For those of you who don’t already know, Earl Boykins has the distinction of being the 2nd shortest player in NBA history, right behind former Hornets standout Mugsey Bogues(5’3). The diminutive guard measures out at a miniscule 5’5 and weighs only 135 lbs but he doesn’t let his size get in the way of having a highly successful professional basketball career. He may be small but he has big game.
He first gained some national notoriety in 1998 during his senior season at Eastern Michigan University when he nearly won the nation’s scoring title with a lofty 25.7 ppg. He then led the tiny MAC school to only their 4th appearance into the NCAA Tournament in school history in addition to becoming the school’s all-time leader in assists.
Mainly because of concerns over his diminutive size and despite his offensive prowess, Boykins was never drafted by an NBA club. But as soon as one of the many NBA teams’ best backcourt players go down to injury, Earl has been one of the first players GM’s give a call as he has played in nearly 600 NBA contests for 10 teams, not including small stints in the CBA and in Europe.
This season, the Milwaukee Bucks came calling when outstanding 2nd year guard Brandon Jennings went down with a broken foot a few weeks ago. Earl has filled in admirably, averaging 8.7 points and nearly 3 assists, while running the point. He even has scored 20 or more points in 4 games this season.
He has been no stranger to the highlight reel play as he has made even the great Tim Duncan look stupid when he has his sites set on getting to the rim and just last year when he nailed a game winning shot to help the Wizards beat the NJ Nets.
Recently in a game against the Atlanta Hawks, Earl drove to the left elbow and took a high percentage jumper over the defending Al Horford, then gave fans in attendance a chance to go grab some popcorn and still have enough time to see the ball fall through the rim…..
Allen Moll has been a lifelong NBA and NCAA College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously, and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen also provides content to Bleacherreport.com, Upperdeckblog.com, in addition to being a tenured NBA and NCAA columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com.
