The dunk contest has provided some of the most iconic and memorable moments in basketball history. From Michael Jordan’s awe-inspiring free-throw line slam to Vince Carter’s 360 reverse, spectacular dunks have captivated crowds and captured imaginations for decades.
Now, we have ranked the top 20 best slam dunks of all time, from legendary high-flyers to new school heroes. This list covers everything from technical finesse to jaw-dropping power – get ready to see some of the greatest highlights ever seen in a dunk contest.
The Most Memorable Dunks
Before we dive into the top dunks of all time, let’s take a look at two of the most iconic ones. The first is the free-throw line dunk by Julius Erving in the 1976 ABA Slam Dunk Contest. This dunk was revolutionary for its time, as Erving elevated higher than ever for a man his size and glided through the air before throwing it down with ease. It is considered by many to be the most iconic dunk in NBA history.
Michael Jordan made history with a memorable dunk in the 1988 NBA Dunk Contest. He took off from the free-throw line and threw down a remarkable slam. This dunk was iconic as it was the first time anyone had ever done a dunk from the free-throw line. It was also one of the most impressive dunks of all time due to the level of difficulty and Jordan’s perfect execution.
The Best Slam Dunk Contest Dunks
Over the years, the contest has produced some of the most memorable moments in basketball history, with dunks that have become iconic. In this section, we will take a look at the other amazingly executed dunks from the NBA Slam Dunk Contests.
Desmond Mason
Desmond Mason’s best dunk is considered to be in the 2003 NBA Dunk Contest against Jason Richardson, where he did a left-handed between-the-legs dunk for an easy 50. Mason had already established himself as one of the greatest dunkers in NBA history prior to this dunk, but this dunk put him on the map as one of the best dunkers of all time.
It was an incredibly difficult dunk to pull off, as Mason had to jump from the free-throw line, catch the ball in mid-air, and then put it between his legs while still maintaining his balance. Mason was able to pull off the dunk with ease and make it look effortless.
His dunk was so impressive that Kenny Smith declared that Mason had the flu after his dunk.
Josh Smith
Josh Smith is another player who has had some memorable dunks in the dunk contest. Smith’s best dunk was arguably in the 2005 NBA Dunk Contest, where he performed a Dominique Wilkins windmill tribute. Smith’s dunk was remarkable due to his leaping ability and jaw-dropping mid-air maneuvering. He was able to take off from outside the free-throw line, make a full rotation in mid-air, and land the dunk perfectly. It was one of the most impressive dunks of all time and cemented Smith as one of the greatest dunkers of all time.
Smith also had a memorable dunk in the 2007 NBA Dunk Contest where he jumped over teammate Dwight Howard and dunked with his right hand. Smith showed great athleticism and leaping ability as he was able to jump higher than ever before and make a perfect dunk. This dunk was so impressive that it was duplicated in subsequent dunk contests by both Cedric Ceballos and Gerald Green.
Serge Ibaka
Serge Ibaka is one of the most impressive dunkers in the history of the dunk contest. His dunks are considered to be on par with Julius Erving’s and Michael Jordan’s, although he is not as smooth as they were. He was able to incorporate creative props, such as a lit cupcake, which was first used by Gerald Green, into his dunks and also had impressive dunks without any props at all.
Ibaka’s best dunk was arguably in the 2011 NBA Dunk Contest, where he dunked over Stuff the Magic Dragon after catching the ball with his right hand, putting it under his legs and then dunking with his left in one fluid motion. This dunk was not only creative and impressive, but also showed Ibaka’s incredible athleticism and leaping ability.
Ibaka also had an impressive dunk in the 2014 NBA Dunk Contest where he paid tribute to Spud Webb’s 1986 win. Ibaka had an emphatic dunk where he elevated higher than ever for a man his size and posterized some of the best rim protectors in the Association. This dunk was a reminder of what Webb was able to accomplish despite being just 5-foot-6 and showed that anyone can achieve their dreams if they put their mind to it.
Isaiah Rider
Isaiah Rider was one of the participants in the Top 20 Dunks and his best dunk was “The East Bay Funk Dunk”, which he performed during the 1994 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, which he won. His dunk was a reverse slam that required immense hang time and effort to complete. It was such a spectacular effort that it earned Rider the slam dunk contest title. Furthermore, his dunk was so impressive that it inspired many big names such as Kobe Bryant and Vince Carter to follow his example.
Rider’s dunk was a creative one-handed jam from the free throw line that earned him a perfect score of 50 from the judges. It was a combination of his athleticism and creativity that made this dunk stand apart from other dunks. Moreover, Rider’s dunk was a game changer as it set a new standard for the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
Since then, there have been other great dunks in the contest, but none have measured up to the level of Rider’s “East Bay Funk Dunk”. Jason Richardson’s bounce reverse through the legs from the baseline in the 2003 Slam Dunk Contest was a jaw-dropping moment and DeMar DeRozan’s “Show Stopper” was an incredible display of athleticism. Rider’s dunk has become the go-to dunk for all aspiring dunkers and it is a testament to his creativity and skill.
