Shortest NBA Team Ranked by Average Height (Season 2025-26)

When talking about basketball players, we always imagine someone tall and broad as a physical trait. From towering centers protecting the rim to lengthy forwards dominating rebounds, size traditionally matters in the NBA. But in recent years, the league has seen some changes. Speed, shooting, and versatility are now as important as pure height in forming an NBA team. 

This shift has led fans to ask an increasingly popular question: Who is the shortest team in the NBA? 

In this blog, we will break down the shortest NBA player teams based strictly on average roster height for the 2025-26 season. No playing style, no wingspan, no minutes played; just height. We will also rank with the teams, explain why their average is lower, and explore how height impacts the performance of the players in today’s NBA. For those looking to bet on these matchups, NBA betting sites offer a great way to engage with the league’s evolving strategies and roster dynamics. 

Shortest NBA Teams Ranked by Average Height 

Before reviewing the rankings, here is how they were calculated:

• 

  Ranking Criterion

  Teams are ranked by average listed player height for the 2025 to 2026 NBA season.

• 

  Data Sourcing

  Height data was sourced from official NBA.com team rosters and cross-referenced with Basketball-Reference.com where applicable.

• 

  Scope and Weighting

  All players on each active roster are included and weighted equally.

• 

  Data Standardization

  Heights were converted to total inches for calculation. Each team’s average was calculated by summing all player heights in inches, dividing by the roster size, then converting back to feet-inches format. Formula: `Average = (Sum of all heights in inches) ÷ (Number of players)`. All roster players are weighted equally.

1. Golden State Warriors – The Shortest Team in the NBA 

The Golden State Warriors are ranked first with an average height of 6’5.0’’ (77 inches). Despite having a few taller players, their roster is predominantly filled with guards and wings, which keeps their overall height lower. Their style of play, focused on perimeter shooting and speed, complements their shorter roster.    

#	Player Name	Height	Height (inches)
1	Brandin Podziemski	6-4	76
2	Quinten Post	7-0	84
3	Moses Moody	6-5	77
4	Will Richard	6-3	75
5	Gary Payton II	6-2	74
6	Buddy Hield	6-4	76
7	Draymond Green	6-6	78
8	Stephen Curry	6-2	74
9	Gui Santos	6-7	79
10	Jimmy Butler	6-6	78
11	Trayce Jackson-Davis	6-9	81
12	Pat Spencer	6-2	74
13	Al Horford	6-8	80
14	De’Anthony Melton	6-2	74
15	Jonathan Kuminga	6-7	79
16	Malevy Leons	6-9	81
17	LJ Cryer	6-1	73
18	Seth Curry	6-1	73
	AVERAGE	6’5.0″	77

2. Chicago Bulls – Guard-Driven Lineup 

Rounding out the list, the Chicago Bulls have an average roster height of 6’6.3″. This team relies heavily on guards and mid-sized wings, which lowers the team’s total height even though it rosters taller players. This places them consistently in conversations around the shortest team in the NBA for metrics, especially when compared to the tallest team in the NBA. 

#	Player Name	Height	Height (inches)
1	Matas Buzelis	6-8	80
2	Nikola Vučević	6-9	81
3	Patrick Williams	6-6	78
4	Ayo Dosunmu	6-4	76
5	Kevin Huerter	6-6	78
6	Isaac Okoro	6-4	76
7	Jalen Smith	6-8	80
8	Tre Jones	6-1	73
9	Julian Phillips	6-6	78
10	Josh Giddey	6-7	79
11	Dalen Terry	6-6	78
12	Coby White	6-4	76
13	Jevon Carter	6-0	72
14	Lachlan Olbrich	6-8	80
15	Zach Collins	6-9	81
16	Emanuel Miller	6-5	77
17	Yuki Kawamura	5-7	67
18	Noa Essengue	6-8	80
	AVERAGE	6’6.3’’	78.27

3. Dallas Mavericks – Guard and Wing Heavy 

Tied with the Toronto Raptors at 6’5.6″ (77.58 inches), the Dallas Mavericks prioritize skill and shooting, with a roster dominated by guards and wings. 

