Dunking is one of the many reasons that NBA games are so entertaining. The athleticism that is displayed during some of these dunks is mind-blowing, and in my opinion, the athleticism displayed in the NBA is better than any other professional sport.
When you look at guys that are, on average, over 6’6 with this type of explosiveness and leaping ability, I’m pretty sure you could stick many of them into the NFL and be successful as well.
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Top Dunkers in the NBA
Here is a breakdown of the best dunkers in the NBA today, as well as a look at some of the best from previous eras:
1. Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson is one of the most powerful dunkers in the league today. His speed, athleticism, and power make him a freak of nature.
The New Orleans Pelican’s star could draw crowds to the arena just to watch his layup line dunks.
When he takes the court, fans enjoy watching Zion jump in the air like Michael Jordan with a 45-inch vertical leap, spin like Vince Carter, and throw it down two-handed like Charles Barkley early in his playing career.
2. LeBron James
“King James” is still one of the NBA’s most explosive dunkers in his 20th season. He can dunk it forward and backward and catch great lob passes with the best to ever do it.
It’s important to realize, at 38 years old, LeBron can still get his head above the rim when he throws down an explosive jam.
3. Ja Morant
Ja is one of the most exciting dunkers in the league today. He has made his mark as a dunker by not only dunking the ball on fast breaks or driving past defenders in the lane.
His claim to fame as a dunker has come from the times he dunked on his opponents.
Even the dunks Ja missed when dunking over an opposing player are highlights because of the height and authority with which he attempts to throw it down every time.
4. Anthony Edwards
If you want to see exciting in-game dunks, look no further than the Minnesota Timberwolves star, Anthony Edwards. “Ant-Man” lives up to his name because he is not afraid of any challenger that stands before him, no matter the size.
He will drive around the opposition and throw down a power dunk or simply use his 41-inch vertical leap to elevate over him, making it look effortless. Like Ja Morant, Edwards has more highlights of his missed dunks than most players do of the dunks they made.
5. Zach LaVine
Zach won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest twice in 2015 and 2016. In 2015, he was the 2nd youngest to ever do it, behind 18-year-old Kobe Bryant.
Today, the Chicago Bulls guard is still putting on a highlight show for fans, dunking on fast breaks and catching insane lob passes from teammates.
They know just to throw the ball up in the air, toward the basket, or off the backboard and can trust that Zach will catch it and slam it home with authority.
6. Mac McClung
McClung was the 2023 NBA Slam Contest winner. Mac, a two-way player for the Delaware Blue Coats, G-League team, and Philadelphia 76ers, breathed new life into the slam dunk competition.
Like revival at church, McClung’s display of awe-inspiring dunks has fans, young and old excited to watch the dunk contest again.
We hope to see more from him in the future.
Top Dunkers from Previous Eras
1. Michael Jordan
Michael “Air” Jordan is one of the most electrifying dunkers ever to play the game.
He would jump in the air and take his time to decide what he wanted to do later. When “His Airness” drove to the basket with his tongue hanging out, his opponents knew they were in for trouble.
He was so amazing at it that one opposing team came up with “The Jordan Rules” to stop him from dominating, especially at the rim.
2. Shawn Kemp
The “Reign Man” was one of the most incredible phenomena we have ever seen in an NBA jersey. Kemp, at 6-foot 10-inches, had the quickness of a guard but the leaping ability of someone superhuman.
Every dunk looked like he was trying to destroy the rim and his opponents if they stood in his way.
3. Dominique Wilkins
The “Human Highlight Film” was the 1985 Slam Dunk Contest winner and a powerful and explosive in-game dunker.
Dominique had incredible leaping ability and power and was one of the most creative dunkers of his generation. More famous than his dunk contest win was the 1988 contest, where he was runner-up to Michael Jordan.
The two put on a fantastic show for the fans. The dunks we see today are spin-offs of the ones we saw Wilkins do back in his playing days.
4. Vince Carter
Considered by many to be the best dunker of all time, Vince Carter was one of the most electrifying dunkers the NBA has ever seen.
He was the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner, where he displayed amazing 360 dunks, which we had never seen before. He was also an excellent in-game dunker, whether over another player or displaying many of his jaw-dropping 360s on fast breaks.
5. Julius Erving
Dr. J was the greatest dunker of his era. He would fly through the air with ease and finish his dunks in such a smooth way.
Dr. J would jump at the same time as his opponents, but when they were on their way down, he was still rising up to slam. In 1976, he won the NBA Slam Dunk Competition by jumping from the free-throw line and slamming it down.
The first to ever do it on such a grand stage.
6. Darryl Dawkins
This list wouldn’t be complete without one of the most amazing dunkers ever, “Chocolate Thunder.” Dawkins was one of the most powerful finishers this game has ever seen.
He was even responsible for shattering a few backboards in his day. You know you are a forceful dunker when the league has to construct a new type of rim (a break-away rim) to withstand the authority with which you slam.
7. Blake Griffin
After the “Vinsanity” of Vince Carter started to die down, Blake Griffin came on the scene as the premiere dunker in the league.
He won the 2011 NBA Slam Dunk Contest by jumping over a CAR! Blake was also part of what was known as “Lob City” for the Los Angeles Clippers.
His teammates could lob the ball into the air from almost anywhere, and Blake would catch it and slam it down with authority. It was undoubtedly a show within a show.
FAQ
Is Vince Carter the best dunker ever?
Vince Carter was one of the most explosive dunkers in NBA history and it is certainly debatable whether he was the best dunker ever. He has to be included in the top 10 list of all time due to longevity of his explosiveness that produced endless memorable dunk highlights. Most fans have different opinions on who their favorite dunker is based on who their favorite team was, or some prefer a typical style of dunking over another.
Who has won the most dunk contests?
Nate Robinson won 3 dunk contests in 2006,2009, and 2010. Robinson was so impressive as a dunker because he was only 5’9 yet had incredible athleticism and creativity in his dunk routines.
Who has the most dunks in NBA history?
Dwight Howard has the most dunks in NBA history with 2950 and is followed by Shaquille O’Neal with 2626 dunks.
Final Word
The evolution of dunking in really took off in the 1980s as the overall athleticism improved and the slam dunk contest put more of a spotlight on the game.
Some of the top players in the NBA have avoided the dunk content for fear it will hurt their brand if they lose. I hope this trend changes as I think dunking is great for the game and attracts more fans to the game!