In the world of the NBA, where towering athletes often dominate the game, players standing 6 feet or under have defied the odds to carve out their own legacies. These are our short kings. Despite their height disadvantage, these players have showcased exceptional skills, agility, and basketball IQ, proving that heart and talent can triumph over size. From snatching ankles to lay ups and floaters finishing over the tallest the NBA has to offer, they've brought their unique skills to the court, earning respect and admiration from fans and peers. Icons like Allen Iverson, Chris Paul, and Isaiah Thomas are prime examples of players who may not have the height, but certainly have the game to stand tall among the best in NBA history. Their stories are a testament to the idea that, in basketball, determination and skill can outshine any physical limitation. This a look at the top 6 by 2k rating in the NBA currently and how they compare to their real like selves.

 

6. Kyle Lowry 75 overall.

Nba: 18.9 mins, 4 points, 2.8 assists, 2 rebounds and .9 steals on 35/33/81.

Nsl: 13.4 mins, 6.1 points, 2 assists, .9 rebounds and .3 steals on 41/38/85.

 

Kyle Lowry is known for his gritty, hard-nosed style of play that combines leadership, toughness, and a high basketball IQ. As a point guard, he’s a dynamic floor general who excels at orchestrating his team’s offense, running pick-and-rolls, and making smart, decisive passes. Lowry has a great ability to control the tempo of a game, often slowing things down when necessary or pushing the pace to catch the defense off-guard with his veteran savvy.

 

What truly sets Lowry apart is his defense and physicality. Despite not being the tallest or most athletic, his tenacity, thick frame, and ability to take charges make him a pest for opposing guards. He’s a scrappy defender who isn’t afraid to get in the passing lanes or battle down low.

 

Offensively, Lowry is a versatile scorer. He can hit the three-ball with consistency, especially in clutch moments, and he’s skilled at getting to the basket or drawing fouls  (foul baiting) with his ability to take contact. Lowry’s leadership and fiery competitive spirit make him the heart and soul of his teams and his ability to step up in big moments has cemented his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable veterans.

 

NBA Kyle is the better playmaker and thief while NSL Kyle is a better scorer in volume and efficiency and rebounder. NSL Lowry gets the edge over his life counter part.

 

5. Davion Mitchell 75 overall.

Nba: 25.2 mins, 6.6 points, 4.5 assists, 1.9 rebounds and .7 steals on 44/36/68.

Nsl: 13.6 mins, 4.7 points, 1.8 assists, 1.4 rebounds and .2 steals on 42/38/68.

 

I've always had a soft spot for a guy that tries their heart out on defense so finally having him on my roster has been nice to see. Mitchell is often referred to as “Off Night” for his tenacious defense, is known for his relentless, in-your-face playing style, particularly on the defensive end. Standing at our magic number of  6 feet tall, Mitchell uses his strength, quickness, and elite lateral movement to disrupt opponents and guard multiple positions effectively. He’s a lock-down defender with the ability to lock down ball handlers, create turnovers whilst pressuring shots and often forcing tough shots for any player he is guarding.

 

Offensively, Mitchell is a quick and dynamic guard, capable of attacking the rim using his speed to get to the cup before the shot blocker can be set and finishing through contact. He has a respectable jump shot, especially from the mid-range, and his ability to read defenses allows him to make smart, efficient decisions with the ball. While he might not be the most physically imposing player on the floor, his energy, work ethic, and all-around hustle make him an exciting and valuable asset for his team.

 

NBA Davion is the better playmaker and thief while NSL Davion is a better scorer and rebounder. Not a huge difference between both.

 

 

4. Jose Alvarado 79 overall.

Nba: 23.4 mins, 9.9 points, 4.4 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals on 41/39/81.

Nsl: 23.6 mins, 3.8 points, 3.5 assists, 1.6 rebounds and .8 steals on 30/33/42.

 

Jose Alvarado’s style of play is built around energy, tenacity, being sneaky and a relentless defensive mindset. Known for his pesky nature, Alvarado is a constant disruptor on the court, particularly with his ball pressure and ability to create turnovers. His unique ability to read passing lanes, pounce on mistakes, and hustle after loose balls makes him one of the league's most disruptive defenders, especially for opposing point guards. Alvarado’s signature move, the "sneaky steal," involves him pressuring the ball handler, then quickly swiping the ball or using a well-timed trap to generate turnovers (often hiding behind other players or refs to surprise the opposing ball handler.)

