Muggsy Bogues on what he'd do 'If God would've made me 6-feet'
Muggsy Bogues
© Bob Donnan - USA TODAY Sports
To make it to the NBA is a dream come true, but to be in there at 5-foot-3 makes it even sweeter. That’s precisely the story of former Charlotte Hornets legend Muggsy Bogues.
Because of Bogues’ unique height, he was often portrayed as an inspiration and a living proof that nothing is impossible. But, on the other hand, he was also a tremendous player, having recorded career-best averages of 11.1 points, 10.1 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. With that in mind, some of us couldn’t help but wonder how much more Bogues would’ve done had he been a little taller? Let’s say 6-feet?
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A 6-feet Muggsy would dominate the game
According to Bogues, being short also has an advantage, and he was able to utilize it. However, he is also certain he would’ve been a dominant player had God made him 6-feet tall.
“I just took advantage of what God gave me and learned how to use the body I have to the best of my ability,” Bogues told Hoopshype in 2019. “If God would’ve made me 6-feet, I would’ve taken advantage of that height as well. I don’t think anything would’ve changed in terms of my approach to the game, but I probably would’ve been a little more dominant! (laughs) But that’s neither here nor there. I never get caught up in the ‘what ifs.’ I just worked with what God gave me, and I always felt good about my size and who I was. I never had any hang-ups about it.”
Walking tall
Despite being confident of what he’s capable of with a few more inches in height, Bogues is content with what God has given him. In fact, some may not believe it, but the 13-year NBA veteran spent his entire basketball career without wishing he was taller.
“I didn’t have a wish I was tall,” Bogues confessed. “Kids don’t understand it, I never wished I was tall. People don’t believe that, but I never wished I was tall, and I just accepted who I was. It was hurtful, I was getting short jokes and those types of things, but I never wished I was tall. I just wanted to play basketball.”
Bogues may have ended his NBA career without a single individual recognition to his name aside from being the shortest player of all time. However, his impact on the game undeniably stands tall even to this day.
