Last Updated on May 31, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Earl Boykins defied expectations throughout his career, proving that determination, skill, and confidence could outweigh the physical disadvantages he faced on an NBA court. Despite being one of the smallest players in league history, he consistently found ways to score, create offense, and earn the respect of teammates and opponents alike.

Here is detailed information about basketballer Earl Boykins:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Earl Antoine Boykins
  • Nationality: American
  • Date of Birth: June 2, 1976
  • Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
  • Height: 5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
  • Weight: 133 lbs (60 kg)
  • Wingspan: 5 ft 8 in
  • Shoe Size: Size 9.5 (US)
  • Number: Wore #1, #11, and #6 during his career
  • Position: Point Guard
  • High School: Cleveland Central Catholic High School (Cleveland, Ohio)
  • College: Eastern Michigan University
  • NBA Draft: Undrafted in 1998
  • Teams Played For:
    • New Jersey Nets (1998)
    • Cleveland Cavaliers (1999)
    • Orlando Magic (1999)
    • Los Angeles Clippers (2000)
    • Golden State Warriors (2002–2003)
    • Denver Nuggets (2003–2007)
    • Milwaukee Bucks (2007)
    • Charlotte Bobcats (2007)
    • Washington Wizards (2009–2010)
    • Houston Rockets (2010)
    • Return to Milwaukee Bucks (2010–2011)
  • Championship Rings: None
  • Kids: Has a son named Earl Boykins Jr.
  • Siblings: Not much public information is available about siblings.

Player Archetype / Play Style

Earl Boykins was a spark-plug point guard built around speed, handle, and instant offense, the kind of undersized creator who could change tempo the moment he checked in. Listed at 5-foot-5 and roughly 133 to 135 pounds, he survived in the league with exceptional quickness, tight control in traffic, deep confidence, and a low center of gravity that made him difficult to contain despite his size. Offensively, he operated as a scoring playmaker: pushing pace, breaking defenses down off the dribble, pulling up from range, and creating shots for himself and others, especially as a bench weapon or change-of-pace lead guard. Defensively, his size naturally limited him in switches and physical matchups, so his value came more from pressure, activity, and competing within a team scheme than from true stopper duties. Overall, Boykins played like an offensive jolt in a point guard’s body—fearless, fast, creative, and uniquely equipped to manufacture points in ways most players his height never could. (Basketball Reference)

Basketball-Reference — Earl Boykins Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
NBA.com — Earl Boykins | Guard | Denver Nuggets
NBA.com — Earl Boykins Not Your Typical NBA Veteran | Washington Wizards
NBA.com — Earl Boykins helped launch Denver Nuggets’ playoff streak
NBA.com — NBA Birthdays: Players born on June 2