Being Tiny in A Land of Giants Did Not Stop Earl Boykins From Pursuing a Lengthy NBA Career

Earl Boykins / Wikimedia Commons

For Earl Boykins, 1998 marked the beginning of a long journey in the NBA. Although going undrafted, Earl Boykins went on to average 8.9 points, 3.2 assists and 1.3 rebounds per game in his 13 season career. This was not easy for him as he only stood 5’5’ in the land of seven-foot giants. Despite his size disadvantage, Boykins had quite the career.

Boykins attended Eastern Michigan University, where he dominated. He made All Mid-Conference first team in his junior and senior year. He also was second in NCAA scoring in his senior year, averaging 26.8 points per game. Eastern Michigan retired his jersey in 2011.

Earl Boykins signed with the New Jersey Nets for a short time during the 1999 NBA season. He had been an unrestricted free agent since going undrafted. Boykins made his NBA debut with New Jersey, playing only five games (averaging 4.2 points), before the Nets released him. He signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers to finish the 1999 season.

He went through quite a few teams, but Boykins began to play more when he reached the Los Angeles Clippers. But it wasn't until 2003 with the Denver Nuggets where Boykins had full playing time and was able to display his value. He credited his father for developing his confidence.

“Because of my height, I became very skilled and I always had confidence,” Boykins said to Charles Post of The Eastern Echo. “My dad taught me the game. Growing up, he used to take me to the gym and I played basketball a lot. At an early age he instilled it in me to never be afraid. Never let anyone intimidate me.”

Boykins made a 13- year career going undrafted and getting cut by the Nets after only five games. He learned to work hard to overcome the height difference throughout his career.

”If I was taller, I probably wouldn’t have worked as hard or gotten as far.” Boykins said to Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times.

Boykins showed that with hard work and talent, nothing will stop you from succeeding. His story continues to be an inspiration to many who believe they aren’t good enough for their career interests.