#	Player Name	Height	Height (inches)
1	Naji Marshall	6-6	78
2	Cooper Flagg	6-9	81
3	Max Christie	6-5	77
4	Klay Thompson	6-5	77
5	PG	6-1	73
6	Caleb Martin	6-5	77
7	P.J. Washington	6-7	79
8	Ryan Nembhard	5-11	71
9	Dwight Powell	6-10	82
10	Daniel Gafford	6-10	82
11	Jaden Hardy	6-3	75
12	Moussa Cisse	6-11	83
13	PG	6-3	75
14	Anthony Davis	6-10	82
15	Miles Kelly	6-4	76
16	SG	6-2	74
17	PG	6-5	77
	AVERAGE	6’5.6″	77.58823529

4. Toronto Raptors – Positionless but Shorter 

The Toronto Raptors are known for their positionless basketball, yet their average roster height of 6’5.8″ (77.76 inches) places them among the shortest teams. Their focus on versatility leads to a roster with a mix of guards and forwards, but not many tall players. 

#	Player Name	Height	Height (inches)
1	Jamal Shead	6-1	73
2	Gradey Dick	6-7	79
3	Scottie Barnes	6-8	80
4	Brandon Ingram	6-8	80
5	Sandro Mamukelashvili	6-9	81
6	Immanuel Quickley	6-2	74
7	Ochai Agbaji	6-5	77
8	Ja’Kobe Walter	6-4	76
9	Collin Murray-Boyles	6-7	79
10	Jamison Battle	6-7	79
11	RJ Barrett	6-6	78
12	Jakob Poeltl	7-0	84
13	Jonathan Mogbo	6-9	81
14	Garrett Temple	6-5	77
15	A.J. Lawson	6-6	78
16	Alijah Martin	6-2	74
17	Chucky Hepburn	6-0	72
	AVERAGE	6’5.8″	77.76470588

5. Miami Heat – Small but Physical 

The Miami Heat come in at 6’5.8″ (77.81 inches), just below the Raptors in height. Known for their grit and toughness, the Heat use their physicality and versatility to compete in a league dominated by taller teams. 

#	Player Name	Height	Height (inches)
1	Dru Smith	6-2	74
2	Simone Fontecchio	6-7	79
3	Andrew Wiggins	6-6	78
4	Kel’el Ware	7-0	84
5	Jaime Jaquez Jr.	6-6	78
6	Norman Powell	6-3	75
7	Bam Adebayo	6-9	81
8	Pelle Larsson	6-5	77
9	Davion Mitchell	6-0	72
10	Nikola Jović	6-10	82
11	Kasparas Jakučionis	6-5	77
12	Myron Gardner	6-5	77
13	Keshad Johnson	6-6	78
14	Tyler Herro	6-5	77
15	Jahmir Young	6-0	72
16	Vladislav Goldin	7-0	84
	AVERAGE	6’5.8″	77.8125

6. Cleveland Cavaliers – Balanced but Not Tall 

The Cleveland Cavaliers average 6’5.9″ (77.94 inches) and have a balanced roster. While they’re not excessively tall, their mix of skill and defensive versatility makes them competitive. 

#	Player Name	Height	Height (inches)
1	Donovan Mitchell	6-2	74
2	Jaylon Tyson	6-6	78
3	Craig Porter Jr.	6-1	73
4	De’Andre Hunter	6-7	79
5	Evan Mobley	6-11	83
6	Dean Wade	6-9	81
7	Nae’Qwan Tomlin	6-8	80
8	Jarrett Allen	6-9	81
9	Tyrese Proctor	6-4	76
10	Thomas Bryant	6-9	81
11	Lonzo Ball	6-5	77
12	Sam Merrill	6-4	76
13	Darius Garland	6-1	73
14	Larry Nance Jr.	6-6	78
15	Luke Travers	6-6	78
16	Tristan Enaruna	6-7	79
	AVERAGE	6’5.9″	77.9375

7. Boston Celtics – Skill and Speed Over Sheer Size

The Boston Celtics lean more on versatility than pure size, with a roster average of 6’6.6” in height. Their roster prioritizes quick decisions and lineup flexibility over traditional dominance in the paint.