Isaiah Rider’s “East Bay Funk Dunk” is one of the most iconic dunks of all time and will always be remembered as the dunk that defined a generation. This dunk is an example to all aspiring dunkers and is a reminder of the power of creativity and athleticism. Isaiah Rider’s dunk was so impressive that it inspired many big names such as Kobe Bryant and Vince Carter to follow his example.
Amar’e Stoudemire
Amar’e Stoudemire is known for his powerful and athletic dunks throughout his career, but his 180 alley-oop off Steve Nash’s head in the 2005 Slam Dunk Contest was especially creative. Stoudemire and Nash included a teammate in their dunk, with Nash throwing the ball off the backboard and Stoudemire catching it and completing the dunk. It was an incredibly creative and fun attempt that earned them a perfect score of 50 from the judges.
The alley-oop dunk was unique in that it was a creative way to include a teammate in the dunk. J-Rich added subtle touches to make his dunk even better, kicking his legs for extra emphasis and bringing the ball around in a full circle. Furthermore, Nash’s pass required a great deal of skill and accuracy and Stoudemire had to time his jump perfectly in order to complete the dunk.
The combination of Stoudemire’s athleticism and Nash’s creativity made for a truly unique and memorable dunk. It was the perfect blend of skill, creativity, and showmanship which made it an instant classic. This dunk was so impressive that it inspired many big names such as Kobe Bryant and Vince Carter to follow their example.
JaVale McGee
JaVale McGee’s dunk was one of the most impressive of all time. His dunk at the 2011 Sprite Rising Stars Slam Dunk Contest was a two-basket dunk, in which he dunked at two different rims simultaneously in mid-air. This dunk required a great deal of skill, athleticism, and timing, and it wowed the crowd. The judges were so impressed that they awarded him a perfect score of 50 out of 50.
McGee’s dunk was especially impressive given the fact that the dunk contest was taking place at the free throw line. The dunk required him to jump from the free throw line and dunk at two rims that were set up on two different sides of the court. He also showed off his leaping ability by dunking in mid-air.
McGee’s dunk was a highlight of the contest and will be remembered for years to come. The dunk was an incredible display of athleticism, skill, and creativity. It was also an impressive feat of timing and coordination. McGee’s dunk is an example of what can be achieved when the greatest dunkers in the world come together and compete.
Dee Brown
Dee Brown’s no-look dunk during the 1991 Slam Dunk Contest is one of the most iconic dunks of all time. Brown, who was only 21 at the time, took the dunking world by storm with his creative and daring no-look dunk. Brown’s dunk was an impressive display of athleticism, skill, and creativity. It was also a testament to his confidence and fearlessness, as he was willing to take a risk in front of a large crowd.
To make the dunk even more impressive, Brown chose to close his eyes and cover them with his right arm while dunking with his left. He also added extra difficulty to the dunk by shoving his face into his arm, blocking his view of the rim. The slow-motion replay showed just how complex the dunk was, and it made it even more impressive.
Brown’s no-look dunk was so iconic and memorable that it has been recreated many times in the dunk contest, by athletes such as Vince Carter and Nate Robinson. Even Michael Jordan and Blake Griffin have tried to replicate it in their own dunks. Brown’s dunk also inspired a generation of dunkers, including Demar Derozan and Dominique Wilkins, who have all tried to emulate it in their own way.
Dee Brown’s no-look dunk is a testament to his creativity and skill, and it will forever be remembered as one of the best dunks of all time.
Nate Robinson
Nate Robinson’s 2009 Slam Dunk Contest performance was one of the most impressive in the history of the contest. Robinson, who was just 5’9″, managed to jump over the 6’11” Dwight Howard to complete his final dunk. After 14 attempts to clear Howard, Robinson finally made it, and the crowd went into a frenzy. This was Robinson’s fourth time competing in the dunk contest, and his dedication and persistence paid off as he emerged victorious.
Robinson’s dunk was not only impressive for its difficulty, but also for the sheer athleticism and grace with which he performed it. Robinson was able to get an extraordinary amount of air, and he was able to hang in the air long enough to put on a show for the crowd. His dunk was also a testament to his competitive spirit, as he was determined to complete the dunk, no matter how many attempts it took.
Robinson also included some creative flourishes in his dunk, including a one-handed jam and a half-amazing move. His final attempt was a combination of all these elements, making it an incredibly impressive dunk. Robinson’s performance earned him a Slam Dunk Contest title and set the stage for Dwight Howard’s 2008 victory.
Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard has left an indelible mark on the NBA’s slam dunk contest with his incredible aerial feats. Perhaps no dunk has etched itself in the collective memory of basketball fans quite like Howard’s Superman-inspired leap from just inside the free throw line, with his head at rim level as he completed his dunk, while donning a superhero cape.
