Arizona Bulletin

In the 2024 NBA season, there are a few notable playerswhose heights fall below the average, but they still perform at an elite level. The shortest active player is Markquis Nowell, standing at just 5'8". He plays for the Toronto Raptors and defies expectations with his agility and playmaking abilities. Another standout is Jacob Gilyard of the Memphis Grizzlies, who is 5'9". These players, along with others like Chris Paul (6'0") and Fred VanVleet (6'0"), demonstrate that being shorter doesn't limit their impact on the game.

Historically, Muggsy Bogues remains the shortest NBA player of all time, standing at 5'3". Despite their height, these athletes showcase exceptional skillsthat allow them to compete against taller opponents.

Markquis Nowell

• Height: 5'8"
• Team: Houston Rockets
• Position: Point Guard
• Nationality: United States

Career Highlights:

• Set the NCAA Tournament single-game assists record with 19 assists against Michigan State in 2023.
• Named NCAA East Regional Most Outstanding Player in 2023 after leading Kansas State to the Elite Eight.
• Achieved multiple All-America honors and was named to the All-Big 12 First Team and All-Defensive Team twice.
• Holds Kansas State's single-season records for assists (297) and steals (92)​.

Playing Style:

Markquis Nowell is known for his exceptional playmaking ability and vision. He excels in creating opportunities for his teammates and is a strong leader on the court. His agility and basketball IQ help him compensate for his shorter height, making him a valuable asset in fast-paced, offensive setups​.

Years in the NBA:

Nowell joined the NBA in 2023, signing a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors. In 2024, he signed with the Houston Rockets​.

Background Information:

Markquis played college basketball at Little Rock and Kansas State, where he stood out for his leadership and record-setting performances. He went undrafted in 2023 but made his way into the NBA through the Summer League, showcasing his skills​.

Injury History / Recent Performance:

As of 2024, Nowell has remained active, showing promise with performances like his standout Summer League game for the Raptors in 2023, where he recorded 17 points and 12 assists​.

Jacob Gilyard

• Height:5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters)
• Team:Cleveland Cavaliers (2024–present)
• Position:Point Guard
• Nationality:United States

Career Highlights:

• NCAA Division I all-time leader in steals (466 career steals).
• Third Team All-Atlantic 10 and All-Defensive Team in college.
• Played professionally for Memphis Grizzlies, Brooklyn Nets, and now with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
• Signed two-way contracts with the Memphis Grizzlies (2023) and Brooklyn Nets (2024).

Playing Style:Jacob Gilyard is known for his elite defensive skills, particularly his ability to generate steals. Despite being one of the shortest active NBA players, he excels in playmaking, distributing assists, and controlling the pace of the game. His shooting from the three-point line is also a strong aspect, with a 42.9% shooting percentage from beyond the arc during his time with the Grizzlies.

Years in the NBA:He debuted in the NBA in 2023 after going undrafted in 2022.

Background Information:Gilyard played college basketball at the University of Richmond, where he became one of the top defensive players in NCAA history. He went undrafted in 2022 but signed with the Memphis Grizzlies shortly after.

Injury History / Recent Performance:Gilyard has not faced any major long-term injuries in his NBA career. During the 2023-24 season, he made 37 appearances for Memphis and had 14 starts. His standout performances include leading the Grizzlies in three-point shooting and contributing significantly with assists and steals.

Chris Clemons

• Height:5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters)
• Team:SLUC Nancy (LNB Pro A, France)
• Position:Point Guard
• Nationality:United States

Career Highlights:

• NCAA Division I scoring leader in 2019, with 30.1 points per game.
• Three-time First-Team All-Big South selection (2017–2019).
• Set a G League record for most points in a quarter (27 points on perfect shooting).
• Played for the Houston Rockets in the NBA (2019–2021).

Playing Style:Chris Clemons is a dynamic scorer, known for his long-range shooting and offensive explosiveness. Despite his shorter stature for basketball, he is agile, quick, and highly effective from beyond the three-point line. He also contributes well in playmaking with strong assist numbers.