Boston gains advantages in pace, with wings like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown alongside agile guards such as Derrick White, using speed and shot creation to offset limited frontcourt size.

#	Player Name	Height	Height (inches)
1	Anfernee Simons	6-3	75
2	Payton Pritchard	6-1	73
3	Sam Hauser	6-7	79
4	Derrick White	6-4	76
5	Neemias Queta	7-0	84
6	Jaylen Brown	6-6	78
7	Jordan Walsh	6-6	78
8	Hugo González	6-6	78
9	Baylor Scheierman	6-6	78
10	Luka Garza	6-10	82
11	Josh Minott	6-8	80
12	Xavier Tillman Sr.	6-8	80
13	Amari Williams (TW)	6-11	83
14	Chris Boucher	6-8	80
15	Ron Harper Jr. (TW)	6-5	77
16	Max Shulga (TW)	6-4	76
17	Jayson Tatum	6-8	80
	AVERAGE	6’6.6″	78.65

8. Indiana Pacers – Speed Driving the System

The Pacers average 6’6.1” in height, making them one of the league’s shorter overall rosters.

Rather than leaning on size, Indiana uses pace and execution to offset a lighter frontcourt and relies on guard-driven creation to control games. With Tyrese Haliburton directing the offense, the Pacers gain advantages in transition scoring, floor spacing, and quick defensive rotations.

#	Player Name	Height	Height (inches)
1	Jarace Walker	6-7	79
2	Jay Huff	7-1	85
3	Pascal Siakam	6-8	80
4	Andrew Nembhard	6-4	76
5	Ben Sheppard	6-6	78
6	T.J. McConnell	6-1	73
7	Isaiah Jackson	6-8	80
8	Johnny Furphy	6-8	80
9	Aaron Nesmith	6-5	77
10	Bennedict Mathurin	6-5	77
11	Quenton Jackson	6-4	76
12	Taelon Peter	6-3	75
13	Ethan Thompson	6-4	76
14	Micah Potter	6-9	81
15	Kam Jones	6-4	76
16	Obi Toppin	6-9	81
17	Tyrese Haliburton	6-5	77
	AVERAGE	6’6.1″	78.1

9. Detroit Pistons – Guard Play Sets the Tone

The Detroit Pistons average 6’7.1” in height, leaning less on towering size and more on perimeter skill.

With Cade Cunningham leading the offense and young guards pushing pace, Detroit gains advantages in transition scoring, spacing, and defensive versatility, balancing a more modest frontcourt profile with speed and playmaking.

#	Player Name	Height	Height (inches)
1	Toumani Camara	6-7	79
2	Shaedon Sharpe	6-5	77
3	Donovan Clingan	7-2	86
4	Sidy Cissoko	6-6	78
5	Deni Avdija	6-8	80
6	Rayan Rupert	6-7	79
7	Caleb Love	6-3	75
8	Jerami Grant	6-7	79
9	Kris Murray	6-8	80
10	Robert Williams	6-9	81
11	Yang Hansen	7-1	85
12	Jrue Holiday	6-4	76
13	Javonte Cooke	6-6	78
14	Blake Wesley	6-4	76
15	Matisse Thybulle	6-5	77
	AVERAGE	6’7.1″	79.1

10. Los Angeles Clippers – Experience and Skill Over Size

The Los Angeles Clippers average 6’6.6” in height, leaning more on veteran skill and perimeter creation than overwhelming size. 

