Can't they just use a smaller ball and hoop to make it more fair for shorter players?

While the idea of using a smaller ball and hoop in basketball to make it more fair for shorter players may seem logical, it is not a feasible solution. The size of the ball and hoop are standardized in basketball, and changing them would fundamentally alter the nature of the game. Additionally, while height is certainly an advantage in basketball, it is not the only factor that determines success in the sport. Shorter players can still excel in areas such as ball-handling, shooting accuracy, and defensive skills. Furthermore, basketball is not the only sport where height provides an advantage. Many sports have physical attributes that give certain players an advantage, such as speed in track and field or size and strength in football.