Spud Webb: The Shortest Giant in NBA Slam Dunk History

In a league dominated by towering giants, the name Spud Webb doesn’t instantly evoke the image of a typical NBA player. Standing at just 5’6” (though some would argue closer to 5’7” on a good day), Webb defied expectations, especially during the 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. That year, Webb soared into basketball history, proving that height is just a number, and in a world of skyscrapers, a little man could still reign supreme.

But how did someone who barely reached the shoulders of most NBA players manage to dunk—let alone win a competition against some of the league’s most explosive leapers? Let’s dive into the incredible and inspiring story of Spud Webb’s rise to fame and respect.

“No One Took Me Seriously” – Spud Webb’s Early Days

Growing up in Dallas, Texas, Webb never let his height limit his dreams, though the journey wasn’t easy. “No one took me seriously because I was so short,” Webb recalled. “Even when I said I’d make it to the NBA, people laughed.” After being cut from his junior high basketball team, Webb honed his skills on the playground, relying on quickness, intelligence, and a shocking vertical leap to compensate for his size.

Webb’s determination paid off. By high school, he was a local legend, using his speed and hops to dominate games. Yet college recruiters still overlooked him. Eventually, Webb earned a spot at Midland College in Texas, leading his team to a junior college championship. His stellar performance landed him a scholarship to North Carolina State, where he proved he could compete with much larger opponents. But making it to the NBA was a different challenge.

Making the NBA: “No One Expected Me to Do Anything”

In 1985, Webb was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the 4th round but didn’t make their final roster. Soon after, the Atlanta Hawks picked him up. Even then, many still saw Webb as a novelty act, not expecting him to last long in the league. He played alongside Dominique Wilkins, one of the NBA’s most explosive dunkers, and at first, Webb was viewed as “the small guy who could run fast.”

That perception would change during the 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

The 1986 Slam Dunk Contest: A David vs. Goliath Story

I remember that day vividly. I was 7 years old, sitting in my parents’ living room with my older brother. What happened that day was pure magic. The NBA Slam Dunk Contest was designed to showcase the league’s best athletes, with stars like Clyde Drexler and Dominique Wilkins expected to dominate. Spud Webb’s inclusion felt like a joke—how could someone his size compete?

But Webb stunned everyone. In his first dunk, he bounced the ball off the floor, caught it mid-air, and slammed it down with two hands. The crowd was in disbelief. For his second dunk, Webb soared from just inside the free-throw line for a reverse slam. The judges and fans went wild.

By the end of the contest, Webb had earned a perfect score on his final dunk, defeating his teammate Wilkins, who graciously admitted, “Spud won it fair and square. He was incredible.” I encourage you to see for yourself. I found a YouTube video of the contest, https://youtu.be/jSAGDr4kmf0?si=MJ8V4C_GFER9TKjL.

Earning Respect in the NBA

After that unforgettable contest, Webb earned what many players strive for: respect, not just from fans, but from his peers. Magic Johnson later remarked, “What Spud did was amazing. He’s not just a guy who can dunk. He’s a guy who can play.”

Webb continued to prove himself, contributing as a playmaker and defensive presence for the Hawks. He played 12 seasons in the NBA, an impressive achievement for any player, but especially for someone his size. “I always felt like I had to prove myself,” Webb reflected. “I never stopped working.”

Webb’s Legacy: Defying the Impossible

Spud Webb’s story transcends basketball. It’s about overcoming the odds, proving that heart and determination can outshine even the most intimidating obstacles. His 1986 Slam Dunk Contest victory remains one of the most iconic moments in NBA history, not just for what he did, but for who he was.

“Every time I stepped on the court, I was proving people wrong,” Webb once said. “And that’s the best feeling in the world.”

Spud Webb continues to inspire underdogs everywhere. Whether it’s the kid who’s too short, the dreamer facing long odds, or anyone striving against adversity, Webb’s story reminds us that greatness isn’t about size—it’s about heart.

In the world of basketball, giants walk tall. But Spud Webb? He flew higher than them all.