Los Angeles gains advantages in half-court execution, shot creation, and defensive switching, with experienced players like James Harden and Kawhi Leonard providing the versatility to offset a less size-focused profile.

#	Player Name	Height	Height (inches)
1	Bradley Beal	6-4	76
2	James Harden	6-5	77
3	Kawhi Leonard	6-6	78
4	Chris Paul	6-0	72
5	Kobe Sanders	6-8	80
6	Derrick Jones Jr.	6-6	78
7	Kris Dunn	6-3	75
8	Bogdan Bogdanović	6-5	77
9	Brook Lopez	7-1	85
10	Cam Christie	6-5	77
11	Yanic Konan Niederhäuser	6-11	83
12	TyTy Washington Jr.	6-3	75
13	John Collins	6-9	81
14	Jordan Miller	6-5	77
15	Kobe Brown	6-7	79
16	Nicolas Batum	6-7	79
17	Ivica Zubac	7-0	84
	AVERAGE	6’6.6″	78.6

11. Sacramento Kings – Skill Over Size 

The Sacramento Kings, with an average height of 6’6.1″ (78.06 inches), balance skill and agility over sheer size. While they may not have many towering players, their fast-paced game and offensive skillset keep them competitive. 

#	Player Name	Height	Height (inches)
1	DeMar DeRozan	6-6	78
2	Russell Westbrook	6-4	76
3	Nique Clifford	6-5	77
4	Precious Achiuwa	6-8	80
5	Maxime Raynaud	7-1	85
6	Keon Ellis	6-4	76
7	Malik Monk	6-3	75
8	Dennis Schröder	6-1	73
9	Zach LaVine	6-5	77
10	Drew Eubanks	6-10	82
11	Dylan Cardwell	6-10	82
12	Keegan Murray	6-8	80
13	Domantas Sabonis	6-10	82
14	Devin Carter	6-2	74
15	Doug McDermott	6-7	79
16	Dario Šarić	6-10	82
17	Daeqwon Plowden	6-4	76
18	Isaiah Stevens	5-11	71
	AVERAGE	6’6.1″	78.05555556

12. Memphis Grizzlies – Interior Dominance 

On our list of the shortest NBA teams at the 12^th position is the Grizzlies with an average height of 6’5″. 

Massive centers like Zach Edey keep the Grizzlies anchored and prove that relying on physical stature allows top performers to dominate the glass and protect the paint. 

#	Player Name	Height	Height (inches)
1	Jaylen Wells	6-7	79
2	Cam Spencer	6-3	75
3	Kentavious Caldwell-Pope	6-5	77
4	Jaren Jackson Jr.	6-10	82
5	Cedric Coward	6-5	77
6	Jock Landale	6-11	83
7	Santi Aldama	7-0	84
8	Vince Williams Jr.	6-4	76
9	John Konchar	6-5	77
10	GG Jackson II	6-9	81
11	Olivier-Maxence Prosper	6-7	79
12	Ja Morant	6-2	74
13	Javon Small	6-1	73
14	Zach Edey	7-3	87
15	Jahmai Mashack	6-4	76
16	Brandon Clarke	6-8	80
17	Ty Jerome	6-5	77
18	Scotty Pippen Jr.	6-2	74
	AVERAGE	6’5″	77.72

13. Oklahoma City Thunder – Modern Tall-Ball 

At an average height of 6’5″ the Thunder comes in at 13^th position for the shortest NBA teams. 

Known for exceptional performance showing the close relationship between height and speed, the Thunder often showcases players who are tall and agile. Players like Chet Holmgren who is extremely tall and possess guard-like mobility, are a testament to the new wave of tallest NBA teams. 

