Dunks are one of the most exciting moves in basketball which involves a player leaping into the air and slamming the ball through the hoop. Greats of the game have time and again wowed fans with their gravity-defying slam dunks and aerial acrobatics in sheers displays of athleticism.
From the iconic flights of Michael Jordan to the rim-rattling power of Shaquille O’Neal, the NBA has seen some of the most iconic dunks over the years. Here are the top 10 greatest dunkers in the history of the league.
#10. Shaquille O’Neal
During his time in the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal was known for his powerful dunks and he allegedly broke 19 rims throughout his career. While Shaq primarily played as a center, his mentality on the court was one of aggression and dominance, aiming to overpower opponents in the paint.
Shaq’s dunking style saw him make thunderous slams, utilizing strength and size to throw down powerful jams. Throughout his career, Shaq had an impressive field goal percentage of 58.2%, largely due to his ability to score efficiently in the paint.
Standing at 7 feet 1 inch, he often used his body to create space near the rim and finish with authority. One of Shaq’s most iconic dunks was during his rookie season when he shattered the backboard with a ferocious slam. Teaming up with Kobe Bryant in the early 2000s, Shaq was part of numerous spectacular alley-oops. One particularly memorable one was in the 2000 NBA Finals, that fans fondly remember even today.
Shaq himself has a high opinion of his dunking skills and was visibly upset when left out of the top 10 greatest dunkers of all time by a fan handle. Well, the 7-footer big man surely makes our list for his memorable board breakers!
#9. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant, often referred to as the “Black Mamba,” was a legendary shooting guard in the NBA. Known for his scoring prowess, work ethic, and competitiveness, Kobe’s dunking ability was a key component of his overall game.
Kobe’s dunking style was a perfect blend of finesse and power. Despite being 6 feet 6 inches tall, he possessed incredible leaping ability and body control. His dunks often featured acrobatic moves, showcasing his versatility as a scorer.
Bryant’s exceptional dunking abilities were on display in his very first season in the NBA as he won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1997 as a rookie, scoring 49 points in the first round and 46 points in the second round, beating out Michael Finley and Chris Carr in the final round.
Throughout his career, Kobe Bryant maintained a solid field goal percentage of 44.7%, considering the volume and difficulty of shots he took. Back in 2004, among his many iconic dunks, Kobe posterized Dwight Howard with a powerful one-handed slam during a game against the Orlando Magic.
In the 2000 NBA Finals, Kobe and Shaq connected on a memorable alley-oop, which remains one of the most iconic moments of the Lakers duo. In a 2003 game against the Denver Nuggets, Kobe executed a behind-the-back dunk stunning fans with his absolute dunking supremacy. Kobe’s dunks were often the exclamation points in games, making his one of the greatest dunkers in NBA history.
#8. Shawn Kemp
Shawn Kemp’s spectacular dunk over Alton Lister during a 1992 playoff game between the Seattle SuperSonics and the Golden State Warriors established his legacy in basketball lore. Kemp, noted for his aerial expertise, reveled in posterizing opponents, showcasing his vicious dunks and fearless contact-seeking attitude. His thunderous smashes and above-the-rim flare propelled him to the top of the list of NBA power dunkers.
Known as the “Reign Man,” Kemp was a power forward and center in the NBA who became famous for his powerful dunks, and dominant presence in the paint. His playing style, marked by agility and strength, made him one of the most electrifying dunkers in the league during the 1990s.
Kemp’s dunking style was defined by his remarkable combination of power and finesse. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches, he possessed a rare athleticism that allowed him to execute thunderous dunks with ease. His dunks often featured rim-rattling slams, powerful put-backs, and acrobatic finishes that showcased his versatility as a dunker.
During his career, Kemp and Gary Payton formed one of the most dynamic duos in NBA history. Their connection on alley-oop plays was a frequent highlight, where Kemp used to finish with authority at the rim.
Kemp’s signature tomahawk dunks were a sight to behold. Whether on fast breaks or in half-court sets, he would elevate and throw down powerful one-handed tomahawks that thrilled fans and intimidated opponents.