Years in the NBA:Clemons played in the NBA from 2019 to 2021, primarily with the Houston Rockets, before moving to international leagues and G League teams.

Background Information:Clemons played college basketball at Campbell University, where he became one of the most prolific scorers in NCAA history. Despite going undrafted in 2019, he signed with the Houston Rockets and played in the G League with teams like the Maine Celtics and Windy City Bulls. Currently, he plays for SLUC Nancy in France.

Injury History / Recent Performance:Clemons suffered a major Achilles injury in 2020, which sidelined him for the 2020-2021 season. After his recovery, he has continued to perform well, especially in the G League and overseas, with notable scoring outbursts such as a 55-point game in 2022. He currently plays in the French league for SLUC Nancy.

Facundo Campazzo

• Height:5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters)
• Team:Real Madrid (Spain, Liga ACB and EuroLeague)
• Position:Point Guard
• Nationality:Argentine

Career Highlights:

• Two-time EuroLeague champion (2015, 2018) with Real Madrid.
• FIBA AmeriCup Gold Medalist (2022) with the Argentina national team.
• Led Argentina to a silver medal at the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
• Played in the NBA for the Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks (2020–2022).

Playing Style:Campazzo is known for his elite passing, defensive tenacity, and court vision. Despite his smaller size for a professional basketball player, his quickness and high basketball IQ allow him to control the pace of the game. He is also a reliable playmaker with impressive assist numbers, often making highlight-reel passes.

Years in the NBA:Campazzo played two seasons in the NBA, debuting in 2020 with the Denver Nuggets and later joining the Dallas Mavericks in 2022.

Background Information:Campazzo began his professional career in Argentina with Peñarol de Mar del Plata before moving to Real Madrid in 2014. He became a key player for both Real Madrid and the Argentina national team. After a successful EuroLeague career, he moved to the NBA in 2020. However, after two seasons, he returned to Real Madrid, where he continues to play.

Injury History / Recent Performance:Campazzo has maintained good health throughout his career, avoiding major injuries. In recent seasons, his performances with Real Madrid and Argentina have remained strong, particularly in international competitions like the FIBA World Cup, where he was a standout player.

Jose Alvarado

• MVP of the 2023 NBA Rising Stars Challenge
• Career-high 38 points in a 2022 game against the Denver Nuggets
• Helped Puerto Rico qualify for the 2024 Olympics, named MVP of the qualifying tournament
• Full Name: Jose Alvarado
• Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
• Team: New Orleans Pelicans
• Position: Point Guard
• Nationality: Puerto Rican / American (Represents Puerto Rico internationally)
• Career Highlights:
• Playing Style: Alvarado is known for his aggressive defense and quick hands, often stealing the ball from behind, earning him the nickname "Grand Theft Alvarado." He is a high-energy player, capable of contributing with scoring, assists, and steals.
• Years in the NBA: Since 2021
• Background Information: Alvarado went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft after playing college basketball at Georgia Tech. He signed a two-way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans and later secured a full NBA contract.
• Injury History / Recent Performance: In 2023, Alvarado suffered a stress reaction in his right tibia, ending his season early. He recently signed a two-year, $9 million extension with the Pelicans​.

Fred VanVleet

• NBA Champion (2019) with the Toronto Raptors
• NBA All-Star (2022)
• Holds the Raptors' franchise record for points in a single game (54 points)
• Full Name: Fredderick Edmund VanVleet Sr.
• Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
• Team: Houston Rockets
• Position: Point Guard
• Nationality: American
• Career Highlights:
• Playing Style: VanVleet is a skilled shooter and playmaker known for his composure under pressure. He excels in 3-point shooting and is also known for his defensive abilities despite being undersized for his position.
• Years in the NBA: Since 2016
• Background Information: VanVleet played college basketball at Wichita State and went undrafted in 2016. He signed with the Toronto Raptors, eventually becoming a key player in their 2019 championship run. In 2023, he joined the Houston Rockets on a three-year, $130 million contract.
• Injury History / Recent Performance: VanVleet has had no significant injuries in recent seasons and has remained a consistent performer. His playmaking and leadership will be crucial to the Rockets' rebuilding efforts​.

