NBA
How tall is Isaiah Thomas? Who are the shortest players in the NBA in 2024?
Several players stand out in the 2023-24 season for their exceptional talent and skill despite being shorter than the league’s average height.
Basketball is often associated with towering athletes dominating the court, but the NBA has seen many exceptional players who defy this stereotype. Let’s delve into the world of the NBA’s shortest players and explore their contributions to the game in more detail.
Isaiah Thomas
The professional basketball player is 5 feet 9 inches tall, which is relatively short for an NBA player. However, throughout his career, he has demonstrated remarkable skill and athleticism. On March 20, 2024, he signed a 10-day contract with the Phoenix Suns and played his first NBA game in nearly two years against the Philadelphia 76ers later that day, logging one assist in two minutes played. Despite his height, he has made significant contributions on the court, showing that determination and skill can overcome physical limitations.
Chris Paul/Fred VanVleet
Both stand at 6 feet tall and are noteworthy for their exceptional careers despite not being among the shortest players in the league. Chris Paul, a veteran point guard, has amassed numerous accolades throughout his career, including 12 NBA All-Star selections, 11 All-NBA Team honors, and 9 NBA All-Defensive Team nods. Paul’s leadership, basketball IQ, and ability to make his teammates better make him one of the best point guards in the league. Fred VanVleet’s journey from undrafted in 2016 to becoming a key player for the Toronto Raptors showcases his perseverance and basketball intellect. Despite being undersized for a shooting guard, VanVleet’s tenacious defense and ability to knock down clutch shots make him a valuable asset to his team. Despite being undersized for a shooting guard, VanVleet’s tenacious defense and ability to knock down clutch shots make him a valuable asset to his team.
Jordan McLaughlin
He may not be the shortest player in the league, but McLaughlin’s impact on the Minnesota Timberwolves is significant. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches, he is known for his defensive prowess, assists, and steals, making him a fan favorite in Minnesota. McLaughlin’s career-high performance of 24 points and 11 assists against the Clippers in 2020 solidifies his significance to the team. Despite his height, McLaughlin’s excellent ball-handling and court vision make him an essential player for the Timberwolves.
Jacob Gilyard
A talented player from Kansas City, standing at 5 feet 9 inches, has emerged as a standout performer in the 2023-24 season. Despite going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, he secured a place in the Memphis Grizzlies during the training camp. The player in question is Gilyard, widely known for his exceptional defensive skills. He was titled the 2020 Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year and holds the record for 466 total career steals in NCAA Division I. Despite being one of the shortest players in the league, Gilyard’s agility and quickness make him an invaluable asset to his team.
Markquis Nowell
The NBA’s shortest player in the 2023-24 season is a 23-year-old point guard from New York, standing at 5 feet 8 inches. Despite going undrafted in 2023, he was signed by the Toronto Raptors on a two-way contract after impressing during the summer league. The talented player, Nowell, previously played for the Kansas State Wildcats and Little Rock Trojans. In 2023, he set a Division I NCAA Tournament record with 19 assists in a single game against Michigan State.