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Best 5’10 NBA players: Is 5 foot 10 too short for basketball?

Best 5’10 NBA players: Is 5 foot 10 too short for basketball?

Basketball is a sport that’s dominated by big men and, in many cases, literal giants.

Knowing this, you might not think that there are any NBA players under 5 foot 10 or who are 5’10 exactly. However, there are actually a few short NBA players—and some good ones at that.

So with that said, here are some of the best 5’10 basketball players.

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List of the best 5’10 NBA players

A group of 5'10 basketball players

Here is a list of the best 5’10 NBA players:

Facundo Campazzo

Facundo Campazzo is a 5’10 point guard who’s been signed by NBA teams as big as the Denver Nuggets and the Dallas Mavericks. He’s also played for big clubs in other leagues, like Real Madrid.

Facundo Campazzo isn’t the typical thin point guard; he has a lot of muscle on his frame, which is important when you’re one of the smaller guys on the court.

After all, having a decently heavy body mass can prevent the taller guys from pushing you around or at least reduce their size advantage.

Jared Harper

American basketball player Jared Harper has played for the Phoenix Suns, the New York Knicks, the Birmingham Squadron, and also Valencia Basket.

Like the other 5 foot 10 NBA players on this list, Harper is a point guard who’s a major asset to his team because of his excellent ball handling abilities.

Tremont Waters

Tremont Waters has played for NBA teams like the Boston Celtics and the Wisconsin Herd, as well as high-level teams in foreign leagues.

Tremont Waters is a player with a great basketball IQ who really knows how to get his team into offense, as he’s both a proficient passer and a very good dribbler. 

Markus Howard

At college level, Markus Howard showcased his skills for the Marquette Golden Eagles and then went on to play for the Denver Nuggets.

In addition to representing his country at the international level, Howard has also played for Cazoo Baskonia in the EuroLeague.

Can you play basketball if you’re only 5 foot 10?

Two NBA players that are 5'10 playing a game of basketball

As we have seen, you can definitely play basketball if you’re only 5 foot 10. However, your chances are lower than if you were taller.

After all, at 5 foot 10, you’re approximately 8 inches shorter than the average NBA player.

Yet, if you’re good defensively, have excellent dribbling skills, and possess the necessary athleticism, then people will overlook your height.

Just don’t let people’s comments get you down and hurt your motivation. Because of your height, you might be seen as less capable, and you might not get the preferential treatment that some of the taller players get.

Your best bet is to work on your individual skills but also try to become an excellent team player. This way, your teammates will start to overlook your relative lack of height and appreciate your contribution to the team’s performance.

In conclusion: Why are there so few 5 10 NBA players?

A 5 foot 10 basketball player holding a ball

Let’s be honest; being tall provides some major advantages in basketball. But at the same time, height isn’t everything, and it’s more advantageous in certain positions than others.

As a point guard, you can be significantly shorter than average as long as you possess good ball handling skills and are able to pick out a great pass.

It might be harder to get your foot in the door, so to speak, as a 5’10 basketball player. But once your skill set becomes evident, there’s no reason why you can’t make it onto our list of 5’10 NBA players if the talent is there!

References

  1. Wikipedia contributors. (2023b, January 29). Facundo Campazzo. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facundo_Campazzo
  2. Euroleague Basketball. (n.d.). JARED HARPER | EuroLeague. https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jared-harper/011970/
  3. 30 Basketball Dribbling Drills – For Coaches & Players. (n.d.). https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/drills/dribbling-drills.html