#7. Darryl Dawkins
Darryl Dawkins, known as “Chocolate Thunder,” epitomized basketball showmanship, assigning unique names to his dunks long before the era of larger-than-life personalities in the game. His historic 1979 basket-shattering moment birthed the elaborate “The If-You-Ain’t-Groovin’, Best-Get-Movin’, Chocolate-Thunder-Flyin’…” dunk.
Standing at 6 feet 11 inches, Dawkins was known for shattering backboards with his forceful dunks. His powerful two-handed slams and rim-rattling finishes became his trademark, showcasing his ability to impose his will around the basket.
Dawkins famously shattered two backboards in a span of three weeks during the 1979 season. These incidents, marked by the broken glass and the force of his dunks, led to changes in NBA regulations regarding the sturdiness of backboards.
Darryl Dawkins had a knack for dunking with authority, often finishing in the face of defenders. His willingness to challenge shot blockers and deliver powerful dunks in traffic made him a feared presence in the paint. With career averages of 12.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.4 BPG, and an impressive 57.2% FG%, Dawkins’ dunks went beyond the ordinary.
#6. Blake Griffin
Blake Griffin is ranked lower than two renowned dunking icons from prior decades, yet he remains one of the greatest dunkers of all-time in NBA history. Griffin was a power forward known for his versatility, athleticism, and scoring ability.
Blake Griffin is widely recognized for his explosive and high-flying dunking style. His ability to finish with authority at the rim, often over defenders, made him a staple in highlight reels. Throughout his career, Griffin’s dunks were marked by a combination of power, agility, and creativity.
While Griffin’s dunk on Timofey Mozgov is a classic, his yam on Kendrick Perkins is a hidden gem. Griffin’s “near dunks,” which exceeded mere dunks, demonstrated his constant determination to elevate each slam, which was rivalled only by Kemp in his era.
Throughout his career, Griffin has maintained solid field goal percentages of 48.5%, reflecting his efficiency as a scorer. His scoring arsenal includes not only dunks but also mid-range jumpers and drives to the basket. Griffin’s dunk over the hood of a car in the 2011 NBA Slam Dunk Contest is one of the most memorable moments in dunk contest history.
#5. Dominique Wilkins
Dominique Wilkins is a formidable contender for the top place, with good justifications for his case. Some dissidents favored Wilkins over Michael Jordan in dunking skills in the 1980s, imagining an alternate scenario in which Wilkins won the 1988 Slam Dunk contest.
Often referred to as the “Human Highlight Film,” Wilkins was a high-flying forward known for his scoring ability, athleticism, and electrifying dunks.
Wilkins’ dunking style was a perfect blend of power and grace. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, he had an incredible leaping ability and the strength to finish with authority. His dunks often featured windmills, tomahawks, and powerful two-handed slams that showcased his versatility as a dunker.
In the 1985 Slam Dunk Contest, Wilkins wowed the crowd with a spectacular two-handed windmill dunk. Wilkins had a knack for executing baseline reverse slams with flair. His ability to soar along the baseline and finish with a reverse dunk became one of his signature moves, consistently thrilling fans.
#4. Julius Erving
Julius Erving is regarded as the most influential dunker in history, having revolutionized the game’s aerial dynamics. Dr. J, as he was known, pushed dunking to the forefront, changing basketball with an unrivalled above-the-rim style. Erving’s dynamic play and flare defied expectations, much like Wilt Chamberlain and Stephen Curry did in their respective periods.
Dr. J’s dunking style was characterized by his ability to defy gravity and execute dunks that seemed impossible at the time. He brought a level of artistry to his dunks, often incorporating spins, mid-air adjustments, and creative finishes that set him apart from his peers.
In the 1976 ABA Finals against the Denver Nuggets, Dr. J executed a memorable baseline move, taking off from the right side of the basket, soaring under the backboard, and finishing on the left side with a reverse layup. While not a dunk in the traditional sense, it remains one of the fan favorite moments from Erving’s career.
Later in a 1983 regular-season game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Dr. J drove past Michael Cooper, cradled the ball like a baby, and threw down a powerful dunk. This play became one of the most iconic moments of his career and added to his legacy as a showman.
