Spud Webb
Anthony Jerome "Spud" Webb is an American former professional basketball player who played as a point guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 12 seasons, best known for his extraordinary vertical leap and winning the 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest as the shortest participant in its history at 5 feet 7 inches tall.[1][2] Born on July 13, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, Webb overcame early challenges, including being cut from his high school team at Wilmer-Hutchins High School, before starring at Midland College and North Carolina State University.[1] Selected in the fourth round (87th overall) of the 1985 NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons but immediately traded to the Atlanta Hawks, he debuted in the league during the 1985–86 season and quickly became a fan favorite for his speed, ball-handling, and dunking ability despite his undersized frame.[3][1] Webb's NBA career spanned four teams: the Atlanta Hawks (1985–1991 and 1995–1996), Sacramento Kings (1991–1995), Minnesota Timberwolves (1995–1996), and Orlando Magic (1997–1998), where he appeared in 814 regular-season games, averaging 9.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 45.3% from the field.[1] His most iconic moment came during the 1986 All-Star Weekend in Dallas, when he upset his Hawks teammate and dunking icon Dominique Wilkins to claim the Slam Dunk Contest title, a feat that highlighted his remarkable athleticism and inspired undersized players for generations.[3] That same year, the Hawks reached the playoffs with Webb as a dynamic starter, a postseason appearance they made in each of his first six seasons with the team.[1] Later in his career, he led the NBA in free-throw percentage (93.4%) during the 1994–95 season with the Kings and provided veteran leadership off the bench for contending teams.[4] Beyond his on-court achievements, Webb's journey from a overlooked high school prospect to an NBA standout emphasized resilience and determination, influencing perceptions of height in professional basketball; he remains one of the shortest players to ever compete in the league at the guard position.[5] After retiring in 1998, Webb transitioned into business ventures and occasionally participated in exhibition events showcasing his enduring dunking prowess.[6]Early life
Childhood and family
Anthony Jerome Webb, known as Spud Webb, was born on July 13, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, into a low-income family residing in a challenging urban neighborhood.[7] He grew up in a modest three-bedroom home shared with his parents, Katie and David Webb, and his five siblings, making for a crowded household that underscored the family's financial struggles.[8] This environment of poverty shaped his early years, where basic resources were limited, yet it fostered resilience amid the difficulties of inner-city life.[7] Webb earned his nickname "Spud" as an infant when a family visitor compared his bald head to the Soviet satellite Sputnik, a reference to the space race era; the moniker was later shortened from "Sputnik" and stuck throughout his life.[9] Despite the economic hardships, his family provided a supportive backdrop, with both parents encouraging perseverance in the face of adversity.[10] From a young age, Webb was exposed to basketball through informal street games on local playgrounds, where he honed his skills despite his small stature of 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m).[11] In seventh grade, standing at just 5 ft 3 in, he faced early rejection when coaches deemed him too short for the junior high team, but his persistence paid off after he continued practicing relentlessly and earned a spot following injuries to taller players.[7] This period marked the beginning of his vertical leap development, as he focused on explosive athleticism to compensate for his height, dunking for the first time as a teenager and building the foundation for his future prowess.[11]High school career
Anthony Jerome "Spud" Webb attended Wilmer-Hutchins High School in Dallas, Texas, where he developed his basketball skills despite his diminutive stature.[12] Standing at just 5 feet 3 inches as a senior, Webb began his high school career on the junior varsity team due to doubts about his size but eventually earned a spot on the varsity roster.[13] His perseverance paid off, as he first dunked the basketball during his senior year, a feat that showcased his exceptional athleticism.[14] In his senior season, Webb averaged 26 points per game, which helped establish him as a standout player.[12] He earned recognition as Texas Player of the Year and was selected to the All-State team, one of only 10 players chosen out of 5,000 in Texas.[15] Despite facing constant skepticism from coaches and peers who questioned his viability as a short player, Webb built a reputation for his remarkable speed, precise ball-handling, and explosive dunking ability, often overcoming his height disadvantage through creative techniques adapted to his small hands.[14] Webb's impressive high school performance did little to attract major college attention, as his height led to widespread dismissal by recruiters; even after a University of Texas coach observed him in action, no scholarship offer followed from Southwest Conference schools or four-year programs.[14] Ultimately, he received only one offer, from Midland Junior College, providing his pathway to higher-level basketball.[16]College career
