Earl Boykins is a retired American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 13 seasons. He was born on June 2, 1976, in Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Eastern Michigan University, where he played college basketball.
Boykins began his professional career in 1998 when he signed with the Rockford Lightning of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA). He played for several teams in the CBA and the International Basketball League (IBL) before making his NBA debut in 1999 with the New Jersey Nets.
Boykins was known for his small stature, standing at only 5 feet 5 inches tall, which made him one of the shortest players in NBA history. Despite his size, he was a skilled point guard who was quick and agile on the court. He was also a prolific scorer, averaging 8.9 points per game over his career.
Boykins played for several NBA teams throughout his career, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Charlotte Bobcats, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, and Houston Rockets. He was a fan favorite wherever he played, and his diminutive size made him a unique and entertaining player to watch.
One of Boykins' most memorable performances came in 2004 when he scored a career-high 32 points for the Denver Nuggets in a game against the Detroit Pistons. He also set a Nuggets franchise record by scoring 15 points in the final quarter of the game.
Boykins retired from professional basketball in 2012, but he remains involved in the sport as a coach and mentor. He has worked with several youth basketball programs and has also served as an assistant coach for the NBA G League's Grand Rapids Drive.
Overall, Earl Boykins had a successful career in professional basketball, despite his small stature. He was a skilled player who was beloved by fans and respected by his peers. His legacy as one of the shortest players in NBA history will always be remembered, and his contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.
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