For the reason that inception of the NBA’s Slam Dunk Contest, followers have usually been handled to an unbelievable present. Among the finest athletes and NBA stars have thrown down within the competitors with inventive, electrifying dunks. With the most recent iteration of the occasion going down in Charlotte in slightly below two weeks, it received us considering to the most effective ever throwdowns in Slam Dunk Contest historical past. Listed below are our decisions for the the highest 10 finest dunks in that contest.
1.Vince Carter – Toronto Raptors – 2000
After I consider the most effective dunk contest dunk ever, there’s no query that is the most effective that’s ever been completed. In his first dunk of the evening, Carter managed to fluidly throw down a reverse 360 windmill, making it look so easy and ideal. Carter knew he did one thing particular instantly after throwing down. His dunk repopularized the competition. On each degree it was ridiculous, and it set the tone for future contests for years to come back. No one did it higher.
2. Aaron Gordon – Orlando Magic – 2016
LaVine might need gained the competition in 2016 in one of many best head-to-head battles ever, however Aaron Gordon’s mascot-assisted dunk nonetheless is the most effective single slam from the occasion. This dunk had the whole lot: It was fashionable, featured an help from the group’s mascot, and blew everybody’s minds within the constructing. Gordon actually jumped over Orlando’s mascot, whereas one way or the other transferring the ball between his legs and throwing it down. It doesn’t make sense. You possibly can’t even pull this transfer off in a online game.
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3. Zach LaVine – Minnesota Timberwolves – 2016
Solely an uber-athletic high-flier like LaVine would even try this dunk, not to mention throw down one thing nearly as good as this. One way or the other, LaVine took Erving’s (and later MJ’s) dunk and added a wrinkle making it one of many hardest and excessive levels of problem makes an attempt ever. LaVine took off from one step contained in the free throw line, put the ball between his legs and threw down a Statue of Liberty slam. He made it look extremely straightforward.
4. Michael Jordan – Chicago Bulls – 1987
Michael Jordan had a slew of memorable dunks throughout his time within the dunk contest, however none have been extra good than his 1987 ‘kiss the rim’ dunk. All the things about this dunk was good. Jordan’s type, how excessive he received up, the double-clutch earlier than the slam and the dunk itself have been simply nailed. It’s not the fanciest dunk, however having the GOAT throw down a 50 makes it one of many best.
5. Vince Carter – Toronto Raptors – 2000
Vince Carter is the only finest dunk contest participant within the occasion’s historical past. Again in 2000, Carter created one of many most-remembered slams, throwing a between-the-legs dunk off of a excessive bounce move from teammate Tracy McGrady. The dunk is ‘Vinsanity’ personified.
Smith’s name, the gang’s response, Carter pointing to the sky and declaring “it’s over” are about as boss because it will get.
6. Spud Webb – Atlanta Hawks – 1986
Spud Webb collaborating within the dunk contest was spectacular sufficient. However, the 5’7″ Atlanta Hawks guard wowed the gang throughout the 1986 contest, defeating teammate Dominique Wilkins with a collection of unimaginable throwdowns. Webb’s final dunk was his finest, as he lobbed the ball up within the air, caught it on the bounce and threw down a reverse dunk to win the competition. Even Michael Jordan couldn’t consider what he simply noticed.
7. Dee Brown – Boston Celtics – 1991
Dee Brown won’t be a family title, however his no-look slam dunk from the 1991 contest deserves all of the reward it will possibly get. Checking in a 6’1″, 160 kilos, Brown threw down a dunk along with his arm overlaying his face. Not with the ability to see the rim was dangerous and considerably harmful. The very fact Brown pulled it off at his top makes it an all-time nice slam.
“Pull the plug, lets go house.”
8. Gerald Inexperienced – New Jersey Nets – 2008
By way of pure creativity, the high-flying Inexperienced takes the cake, or higher put, the cupcake.
Again in 2008, Inexperienced tried one thing completely new, blowing out a candle on a cupcake whereas throwing down a two-handed slam. On first look, the dunk didn’t appear all that spectacular, however on nearer look, Inexperienced really managed to blow out a candle whereas dunking on the identical time. Getting up that prime and managing to blow and dunk on the identical time shocked all people upon seeing the replay.
Kenny Smith and the TNT crew have been confused.
9. Julius Erving – New York Nets – 1976
Earlier than the ABA-NBA merger, Dr. J. put the dunk contest on the map within the first ever competitors in 1976. Going through off towards Nuggets guard David Thompson, Erving pulled off a miraculous dunk, operating from one finish of the court docket and slamming it down from the free throw line.
Erving’s slam was so influential it led to extra high-degree problem free throw dunks. With out Erving stealing the present greater than 40 years in the past, the dunk contest wouldn’t be almost as large of a deal because it at the moment is. He began the whole lot.
10. Dwight Howard – Orlando Magic – 2008
Within the late 2000s, props have been getting increasingly standard amongst dunk contest contributors. Orlando Magic middle Dwight Howard stored issues comparatively easy. Sporting a Superman cape, Howard obtained a excessive move from Jameer Nelson standing behind the online. Howard magnificently jumped from simply contained in the free throw line and threw down a formidable slam, a lot to the bewilderment of Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson.
Howard’s dunk is iconic. The one cause it doesn’t rank greater on this checklist is that it technically wasn’t a dunk. He threw the ball and by no means touched the rim. Nonetheless, it was an unbelievable show of sheer athleticism.