Like Michael Jordan later on, Dr. J was known for his free-throw line dunks. His takeoff from the free-throw line was a testament to his athleticism and became a signature move that inspired future generations of players. Dr. J’s aerial displays brought an element of style and entertainment to the game, making him one of the most beloved players in basketball history.
#3. LeBron James
LeBron James, who is at times excluded from dunking discussions owing to his absence from dunk contests, is among the greatest. His smooth jumps and devastating slams are frequently overlooked. While he’s renowned for his all-around game, his dunking ability has been a major highlight throughout his career.
One of the greatest small forwards in NBA history, LeBron’s dunking style is a reflection of his unique combination of speed, power, and finesse. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches and weighing over 250 pounds, his dunks often involve powerful finishes at the rim, fast breaks, and authoritative slams that showcase his athleticism.
LeBron’s tomahawk dunks, where he cocks the ball back before slamming it home, have become a signature move. Whether in transition or half-court sets, these dunks showcase his power and style.
From his early career to his Lakers stay, he has delivered stunning dunks every year, demonstrating his unique ability to electrify the court. LeBron’s dunks reflect his supremacy on the court, an exquisite blend of athleticism and talent that’s etched a lasting impression in NBA history.
#2. Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, revolutionized the game with his scoring ability, competitiveness, and flair. His dunking prowess was a defining aspect of his legendary career.
Jordan’s dunking expertise, seen in ‘The Last Dance,’ is one of his outstanding attributes. Jordan’s mid-air artistry was exceptional, while not being at the top of power like Carter or Wilkins. His double gripping, time-stopping dunks demonstrated unrivalled ball control and skill, making him stand out in his period.
Jordan’s dunking style was a combination of elegance and power. His hang-time in the air, mid-air adjustments, and acrobatic finishes made his dunks a spectacle. Whether driving to the basket or taking off from the free-throw line, Jordan’s dunks were marked by an unmatched grace.
In the 1988 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Jordan took off from the free-throw line and delivered a dunk that became an iconic moment in sports history. Among his more memorable dunks, during the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals, Jordan soared over Patrick Ewing, one of the league’s premier shot-blockers, for a thunderous slam that wowed fans.
Jordan’s dunks were fan favorites because they went beyond mere athleticism—they were statements of dominance and often came in clutch plays. Fans marveled at his ability to rise above defenders and deliver highlight-reel dunks in crucial moments, which also makes him one of the most clutch players of all-time.
#1. Vince Carter
Vince Carter, often referred to as “Half Man, Half Amazing,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest dunkers in NBA history. His athleticism, creativity, and flair for the dramatic made him a fan favorite throughout his illustrious career.
Carter’s dunking legacy was unparalleled, with a vast web archive showcasing his airborne expertise. Documentaries and mixtapes follow his dunking journey from college to the Olympics. Carter’s dunks were diverse, including facials on centres, fastbreak 360s, and thunderous windmills, all of which contributed to rekindling NBA excitement post-Jordan.
Carter’s dunking style was defined by a perfect blend of power and finesse. His ability to execute dunks with authority and creativity set him apart. Carter often incorporated spins, windmills, and 360-degree turns into his dunks, making each one a work of art.
In the 2000 Summer Olympics, Vince Carter delivered one of the most iconic dunks in basketball history. He leaped over 7-foot-2 French center Frederic Weis for a thunderous slam, forever known as the “Dunk of Death.”
During his time with the New Jersey Nets, Carter had a memorable alley-oop dunk from Jason Kidd in a game against the Miami Heat. The chemistry between Carter and Kidd produced numerous highlight-reel plays, with this dunk being a standout moment.
Carter put on a dazzling display in the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. His series of jaw-dropping dunks, including the famous elbow dunk, earned him a perfect score and solidified his reputation as one of the greatest dunkers ever. Throughout his 22-season tenure in the league, one of the longest careers in NBA history, Vince Carter’s dunking reputation and influence on basketball culture outweighed his statistical excellence cementing his place among the all-time greats.
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