Midland College
After graduating from high school without any major college scholarship offers due to his 5-foot-7 stature, Anthony "Spud" Webb enrolled at Midland College, a junior college in Midland, Texas, in the fall of 1981.[17] There, under coach Jerry Stone, Webb quickly emerged as a key player for the Chaparrals, showcasing his speed, ball-handling, and explosive athleticism on the court.[12] During his freshman and sophomore seasons (1981–1983), Webb led Midland to the 1982 NJCAA national championship, culminating in a thrilling 93–88 double-overtime victory over previously undefeated Miami-Dade North Community College in the title game at the Hutchinson Sports Arena in Kansas.[12] In that championship performance, he scored a game-high 36 points on 10-of-15 field goals and 16-of-18 free throws, while also contributing significantly to the team's effort with his playmaking.[12] Over the season, Webb averaged 21 points and 7.1 assists per game, along with 77 rebounds, 20 blocked shots, and around 40 dunks, demonstrating his all-around impact despite his size.[12] His vertical leap, measured at 42 inches, became a hallmark of his development, allowing him to excel in rebounding and finishing above the rim.[18] Webb's contributions earned him recognition as the NJCAA Region V tournament MVP and the winner of the Bud Obee Most Outstanding Small Player Award in 1982, while his sophomore year led to All-American honors in 1983.[12][19] These achievements significantly elevated his profile, drawing attention from four-year programs and paving the way for further opportunities in higher-level college basketball.[19]North Carolina State University
After leading Midland College to a national junior college championship, Anthony "Spud" Webb transferred to North Carolina State University in 1983 as a junior to play under head coach Jim Valvano.[20][21] At 5-foot-7, Webb brought exceptional quickness and vision to the Wolfpack's backcourt, serving as the primary point guard for two seasons in a program known for its fast-paced style.[22] Over 66 games from 1983 to 1985, Webb averaged 10.4 points, 5.7 assists, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 47.1% from the field.[23] In his junior year (1983-84), he led the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in assists (6.0 per game) and total assists (199), facilitating NC State's transition game with precise passing that exploited his speed against taller defenses.[23] As a senior in 1984-85, he ranked second in the ACC for steals per game (2.0) and elevated his scoring to 11.1 points per contest, often using his agility to weave through bigger opponents for layups or dunks—recording 12 dunks that season despite his stature.[23][24] Webb's contributions were pivotal in key matchups, including upsets where his quickness and playmaking neutralized height advantages, such as NC State's 85-76 ACC regular-season win over North Carolina in 1985, pairing his drives with feeds to 6-foot-11 center Cozell McQueen.[25] In the 1985 ACC Tournament, NC State reached the semifinals before losing to Georgia Tech. The Wolfpack earned a No. 3 seed in the West Region of the NCAA Tournament, defeating Nevada 65–56 in the first round, UTEP 86–73 in the second round (where Webb scored 29 points on 8-of-9 shooting), and Alabama 61–55 in the Sweet Sixteen before falling to St. John's 69–60 in the Elite Eight. He earned second-team All-ACC Tournament honors and NCAA West Region All-Tournament recognition that year.[23] Webb's college tenure highlighted his 42-inch vertical leap and explosive agility, which he honed through rigorous training, positioning him for professional success and entry into the 1985 NBA Draft.[22][24]NBA career
Draft and Atlanta Hawks (1985–1991)
Despite his diminutive stature of 5 feet 7 inches, Anthony "Spud" Webb was selected in the fourth round (87th overall pick) of the 1985 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons.[1] However, the Pistons waived him before the season began, prompting Webb to earn a spot on the Atlanta Hawks roster through an impressive training camp performance in September 1985.[4] As a rookie, Webb quickly adapted to the NBA's pace, averaging 7.8 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.0 steals per game across 79 appearances for the Hawks in the 1985–86 season, often coming off the bench to provide quickness and playmaking.[1] His agility helped the Hawks improve to a 50–32 record, securing the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.[26] In the playoffs, Webb made an immediate impact during the first-round series against the Detroit Pistons, which the Hawks won 3–1. Although his regular-season debut was solid with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists in Game 1, Webb's standout performance came in Game 2 on April 19, 1986, where he recorded 19 points, 7 rebounds, and a then-rookie-record 18 assists in a 137–125 victory, nearly achieving a 20-point, 20-assist outing while contributing to the team's upset.