The title of shortest man to dunk a basketball goes to Spud Webb, who stands at a mere 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) tall.

Webb wasn’t just short; he was an incredibly talented athlete who defied expectations throughout his career.

Not only did he dunk in professional games, but he also famously won the 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, showcasing his remarkable vertical leap.

Table of Contents

Who is Spud Webb.

Spud Webb is an American former professional basketball player, best known for his incredible vertical leap despite his short stature.

Here’s a breakdown of his impressive career:

Standing Tall Despite the Height:

Tiny Titan: At a mere 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters), Spud Webb defied expectations throughout his basketball career.

Playing the Point:

Speedy Point Guard: Webb played the point guard position, known for his lightning speed, ball-handling skills, and court vision.
Atlanta Hawks Legacy: He spent a significant portion of his 12-year NBA career (1985-1998) playing for the Atlanta Hawks.

Slam Dunk Champion:

1986 Glory: One of Spud Webb’s most iconic achievements is winning the 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. His remarkable jumping ability allowed him to compete with and defeat much taller competitors, etching his name in slam dunk history.
“Spudnik” Nickname: His explosive leaping ability earned him the nickname “Spudnik,” a playful reference to the Soviet satellite.

Facts about Spud Webb.

Spud Webb’s basketball career defied expectations. Here’s a quick rundown of the facts that made him a legend:

Mighty Mini: At 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters), Webb is tied for the third-shortest player ever in the NBA.
Point Guard Powerhouse: Despite his height, Webb thrived as a point guard. His speed, ball-handling, and court vision were top-notch.
Atlanta Hawk: Drafted by the Pistons in 1985, Webb spent a significant portion of his 12-year career (1985-1998) with the Atlanta Hawks.
Slam Dunk Sensation: Webb’s most iconic feat is winning the 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. His incredible vertical leap shocked everyone, proving height isn’t everything for dunks.
“Spudnik” Soars: His explosive jumping ability earned him the nickname “Spudnik,” a playful reference to the Soviet satellite.
Beyond the Dunks: While the slam dunk contest is his most famous moment, Webb was a well-rounded player, averaging 9.9 points and 4,342 assists throughout his NBA career.
Short King Inspiration: Spud Webb’s story inspires shorter players. He proves that height doesn’t limit talent and hard work can lead to greatness.
Off-Court Contributions: Currently, Webb serves as the president of basketball operations for the Texas Legends, the NBA G League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks.