Spud Webb is a retired American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 12 seasons. He is best known for his impressive vertical leap, which allowed him to dunk despite his height of only 5 feet 7 inches.
Webb was born in Dallas, Texas in 1963 and played high school basketball at Wilmer-Hutchins High School. Despite his small stature, he was a standout player and led his team to the state championship in 1981. He went on to play college basketball at Midland College and North Carolina State University, where he was a key player on the 1983 NCAA championship team.
After college, Webb was not selected in the NBA draft, but he was signed as a free agent by the Detroit Pistons. He played sparingly for the Pistons in his rookie season, but he gained national attention when he won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1986. Webb's victory was a surprise to many, as he was the shortest player to ever compete in the contest.
Following his win, Webb was traded to the Atlanta Hawks, where he played for the next five seasons. He became a fan favorite in Atlanta, where his high-flying dunks and flashy play earned him the nickname "Spud." In 1988, he had one of his best seasons, averaging 16.0 points and 5.7 assists per game and leading the Hawks to the playoffs.
Webb played for several other teams over the course of his career, including the Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Orlando Magic. He was known for his speed and quickness on the court, as well as his ability to shoot from long range. Despite his small size, he was a tenacious defender and often guarded much taller players.
Webb retired from the NBA in 1998, but he remained involved in basketball as a coach and commentator. He also worked as a spokesperson for various companies and organizations, including the National Stroke Association. In 2018, he was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.
Overall, Spud Webb's basketball career was defined by his incredible athleticism and his ability to overcome his height disadvantage. He was a fan favorite and a role model for young players who were told they were too small to succeed in the sport. Today, he is remembered as one of the most exciting and dynamic players of his era.
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