The Chicago Bulls guard Yuki Kawamura is the shortest player in the NBA right now, standing at 5 ft 8 in (173 cm).
To be among the shortest NBA players right now, you must give a hefty return to your team.
Yuki Kawamura
Yuki Kawamura
Position: PG
Age: 24
Height: 172 cm
Weight: 72 kg
Birth place: Japan
It's no secret that the shortest NBA players in 2025 are being hunted by opponents on defense to get a favorable matchup and score easy points.
Even though the shortest NBA players of all time list includes many players under 6 feet, there is only one such player in the NBA right now.
Shortest NBA players in 2025-26 season
No. Player Height Team
1. Yuki Kawamura 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) Chicago Bulls
2. Ryan Nembhard 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) Dallas Mavericks
3-18. Collin Sexton 6 ft (183 cm) Charlotte Hornets
3-18. KJ Simpson 6 ft (183 cm) Charlotte Hornets
3-18. Aaron Holiday 6 ft (183 cm) Houston Rockets
3-18. Chris Paul 6 ft (183 cm) Los Angeles Clippers
3-18. Davion Mitchell 6 ft (183 cm) Miami Heat
3-18. Fred VanVleet 6 ft (183 cm) Houston Rockets
3-18. Jordan McLaughlin 6 ft (183 cm) Minnesota Timberwolves
3-18. Jose Alvarado 6 ft (183 cm) New Orleans Pelicans
3-18. Kyle Lowry 6 ft (183 cm) Philadelphia 76ers
3-18. Mike Conley 6 ft (183 cm) Minnesota Timberwolves
3-18. Chucky Hepburn 6 ft (183 cm) Toronto Raptors
3-18. Isaiah Stevens 6 ft (183 cm) Sacramento Kings
3-18. Jahmir Young 6 ft (183 cm) Miami Heat
3-18. Jase Richardson 6 ft (183 cm) Orlando Magic
3-18. Tyson Etienne 6 ft (183 cm) Brooklyn Nets
Who is the current shortest NBA player?
The Chicago Bulls guard Yuki Kawamura is the shortest NBA player currently, standing at 5 ft 8 in (173 cm).
Kawamura was waived by the Bulls ahead of the 2025-26 season, but he signed a new two-way contract this January, becoming the shortest NBA player right now once again.
Kawamura made 22 appearances for the Memphis Grizzlies last season, averaging 1.6 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game in 4.2 minutes of action.
This season in the G League, the 24-year-old Japanese guard played in one game, finishing with 2 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 turnovers in 16 minutes.
Kawamura took the shortest NBA player title from Ryan Nembhard, who is 5'8" (173 cm).
In the group of the shortest NBA players currently, there are a few well-known names like Chris Paul, Fred VanVleet, Kyle Lowry, and Mike Conley.
Despite their relatively modest height for NBA standards, these players have proven that skill, strategy, and determination can often outweigh physical advantages.
For instance, Chris Paul, known for his court vision and leadership, has been an All-Star multiple times and is regarded as one of the best point guards of his generation.
Meanwhile, players like Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry have defied expectations, with VanVleet famously going undrafted and Lowry winning an NBA Championship with the Toronto Raptors. These athletes embody the idea that height isn't the only factor that defines success in the NBA.
Wondering who the tallest NBA players are?
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Edvinas Kuzas
Edvinas Kuzas began his basketball media career in 2025, joining BasketNews as a Daily Writer. He brings a deep understanding of the sport, shaped by years of following both its history and trending topics. Alongside his writing, he is currently pursuing a degree in basketball coaching, further expanding his knowledge of the game. This combination allows him to provide more analytical, insightful, and opinion-based perspectives on basketball.
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