The 12 Shortest Guards in the NBA (2023-2024)
In the NBA, where towering athletes often grab the spotlight, a select group of players are proving that height isn’t the sole determinant of success on the court. Our comprehensive analysis of over 200 guards currently gracing NBA rosters has revealed the 12 shortest guards in the league, each standing at a maximum height of 6’0″.
This article celebrates these exceptional athletes who, despite being vertically challenged in a sport dominated by giants, exhibit extraordinary skills, agility, and basketball IQ.
These players, through sheer talent and determination, debunk the myth that bigger always means better in basketball. Join us in honoring the shortest guards in the league, who stand tall in everything but stature.
*NBA.com does not differentiate between point guards (PG) and shooting guards (SG), categorizing them simply as guards. Also, we did not include guard/forwards, only pure guards.
NBA’s Shortest Guards
| Name | Height | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Markquis Nowell | 5’7″ | Toronto Raptors |
| Jacob Gilyard | 5’8″ | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Jose Alvarado | 6’0″ | New Orleans Pelicans |
| Mike Conley | 6’0″ | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Aaron Holiday | 6’0″ | Houston Rockets |
| Kyle Lowry | 6’0″ | Miami Heat |
| Jordan McLaughlin | 6’0″ | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Davion Mitchell | 6’0″ | Sacramento Kings |
| Xavier Moon | 6’0″ | LA Clippers |
| Chris Paul | 6’0″ | Golden State Warriors |
| Ish Smith | 6’0″ | Charlotte Hornets |
| Fred VanVleet | 6’0″ | Houston Rockets |
This group of the 12 shortest guards in the NBA becomes even more remarkable when compared to the average height of an NBA guard, which stands at about 6’3¾”. This nearly four-inch (or more) height difference emphasizes the unique physical and skillful attributes these players bring to the game.
Their presence in the league, significantly below the average guard height, underscores their exceptional agility, ball-handling skills, and basketball intellect, which they leverage to compete at the highest level.
Player Bios
Here is a little more info on a few of the standout guards who are 6’0″ and under.
These players are shining examples of how skill, determination, and strategic play can overcome the traditional advantages of height in basketball.
Chris Paul
Team: Phoenix Suns
Height: 6’0″
Chris Paul, a masterful point guard standing at 6’0″, has been a dominant force in the NBA since being drafted 4th overall by the New Orleans Hornets in 2005. Paul attended Wake Forest University, where he established himself as a premier college basketball talent.
In the NBA, Paul has been recognized as one of the best point guards of his generation, known for his exceptional court vision, basketball IQ, and leadership. He’s a multiple-time NBA All-Star and has led the league in assists and steals multiple times.
Paul has played for the New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Phoenix Suns. His career highlights include NBA Rookie of the Year (2006), All-NBA Team selections, and NBA All-Defensive Team honors. Off the court, Paul is known for his philanthropy and business acumen.
Fred VanVleet
Team: Toronto Raptors
Height: 6’0″
Fred VanVleet is a testament to hard work and determination in the NBA. VanVleet went undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft but signed with the Toronto Raptors, where he steadily developed into a key player.
In the NBA, he quickly became known for his sharp shooting, especially from beyond the arc, and his tenacious defense. A pivotal figure in the Raptors’ 2019 championship run, VanVleet’s performance in the playoffs, particularly in the NBA Finals, was critical in securing the franchise’s first title.
He set records for the most three-pointers made in a Finals game by an undrafted player. VanVleet’s journey from an undrafted rookie to an NBA champion and a reliable starting guard for the Raptors is an inspiring story of perseverance and skill.
Kyle Lowry
Team: Miami Heat
Height: 6’0″
Kyle Lowry has been a significant figure in the NBA since being drafted 24th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2006 NBA Draft. Lowry played college basketball at Villanova University.
Known for his gritty play, leadership, and clutch performances, Lowry has been a key player for teams like the Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, and Miami Heat.
He played a central role in leading the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA Championship in 2019. Lowry is a multiple-time NBA All-Star and has been praised for his defensive prowess and ability to impact the game on both ends of the court.
Mike Conley
Team: Utah Jazz
Height: 6’0″
Mike Conley is renowned for his skill and sportsmanship in the NBA. He was selected 4th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2007 NBA Draft. Conley played his college basketball at Ohio State University.
Throughout his career, Conley has been celebrated for his steady point guard play, efficient scoring, and excellent defensive skills. He spent the first 12 seasons of his career with the Memphis Grizzlies, becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in points, assists, and games played.
Conley, known for his quiet leadership and high basketball IQ, has been a pivotal player for the Utah Jazz, helping to lead them to multiple playoff appearances. While he’s often been regarded as one of the most underrated players in the league, his contributions have been vital to the success of his teams.
Markquis Nowell
Team: Toronto Raptors
Height: 5’7″
Standing at 5’7″, Markquis Nowell is one of the shortest players in the NBA. Nowell began his high school career at St. Anthony High School in Jersey City, New Jersey, under Hall Of Fame Coach Bob Hurley Sr.
After receiving no Division 1 offers out of high school, he got a look from Little Rock. In college, he played for the Kansas State Wildcats and the Little Rock Trojans.
Nowell holds the Division I NCAA Tournament single-game assists record, with 19 against Michigan State in the 2023 Sweet Sixteen. After going undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft, Nowell signed a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors on July 3, 2023.
Conclusion
The stories of these 12 shortest guards in the NBA are a testament to the diversity and adaptability of talent in pro basketball. Standing at 6’0″ or shorter, these players have not only carved out successful careers in a sport dominated by taller athletes but have also redefined what it means to be a guard in the NBA.
Their journeys highlight the importance of skill, determination, and basketball IQ, proving that height is not the sole determinant of success in basketball.
As the game continues to evolve, these players will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes to challenge the norms and excel, no matter their physical stature.