#	Player Name	Height	Height (inches)
1	Shai Gilgeous-Alexander	6-6	78
2	Cason Wallace	6-3	75
3	Chet Holmgren	7-1	85
4	Ajay Mitchell	6-4	76
5	Isaiah Joe	6-4	76
6	Luguentz Dort	6-4	76
7	Aaron Wiggins	6-5	77
8	Jaylin Williams	6-9	81
9	Branden Carlson	7-0	84
10	Alex Caruso	6-5	77
11	Kenrich Williams	6-7	79
12	Chris Youngblood	6-4	76
13	Brooks Barnhizer	6-5	77
14	Isaiah Hartenstein	7-0	84
15	Ousmane Dieng	6-9	81
16	Jalen Williams	6-5	77
17	Nikola Topic	6-6	78
	AVERAGE	6’5″	77.0

14. Phoenix Suns – Striking a Nice Balance 

Coming in at 14^th position, the Phoenix Suns match the Thunder with an average height of 6’5″. 

 The Suns’ roster is built with balance in mind, ensuring they have rim protection and height at the 4 and 5 spots to complement their elite scoring guards. 

#	Player Name	Height	Height (inches)
1	Royce O’Neale	6-6	78
2	Oso Ighodaro	6-11	83
3	Collin Gillespie	6-1	73
4	Jordan Goodwin	6-3	75
5	Mark Williams	7-1	85
6	Dillon Brooks	6-7	79
7	Ryan Dunn	6-7	79
8	Devin Booker	6-5	77
9	Grayson Allen	6-3	75
10	Rasheer Fleming	6-9	81
11	Nick Richards	6-11	83
12	Isaiah Livers	6-6	78
13	Nigel Hayes-Davis	6-7	79
14	Jamaree Bouyea	6-2	74
15	Khaman Maluach	7-1	85
16	Jalen Green	6-4	76
17	Koby Brea	6-5	77
	AVERAGE	6’5″	77.0

15. Washington Wizards – Youthful Length 

The Wizards continue the trend with high-average rosters at 6’6.7″. 

Their strategy focuses on drafting long athletic prospects who can defend multiple positions. This emphasis on wingspan and verticality keeps their total team height well above the league average. 

#	Player Name	Height	Height (inches)
1	Bub Carrington	6-4	76
2	Justin Champagnie	6-6	78
3	Will Riley	6-9	81
4	Kyshawn George	6-8	80
5	Tre Johnson	6-5	77
6	Alex Sarr	7-0	84
7	Marvin Bagley III	6-10	82
8	Khris Middleton	6-7	79
9	Tristan Vukcevic	7-0	84
10	Bilal Coulibaly	6-7	79
11	Malaki Branham	6-4	76
12	AJ Johnson	6-5	77
13	Anthony Gill	6-7	79
14	Jamir Watkins	6-6	78
15	Cam Whitmore	6-6	78
16	Sharife Cooper	6-0	72
17	Skal Labissière	6-10	82
18	Trae Young	6-2	74
	AVERAGE	6’6.7″	78.66

Why Average Height Matters in the NBA? 

Height influences many aspects of the game, including: 

• Rebounding: Taller teams often have an advantage on the boards. 
• Rim Protection: A good height helps contest shots near the basket. 
• Matchups: Shorter teams must rely more on help defense and switching. 
• Spacing: Smaller lineups often improve shooting and ball movement. 

Does Being the Shortest NBA Team Impact On-Court Performance? 

Not necessarily! While having the shortest average height in the NBA can present certain challenges, it can also create distinct competitive advantages. Teams with smaller rosters often benefit from: 

• Faster transition play 
• Greater defensive switching ability 
• Improved floor spacing 
• Less dependence on traditional post-up offense 

As the modern NBA continues to prioritize speed, versatility, and shooting, these qualities are increasingly valuable. That shift helps explain why several of the league’s shorter teams remain consistently competitive despite their size disadvantage. 

Shortest Team in the NBA: Final Takeaway 

In summary, the shortest team in the NBA proves that height alone no longer defines success. As teams ranked by average height show, modern basketball rewards speed, spacing, and versatility. While size still matters, smarter roster construction allows shorter NBA teams to remain highly competitive.