[27] This effort underscored his value as a distributor, helping Atlanta advance to the conference semifinals before falling to the Boston Celtics. Over his first six seasons with the Hawks (1985–1991), Webb evolved into a reliable starting point guard, appearing in 432 regular-season games and averaging 7.9 points and 4.8 assists per game during that span.[1] His role complemented star forward Dominique Wilkins, as Webb's speed and vision facilitated fast breaks and alley-oop opportunities, forming a dynamic duo that powered Atlanta's consistent playoff appearances.[4] Webb's production peaked in the 1990–91 season, when he started 75 games and averaged 13.4 points, 5.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, recording 118 steals, third on the team, for the year.[1][28]| Season | Games | MPG | PPG | APG | SPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985–86 | 79 | 15.6 | 7.8 | 4.3 | 1.0 |
| 1986–87 | 33 | 16.1 | 6.8 | 5.1 | 1.0 |
| 1987–88 | 82 | 16.4 | 6.0 | 4.1 | 0.8 |
| 1988–89 | 81 | 15.0 | 3.9 | 3.5 | 0.9 |
| 1989–90 | 82 | 26.6 | 9.2 | 5.8 | 1.3 |
| 1990–91 | 75 | 29.3 | 13.4 | 5.6 | 1.6 |
1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest
The 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest took place on February 8 during All-Star Weekend at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas, featuring eight competitors including Atlanta Hawks teammates Spud Webb and defending champion Dominique Wilkins, as well as Gerald Wilkins and Terence Stansbury.[30][15] As a rookie in the 1985-86 season, Webb earned his spot through his explosive athleticism despite his diminutive stature.[31] In the first round, each participant performed three dunks, with scores determined by a panel of five judges on a 10-point scale per judge (maximum 50 per dunk). Webb opened with a reverse dunk that accidentally hit the rim and bounced back through the net, earning 46 points; followed by a spinning 360-degree slam for 48 points; and a double-pump dunk for 47 points, totaling 141 points to advance to the final alongside Wilkins.[30][32] In the final round of two dunks each, Webb executed a 360-degree one-handed tomahawk slam for a perfect 50 and sealed the victory with a one-handed overhand bounce-pass dunk off the floor and backboard, also scoring 50 for a combined 100 points.[31][33] Wilkins responded with a 50 on his first final dunk but scored 48 on his second, finishing with 98 points.[30] At 5 feet 7 inches tall (though actually measured at 5 feet 6 inches), Webb became the shortest winner in Slam Dunk Contest history, a feat that underscored his 42-inch vertical leap and defied expectations in a league dominated by taller athletes.[32][15] Behind the scenes, Webb prepared by relying on dunks honed during his high school and college years, with no specialized contest training but a lifelong focus on building explosive leaping ability through natural talent and consistent practice.[31] The victory immediately elevated the Hawks' popularity, drawing massive local support in Dallas and boosting ticket sales, while personally enhancing Webb's confidence as he played without the pressure of overthinking.[31] Media coverage exploded post-event, with Webb appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and the upset hailed as one of the greatest in NBA history, challenging stereotypes about height limitations in basketball and inspiring future shorter dunkers like Nate Robinson.[31][15] This cultural shift highlighted that athletic prowess could transcend physical size, cementing Webb's legacy as a symbol of perseverance in professional basketball.[32]Sacramento Kings (1991–1995)
In June 1991, Spud Webb was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for shooting guard Travis Mays and a future second-round draft pick.[34] His experience with the Hawks provided a foundation for elevated play in Sacramento, where he started all 77 games in the 1991–92 season and reached career highs of 16.0 points and 7.1 assists per game.[1] Webb's arrival bolstered an improving Kings roster that featured forward Wayman Tisdale, a key scorer who averaged 16.6 points per game in 1992–93. As the starting point guard, Webb orchestrated the team's up-tempo style, using his quickness and vision to facilitate fast breaks and distribute effectively, averaging over 6.7 assists per game across his four seasons with Sacramento.[35] He particularly enjoyed playing alongside Tisdale, whose scoring complemented Webb's playmaking in the Kings' evolving offense.[35] Over the following seasons, Webb's production gradually declined, dropping to 11.6 points and 6.2 assists per game in 1994–95 amid increased competition for minutes.[1] Earlier in his career, just before the trade, he had demonstrated elite defensive instincts by recording a career-high 6 steals in a single game against the Seattle SuperSonics on January 26, 1991.[36]Later NBA teams (1995–1998)
