The NBA is home to some of the most electrifying athletes the world has ever seen, and nothing gets fans on their feet quite like a thunderous slam dunk.
From gravity-defying acrobatics to pure, uncontainable power, dunking has become a symbol of basketball's raw athleticism and show-stopping entertainment.
Let's break down the 10 best dunkers of all time—players who turned dunking into an art form.
Top 10 dunkers of all time
10. Shawn Kemp
Shawn Kemp would almost certainly have entered the Hall of Fame if it hadn't been for the many injuries that limited him and considerably shortened his career.
The former Seattle SuperSonics player was a dominant big man of his generation and one of the greatest dunkers of all time.
Whenever the SuperSonics were on a fast break, you got the feeling that Kemp could end the play with a sensational dunk.
His power and flair, often punctuated by a pointing finger or a stare-down, made his style truly unforgettable.
9. Darryl Dawkins
Younger readers probably won't remember Darryl Dawkins, who began playing in the NBA in the mid-70s.
Dawkins was a truly extraordinary athlete who spent most of his career playing for the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Nets, later winning an NBA title with the Detroit Pistons.
His slam dunks became iconic, to the point that Dawkins himself named some of his most significant ones. On more than one occasion, he shattered the glass backboard with the force of his slam dunks.
Dawkins earned many nicknames during his career, including Chocolate Thunder, Dr. Dunkenstein, Sir Dunk, and Dr. Slam. He also claimed to be an alien from the planet Lovetron.
The NBA legend passed away at the age of 58 in August 2015.
8. Jason Richardson
Jason Richardson spent the first part of his career with the Golden State Warriors, where he quickly became a fan favorite due to his combination of athleticism and scoring ability.
The American guard also played for the Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers, cementing his place as one of the best dunkers in NBA history.
He won the slam dunk contest twice, in 2002 and 2003.
7. LeBron James
Throughout his career, he has also been among the best dunkers in the NBA, despite never competing in the All-Star Game slam dunk contest.
Even now, at 40, James' career is filled with incredible slam dunks and sensational plays near the rim, a testament to his extraordinary athleticism.
Especially in the early part of his career, when LeBron had not yet developed a highly effective long-range shot, he attacked the rim with impressive consistency, often finishing with aggressive dunks.
6. Dominique Wilkins
Could someone nicknamed "Human Highlight Reel" not be in this ranking? Obviously not.
Gifted with extraordinary athleticism, Dominique Wilkins often competed with Michael Jordan for the title of the best dunker in the world.
During his career, Wilkins won the slam dunk contest at the All-Star Game twice, in 1985 and 1990.
However, many believe that Wilkins should have won the dunk contest in 1988 as well, in which he was defeated by Jordan.
5. Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan, the GOAT of basketball, is also widely regarded as one of the greatest dunkers in NBA history due to his unbelievable combination of athleticism, creativity, and showmanship.
His legendary leaping ability allowed him to soar effortlessly through the air, earning him the nickname "His Airness."
Jordan's dunks were powerful and graceful, often defying gravity with mid-air adjustments and jaw-dropping finishes.
The iconic free-throw line dunk in the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest solidified his place in dunking history, while his in-game slams—including posterizing defenders and clutch dunks in high-pressure moments—further showcased his dominance.
4. Blake Griffin
Standing at 6'9" with incredible athleticism, Blake Griffin turned in-game dunks into highlight-reel moments, often throwing down over multiple defenders.
His combination of strength and agility allowed him to finish lobs with authority, making the "Lob City" era with the Clippers incredibly exciting.
Chris Paul, the Clippers' point guard at the time, threw hundreds of lobs to both Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, turning Clippers games into spectacular shows.
Whether it was jumping over a car in the 2011 Slam Dunk Contest or his unforgettable poster dunks on Timofey Mozgov and Kendrick Perkins, Griffin's ability to attack the rim with force and flair cemented his place among the NBA's best dunkers of all time.
3. Julius Erving
Julius Erving, aka Dr. J, had an extremely long career, primarily with the Philadelphia 76ers, with whom he won the NBA title in 1983.
Even today, Dr. J remains one of the most recognizable players in NBA history, thanks in part to his incredible slam dunks.
The ability to glide through the air made his dunks look effortless, often seeming as if he were floating before throwing down a powerful slam.
Erving's iconic "Rock the Baby" dunk over Michael Cooper and his breathtaking baseline reverse in the NBA Finals are legendary moments that showcased his flair and innovation.
2. Tracy McGrady
Due to his injuries, Tracy McGrady's career was likely less successful than it could have been, but this doesn't diminish the fact that he remains one of the most beloved players among fans.
McGrady was not only one of the best scorers in the NBA but also one of the most spectacular athletes in the history of the game.
His long, smooth strides allowed him to explode to the rim effortlessly, whether he was finishing a fast break, driving past defenders, or rising up for a poster dunk.
T-Mac's one-handed slams and thunderous alley-oops were a staple of his game, making him a constant threat above the rim.
His self-alley-oop off the backboard in the 2002 All-Star Game remains one of the most memorable dunks in NBA history, showcasing his innovation and confidence.
1. Vince Carter
It's always difficult to choose the greatest player for a ranking when the competition is so fierce, but it's hard not to select Vince Carter as the best dunker in NBA history.
The American player, most notably associated with the Toronto Raptors and the New Jersey Nets, had one of the longest NBA careers.
Many of Carter's dunks have left their mark, but the one that, in all likelihood, everyone still remembers today is the one he performed over France's Fredrick Weis during the 2000 Sydney Olympics. That slam dunk significantly boosted Carter's global popularity.
That same year, Vince Carter's performance in the slam dunk contest at the All-Star Game was incredible and is still remembered as one of the most iconic ever.
Take a bow, Vince. The crown is yours.
Orazio Cauchi
Orazio Cauchi started his career in basketball at 21, having worked for several years at Sportando as the lead writer of the website. He also covered several live events, including the Euroleague Final Four, Italian Cups, Serie A league finals, and EuroBasket. He also contributed to American media, such as LibertyBallers and Def Pen Hoops. Cauchi joined BasketNews in 2021 as a Staff Writer. Holds a degree in Politics & International Relations.
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