Spud Webb Career Stats Overview
Spud Webb, born Anthony Jerome Webb on July 13, 1963, finished his NBA career with averages of 9.9 points, 1.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game over 814 regular-season games. His official NBA height was listed at 5 feet 7 inches, making him the shortest player in league history to win a Slam Dunk Contest, a fact confirmed by the NBA's official records and media coverage NBA.com.
Webb played 12 NBA seasons from 1985 to 1998, splitting time with the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Orlando Magic. His career totals include 8,072 points, 1,306 rebounds, 4,342 assists, and 1,081 steals, with his best scoring season coming in 1989-90 when he averaged 16.0 points per game for the Atlanta Hawks Basketball-Reference.com.
Draft, Teams, and Key Achievements
Webb was selected 27th overall in the 1985 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks after starring at Midland College and North Carolina State University. His most celebrated achievement came in 1986 when he won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest at age 22, defeating Dominique Wilkins in a legendary duel that highlighted his explosive athleticism despite his stature Forbes.
Across his career, Webb played for four franchises and became known for his speed, court vision, and ability to finish at the rim. He ranks among the shortest players in NBA history to have a long, productive career, and his dunk contest win remains one of the most iconic moments in league history, frequently cited in retrospectives by major sports outlets ESPN.com.
Legacy and Post-Playing Career
After retiring in 1998, Webb transitioned into basketball operations and player development roles, working with teams and organizations focused on scouting and mentoring smaller guards. His career stats and dunk contest victory are regularly referenced in discussions about overlooked NBA talents and the importance of athleticism over height.
Webb's story is also featured in educational and media content about NBA history, including documentaries and articles that highlight his impact on the game. His journey from a lightly recruited junior college player to an NBA starter and dunk champion is considered a benchmark for undersized players aspiring to play at the highest level NBA.com.