tallest player in NBA history. Bol was two feet and four inches taller than Bogues.

NBA Career

Bogues had a successful and notable NBA career that spanned 13 years, ten of which were spent with the Charlotte Hornets. He was known for his incredible speed, passing ability, quickness, and knack for stealing the ball from opponents. Bogues holds several Hornets records including career steals and assists. In the 1993-1994 season, he averaged 10.8 points per game and 10.7 assists! Despite his lack of height, he managed to block 39 shots, including a shot attempted by 7’0” center Patrick Ewing. Bogues was said to have a 44-inch vertical leap and could nearly dunk a basketball on a ten-foot hoop. Bogues retired after the 2000-2001 season as a Toronto Raptor. During his career, he played for four teams: The Washington Bullets, Charlotte Hornets, Golden State Warriors, and Toronto Raptors.

Since his retirement from the NBA, Bogues has coached basketball, worked in the real estate industry, and made appearances in various movies and television shows.

Discussion Questions

  1. What challenges do you think Muggsy Bogues faced being the shortest player in NBA history?
  2. How did Muggsy’s early life in Baltimore shape his basketball career?
  3. What skills allowed Muggsy Bogues to succeed in the NBA despite his height?
  4. Why do you think Muggsy Bogues is still remembered today?

Debate Topic

Should height be considered an important factor when scouting young basketball talent?

Shortest NBA Player

Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues was the shortest player in NBA history at just 5’3”. Even the next shortest player, Spud Webb, was four inches taller at 5’7”.

Early Years

Bogues grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, where he got the nickname “Muggsy” for being a tough leader on the basketball court. He played for the famous Dunbar High School team, which went 31-0 in his senior year and had four future NBA players. He earned a scholarship to Wake Forest University and became a star point guard, leaving school as the ACC leader in steals and assists.

NBA Career

Muggsy was drafted 12th overall in 1987 by the Washington Bullets and played alongside 7'7" Manute Bol. He had a 13-year NBA career, spending ten years with the Charlotte Hornets. Known for his speed, passing, and defense, he averaged 10.8 points and 10.7 assists in the 1993–1994 season. He even blocked 39 shots during his career, including one by 7-foot center Patrick Ewing.

Life After Basketball

After retiring in 2001, Bogues coached basketball, worked in real estate, and made appearances in movies and on TV. He remains a well-known and respected figure in the basketball world.

Muggsy Bogues Activities