Webb returned to the Atlanta Hawks to begin the 1995–96 season, resuming his career with the team that had originally drafted him. In a diminished role off the bench, he appeared in 51 games, averaging 5.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while shooting 46.8% from the field.[1] Midway through the season, on February 22, 1996, the Hawks traded Webb and center Andrew Lang to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for forward Christian Laettner and center Sean Rooks.[37] Joining Minnesota revitalized his play temporarily; over the remaining 26 games of the season, he started 21 contests and averaged 9.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, providing veteran leadership to a young backcourt.[1] Webb remained with the Timberwolves into the offseason but did not play in the NBA during the 1996–97 season, instead competing professionally in Italy for Scaligera Verona.[1] He returned to the league in February 1998, signing a 10-day contract with the Orlando Magic on February 22.[38] In a brief cameo, Webb appeared in four games off the bench, averaging 3.0 points and 1.3 assists per game, with his final NBA appearance coming on February 28, 1998, against the Charlotte Hornets, where he scored 2 points in 7 minutes. The Magic waived him on March 2, 1998.[39][40] These final NBA seasons highlighted Webb's transition to a reserve contributor amid declining opportunities, a contrast to his more consistent starting role and higher scoring output during his Sacramento Kings tenure. Over his entire 12-year NBA career, Webb played in 814 games, accumulating averages of 9.9 points and 5.3 assists per game before retiring at age 34.[1]Post-NBA playing career
Minor leagues and international play
Following the 1995–96 season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Webb signed with Mash J. Verona of Italy's Lega Basket Serie A for the 1996–97 season, unable to secure an NBA contract at the time.[41] In a brief stint, he appeared in three games for the team, averaging 12.7 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 37.5% from the field.[41] This move allowed him extended playing time abroad after injuries had curtailed his opportunities in the NBA, and it provided exposure to the more tactical, team-oriented European style of play compared to the NBA's athleticism.[42] Webb returned to the United States for the 1997–98 NBA season with the Orlando Magic but saw limited action in just four games before being waived.[1] Seeking further competitive minutes post-NBA amid ongoing injury concerns, he joined the Idaho Stampede of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) in September 1998 during the NBA lockout.[43] The Stampede, then a CBA affiliate, offered a platform for minor league competition where Webb could leverage his experience as a point guard.[44] Although specific game logs from this period are sparse, his signing highlighted his desire to continue playing professionally while embracing the developmental environment of the CBA. Webb's international and minor league experiences in Italy and the CBA marked the end of his professional playing career, as he retired around 1998 to transition into non-playing roles in basketball.[1] These stints underscored his adaptability and commitment to the game beyond the NBA, including cultural immersion in Europe during his Verona tenure.[45]Career statistics and accomplishments
NBA regular season and playoffs
Spud Webb played 814 games over 13 NBA seasons, accumulating 23,088 minutes, 8,072 points (9.9 points per game), 4,342 assists (5.3 assists per game), and 922 steals (1.1 steals per game).[1] His career field goal percentage stood at .455, with a three-point shooting percentage of .302, and his player efficiency rating (PER) averaged 15.9.[1] Webb's scoring and playmaking peaked during the 1991–92 season with the Sacramento Kings, where he averaged 16.0 points and 7.1 assists per game across 77 games played.[1] Earlier, in his 1985–86 rookie year with the Atlanta Hawks, he averaged 7.8 points and 4.3 assists in 79 games.[1] His minutes per game ranged from a high of 35.4 in 1991–92 to a low of 8.5 in his final 1997–98 season with the Orlando Magic.[1]| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | APG | SPG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985–86 | ATL | 79 | 15.6 | 7.8 | 4.3 | 1.0 | .483 | .182 |
| 1986–87 | ATL | 33 | 16.1 | 6.8 | 5.1 | 1.0 | .438 | .167 |
| 1987–88 | ATL | 82 | 16.4 | 6.0 | 4.1 | 0.8 | .475 | .053 |
| 1988–89 | ATL | 81 | 15.0 | 3.9 | 3.5 | 0.9 | .459 | .045 |
| 1989–90 | ATL | 82 | 26.6 | 9.2 | 5.8 | 1.3 | .477 | .053 |
| 1990–91 | ATL | 75 | 29.3 | 13.4 | 5.6 | 1.6 | .447 | .321 |
| 1991–92 | SAC | 77 | 35.4 | 16.0 | 7.1 | 1.6 | .445 | .367 |
| 1992–93 | SAC | 69 | 33.8 | 14.5 | 7.0 | 1.5 | .433 | .274 |
| 1993–94 | SAC | 79 | 32.5 | 12.7 | 6.7 | 1.2 | .460 | .335 |
| 1994–95 | SAC | 76 | 32.3 | 11.6 | 6.2 | 1.0 | .438 | .331 |
| 1995–96 | 2 TM | 77 | 19.0 | 7.1 | 3.8 | 0.7 | .433 | .364 |
| 1997–98 | ORL | 4 | 8.5 | 3.0 | 1.3 | 0.3 | .417 | .000 |
| Career | - | 814 | 24.9 | 9.9 | 5.3 | 1.1 | .455 | .302 |
| Playoff Season | Team | GP | PPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | ATL | 9 | 12.2 | 7.2 |
| 1987 | ATL | 3 | 3.7 | 4.3 |
| 1988 | ATL | 8 | 5.5 | 3.4 |
| 1989 | ATL | 5 | 11.0 | 5.4 |
| 1990 | ATL | 5 | 9.0 | 5.8 |
| 1991 | ATL | 5 | 13.2 | 4.8 |
| 1993 | SAC | 3 | 8.0 | 5.3 |
| 1994 | SAC | 3 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Career Playoffs | - | 39 | 8.2 | 5.1 |