While the Superman dunk may not be Howard’s most innovative, it ignited a new wave of excitement and wonder in the hearts of a generation of NBA fans. The sheer audacity and creativity of Howard’s dunks redefined what was possible in the competition, making it seem as though mere mortals could indeed fly. Howard’s feats continue to inspire awe and wonder in those who witnessed them firsthand, cementing his place as a true icon of the game.
Spud Webb
Spud Webb was the shortest NBA Slam Dunk Champion, winning the 1986 contest with an impressive one bounce reverse. At 5’7″, Webb had a combination of reverse dunks, one-handed hammers, and lobs that looked like CGI. His dunk was incredibly impressive, and it showcased his unique leaping ability and creativity.
Webb’s dunk was incredibly creative and difficult. He lobbed the ball from beyond the three-point line, caught it at the peak of the bounce, and threw it down behind his head. He also kicked his legs for extra emphasis, making it an even more impressive dunk. Webb was able to win the contest with his creative and daring dunk, and it set the stage for Vince Carter’s iconic dunk in the 1988 contest.
Webb was also a star of the final round of the contest. He pulled off a one-bounce reverse dunk that wowed the crowd and earned him a perfect score of 50. His dunk was creative, difficult and flashy, and it made him a fan favorite. His dunk was so impressive that it is still remembered as one of the best dunks of all time.
Spud Webb’s dunk was one of the most impressive and memorable dunks in NBA history. His dunk was creative, difficult and flashy, setting the stage for Vince Carter’s iconic dunk in the 1988 contest.
Vince Carter
Vince Carter is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, thanks to his iconic 360 windmill dunk during the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. The dunk is remembered for its revolutionary execution and the half man, half amazing nickname that Carter earned. Carter’s dunk was so impressive that it earned him a perfect score of 50 and the Slam Dunk Contest title.
Carter’s dunk was not flashy or extravagant, but it was incredibly impressive. He bounced the ball through his legs twice before catching it in midair and then throwing it down with one hand. The degree of difficulty of this dunk was incredibly high, and it was made even more impressive by the fact that he was able to complete it in the middle of the final round.
Carter’s dunk was so impressive that it earned him a perfect score of 50 and the Slam Dunk Contest title. His teammates, Steve Francis and Tracy McGrady, were also in awe of his performance and realized that they had no chance of topping Carter. Michael Jordan was also in the building and was thoroughly impressed by Carter’s dunk.
Vince Carter’s dunk was so iconic and memorable that it has been etched in basketball history for over twenty years. It put the Toronto Raptors and Vince Carter on the map, and it set the bar for future dunkers. Carter’s dunk is still remembered as one of the greatest dunks of all time, and it will forever be remembered as a legendary and iconic moment in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
Andre Iguodala
Andre Iguodala’s best dunk of the contest was a unique and impressive move. During the 2005 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Iguodala caught the ball, ducked under the bottom of the backcourt and slammed home a reverse jam. This dunk was done with such calmness and precision that it left the audience impressed and the judges awarding him a 48.5 out of 50. This score was enough for Iguodala to tie for the win, but it was not the final dunk of the night.
Iguodala’s dunk was so impressive that it earned him a perfect score of 50 out of 50 from the judges. He was the only contestant in the contest to receive a perfect score, making it clear that he was one of the best players in the game. His innovative dunk set the bar for future dunkers in the contest and his score was high enough to tie for the win.
Despite not winning the contest, Iguodala’s dunk cemented his legacy as an unsung hero of the dunk contest. He showed the world that you do not need gimmicks or props to be spectacular in the dunk contest. His dunk was innovative and imaginative, making it even more impressive.
Iguodala’s dunk is remembered as one of the greatest dunks of all time and it has been etched in NBA history for over 15 years. His dunk was so impressive that it was remembered even after the dunk contest was over, and it will forever be remembered as a legendary and iconic moment.
Summary
The Slam Dunk Contest has produced some of the most iconic and memorable dunks in NBA history. From Julius Caesar. Erving’s free-throw line dunk, Nate Robinson’s impressive dunking skills, and Andre Iguodala’s innovative dunk, these top 20 dunks highlight some of the best dunkers of all time.
The creativity and athleticism displayed by each participant have set the bar for aspiring dunkers to come, inspiring them to take their talents to the next level. It is no doubt that each one of these players will go down in basketball history as legends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dunk in dunk contest history?
Vince Carter’s 360 windmill dunk from the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest is widely regarded as the best dunk in history. After completing a round of signature dunks, Carter capped it off with an iconic 360 windmill that left everyone in awe.
Has there ever been a perfect dunk contest?
Yes, there has ever been a perfect dunk contest. In the 1988 NBA Dunk Contest, Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins earned perfect scores of 50 on their final dunks in what is widely regarded as the best dunk contest of all time. It was an epic showdown between these two legendary players that will forever be remembered by basketball fans. The contest was a back-and-forth battle between two of the greatest dunkers of all time. Jordan and Wilkins traded dunks.