Kyle Lowry

• NBA Champion (2019) with the Toronto Raptors
• 6-time NBA All-Star
• Olympic Gold Medalist (2016)
• Full Name: Kyle Terrell Lowry
• Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
• Team: Miami Heat
• Position: Point Guard
• Nationality: American
• Career Highlights:
• Playing Style: Lowry is known for his toughness, leadership, and defensive skills. He is a reliable playmaker and shooter, known for making key plays in crucial moments. His basketball IQ and ability to draw charges are standout features of his game.
• Years in the NBA: Since 2006
• Background Information: Lowry played college basketball at Villanova and was drafted 24th overall in the 2006 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies. He had a long tenure with the Toronto Raptors before joining the Miami Heat in 2021.
• Injury History / Recent Performance: Lowry has dealt with injuries in recent seasons, including hamstring issues, which affected his performance during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Despite this, he remains an important veteran presence for the Heat​.

T.J. McConnell

• NBA record for most steals in a half (9 in 2021)
• First player in NBA history to record a triple-double with points, assists, and steals off the bench
• Career-high 29 points in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks (2023)
• Multiple triple-doubles throughout his career
• Full Name: Timothy John McConnell Jr.
• Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
• Team: Indiana Pacers
• Position: Point Guard
• Nationality: American
• Career Highlights:
• Playing Style: McConnell is known for his tenacity on defense, particularly in generating steals. He is also a solid playmaker with a high basketball IQ and is capable of facilitating the offense and controlling the pace of the game. His hustle and defensive prowess make him a valuable role player.
• Years in the NBA: Since 2015
• Background Information: McConnell went undrafted in 2015 after playing college basketball at Duquesne and later Arizona. He started his NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers before joining the Indiana Pacers in 2019.
• Injury History / Recent Performance: McConnell suffered a wrist injury in 2021, requiring surgery and keeping him out for a few months. In recent seasons, he has consistently been a key contributor for the Pacers, recording several impressive performances, including triple-doubles​.

Kennedy Chandler

• SEC All-Freshman Team (2022)
• All-SEC Second Team (2022)
• Full Name: Kennedy Collier Chandler
• Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
• Team: Memphis Grizzlies (waived in 2023)
• Position: Point Guard
• Nationality: American
• Career Highlights:
• Playing Style: Chandler is a quick and agile guard with great handles and the ability to penetrate the defense. He excels in pushing the pace and setting up teammates, while also being a solid defender due to his quickness and lateral movement.
• Years in the NBA: Since 2022
• Background Information: Chandler played one season of college basketball at the University of Tennessee, where he stood out as one of the best young point guards in the SEC. He was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies but was waived in 2023.
• Injury History / Recent Performance: No major injuries reported, but his NBA journey has been rocky with limited playing time and eventual waiver from the Grizzlies​.

McKinley Wright IV

• Pac-12 All-Defensive Team (multiple seasons)
• 3x First-Team All-Pac-12 (2019–2021)
• Full Name: McKinley Wright IV
• Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
• Team: Dallas Mavericks
• Position: Point Guard
• Nationality: American
• Career Highlights:
• Playing Style: Wright is a tough, gritty point guard known for his defense, playmaking, and leadership. He is particularly adept at running the pick-and-roll and creating opportunities for teammates while also being a solid rebounder for his size.
• Years in the NBA: Since 2021
• Background Information: Wright went undrafted in 2021 after a standout college career at Colorado. He has played for multiple teams and spent time in the G League before earning a spot with the Dallas Mavericks.
• Injury History / Recent Performance: Wright has remained largely injury-free and has been working to solidify his place in the NBA, primarily playing a backup role with Dallas.