 

Offensively, Alvarado plays with a high motor and doesn’t shy away from driving to the basket, even against bigger defenders. He’s also capable of hitting outside shots,  though his role on offense tends to be more about creating chaos and making plays when opportunities arise. His leadership and energy on both ends of the floor have quickly earned him a reputation as a high-impact player, even in limited minutes. Whether it's forcing turnovers, diving for loose balls, or creating scoring chances in transition, Alvarado's gritty and relentless approach makes him a fan favorite and a key contributor for his team.

 

NBA Jose  is the better playmaker, thief, scorer and rebounder while NSL Jose doesn’t top his counter part in any party of the game.

 

 

3. Mike Conley 79 overall.

Nba: 25.1 mins, 8.2 points, 4.6 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals on 36/38/91.

Nsl: 28.8 mins, 11.8 points, 4.6 assists, 2.7 rebounds and .9 steals on 39/36/91.

 

Mike Conley’s style of play is defined by his smooth court vision, precision passing, and calm demeanor. As a point guard, he excels at controlling the game’s tempo, making smart decisions, and orchestrating his team’s offense with a high basketball IQ. Conley’s ability to read defenses allows him to create opportunities, whether through passing, mid-range shooting, or attacking the rim. He’s a reliable scorer, especially from the perimeter, and a crafty defender who uses his quickness and smarts to disrupt opponents.

 

Though not physically dominant, Conley’s craftiness and leadership shine, making him a consistent and efficient player. His poise, decision-making, and steady presence on both ends of the floor have earned him the respect of his peers and made him one of the league’s most reliable point guards.

 

NBA Mike is the better thief and 3 point shooter  while NSL Mike is the better scorer. This one the stats are eerily similar with NSL MIke holding the slightest of edges being the more efficient scorer.

 

 

2. Chris Paul 82 overall.

Nba: 29 mins, 9.1 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds and 1.2 steals on 41/35/94.

Nsl: 30.5 mins, 14.5 points, 6.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds and .8 steals on 42/36/92.

 

Chris Paul is known for his exceptional basketball IQ, court vision, and elite playmaking ability. As a point guard, he excels in controlling the tempo of the game, running pick-and-rolls, and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. His ball-handling skills are precise, allowing him to break down defenses with ease. Paul is also a master of mid-range shooting, often sinking clutch jumpers and floaters. While not the most athletic player now, the agility and quickness in his younger days on elite teams and he wasn't afraid to throw it down every once and a while. His quick decision-making, high basketball IQ, and leadership make him a constant threat.

 

Defensively, he’s a tenacious perimeter defender, often picking opponents' pockets with his quick hands. Paul's style is built on smart decision-making, precise execution, and relentless effort, making him one of the best floor generals of his generation and a personal favourite player of mine.

 

NBA Chris is the better set up man, rebounder and snatcher while NSL Chris is the better scorer in both efficiency and volume. With assists overall lower in the NSL, the Chris in our league is the superior overall player.

 

 

1. Fred VanVleet 83 overall.

Nba: 35 mins, 14.6 points, 5.8 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals on 38/34/92.

Nsl: 27.4 mins, 18 points, 4.6 assists, 2.7 rebounds and .8 steals on 42/35/82.

 

Fred VanVleet is a tough, high-IQ point guard known for his tenacious defense, sharp shooting, and playmaking ability. Despite being undersized, he compensates with strong perimeter defense, quick hands, and a knack for forcing turnovers. Offensively, VanVleet is a reliable three-point shooter, often hitting deep shots off the dribble or in catch-and-shoot situations. He’s also a solid floor general, capable of running an offense, making smart passes, and controlling the tempo.

 

While not the most athletic guy on the floor most of the time, he uses his craftiness, ball-handling, and strength to finish in the paint. His leadership, championship experience, and fearless mentality make him a key contributor on both ends of the floor.

 

NBA Fred is the better set up man, rebounder and grabs the more steals while NSL Fred is the better scorer in both efficiency and volume by a fair margin. With assists overall lower in the NSL, The Fred in our league is the best overall player and best player 6 foot and under in the NSL.

In conclusion, the real life NBA players tend to have higher assist numbers, more steals, and better rebounding. In contrast, NSL players generally show better scoring efficiency and higher points per minute. Defensive impact (steals) is usually stronger in the NBA, while NSL stats reflect a more balanced contribution. Overall, NSL players are often better scorers, while NBA stats favor well-rounded contributions in playmaking, defense, and rebounding for our short kings.