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Best Dunkers of All Time: High-Flyers Who Redefined the Rim
Dunking is one of the most electrifying and powerful displays of athleticism in basketball, and throughout NBA history, certain players have taken it to new heights. These dunkers not only showcased incredible leaping ability and creativity but also became legendary for their ability to “posterize” defenders, leaving them immortalized in unforgettable highlight reels.
This list celebrates the 10 best dunkers of all time, highlighting the players who turned dunking into an art form and consistently left fans and opponents in awe.
Table of Contents
#10: Dwight Howard (2004 – Present)
Position: Center
Height/Weight: 6’10”, 265 lbs
Teams: Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards
Dwight Howard, known for his incredible athleticism and power, was one of the most dominant dunkers in the NBA during his prime. His dunks often combined brute strength with impressive leaping ability, making him a constant threat around the rim.
One of Howard’s most memorable dunks occurred during the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, where he donned a Superman cape and soared to the rim, throwing down a powerful one-handed slam from just inside the free-throw line. This iconic dunk not only won him the contest but also solidified his reputation as one of the best dunkers in NBA history.
Accolades:
- 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion
- 8× NBA All-Star
#9: Anthony Edwards (2020 – Present)
Position: Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 225 lbs
Teams: Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards has quickly become known for his explosive dunking ability and fearless approach to attacking the rim. His rookie season was filled with highlight-reel moments, but none more memorable than his dunk over Yuta Watanabe of the Toronto Raptors in 2021.
Edwards’ power and athleticism make him a must-watch player, and his posterizing dunks have already cemented his status as one of the most exciting dunkers in the league.
Accolades:
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (2021)
#8: Kobe Bryant (1996 – 2016)
Position: Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 212 lbs
Teams: Los Angeles Lakers
Kobe Bryant’s legacy as a dunker began early in his career when he won the 1997 NBA Slam Dunk Contest as a rookie, showcasing his athleticism and creativity. Throughout his career, Kobe delivered countless memorable dunks, but one of his most iconic came in 2004 when he soared over Dwight Howard, then a rookie with the Orlando Magic.
In a stunning display of athleticism and power, Kobe drove baseline, elevated, and threw down a ferocious one-handed dunk directly over the 7-foot Howard, leaving the crowd and commentators in awe. This dunk was a testament to Kobe’s fearless mentality and his ability to deliver in spectacular fashion.
Accolades:
- 1997 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion
- 5× NBA Champion
#7: Julius “Dr. J” Erving (1971 – 1987)
Position: Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’7″, 210 lbs
Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, New York Nets (ABA)
Julius “Dr. J” Erving is probably the most influential dunker in NBA history, inspiring countless players, including Michael Jordan, and helping to revolutionize the game with his aerial artistry. His most iconic dunk came during the 1983 NBA Finals when he executed the legendary “Baseline Scoop.”
In this play, Dr. J drove baseline against the Los Angeles Lakers, leaped from behind the backboard, and seemingly floated in the air before reaching out and scooping the ball into the basket with one hand. This dunk epitomized Erving’s incredible athleticism and creativity, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the game.
Accolades:
- 11× NBA All-Star
- 1981 NBA MVP
- 2× ABA Slam Dunk Champion
#6: Blake Griffin (2009 – 2023)
Position: Power Forward
Height/Weight: 6’9″, 250 lbs
Teams: Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics
Blake Griffin quickly established himself as one of the most electrifying dunkers in NBA history during his time with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he was a key figure in the “Lob City” era. Defined by high-flying dunks and fast-paced basketball, this era saw Griffin catching spectacular alley-oops from Chris Paul and celebrating with his “lob brother,” DeAndre Jordan.
Known for his incredible leaping ability and power, Griffin consistently delivered jaw-dropping dunks that became nightly highlights. One of his most memorable dunks came in 2011 when he dunked over the New York Knicks’ 7-foot center Timofey Mozgov. Griffin caught a lob pass, elevated, and threw down a thunderous slam over Mozgov, cementing his reputation as one of the most explosive dunkers in the league.
Accolades:
- 6× NBA All-Star
- 2011 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion
#5: Tracy McGrady (1997 – 2013)
Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’8″, 210 lbs
Teams: Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks
Tracy McGrady, known for his smooth style and explosive scoring ability, was also an underrated dunker. His combination of height, wingspan, and leaping ability allowed him to deliver some of the most impressive in-game dunks of his era.
One of McGrady’s most memorable moments came during his time with the Orlando Magic when he dunked over 7’6″ Shawn Bradley in 2005, showcasing his incredible athleticism and fearlessness.
Accolades:
- 7× NBA All-Star
- 2× NBA Scoring Champion
#4: Shawn Kemp (1989 – 2003)
Position: Power Forward
Height/Weight: 6’10”, 230 lbs
Teams: Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trail Blazers, Orlando Magic
Shawn Kemp, known as the “Reign Man,” was one of the most ferocious dunkers in NBA history. His combination of power and athleticism made him a nightmare for defenders. Kemp was also famous for catching thunderous alley-oops from his Seattle SuperSonics teammate Gary Payton, forming one of the most dynamic duos of the 1990s.
One of Kemp’s most iconic moments came during the 1992 NBA Playoffs when he threw down a vicious dunk over Alton Lister of the Golden State Warriors. After the dunk, Kemp famously pointed at Lister as he lay on the ground, a gesture that became one of the most memorable images in NBA history.
Accolades:
- 6× NBA All-Star
- 3× All-NBA Second Team
#3: Dominique Wilkins (1982 – 1999)
Position: Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’8″, 230 lbs
Teams: Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic
Dominique Wilkins, known as “The Human Highlight Film,” was one of the most powerful and acrobatic dunkers the NBA has ever seen. His most iconic dunk occurred during the 1985 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, where he executed a thunderous windmill dunk. The sheer force of Wilkins’ dunk made the rim rattle and the crowd roar—an unmistakable sound that became synonymous with his name.
Wilkins was also known for his fierce battles with Michael Jordan in the Slam Dunk Contests, where he won two titles (1985, 1990). His windmill dunk off of two feet, executed with unmatched power and precision, remains one of the most iconic moments in dunk contest history, epitomizing his dominance and strength as a dunker.
Accolades:
- 9× NBA All-Star
- 2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion
#2: Michael Jordan (1984 – 1993, 1995 – 1998, 2001 – 2003)
Position: Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 216 lbs
Teams: Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards
Michael Jordan is one of the most iconic dunkers in NBA history, celebrated for his ability to soar through the air. His most famous dunk came during the 1988 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, where he executed the legendary “Free-Throw Line Dunk,” earning him the contest victory. This dunk became an enduring symbol of his aerial dominance.
Jordan’s soaring dunks were also immortalized in his “Come Fly With Me” commercials, further cementing his global icon status. Beyond contests, Jordan’s countless in-game dunks showcased his grace and power.
His ability to elevate and finish with authority made him a constant highlight, earning him the nicknames “Air Jordan” and “His Airness.” Jordan’s dunks became a symbol of his dominance, creativity, and unmatched athleticism, solidifying his place as one of the greatest dunkers in basketball history.
Accolades:
- 14× NBA All-Star
- 2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion
- 6× NBA Champion
#1: Vince Carter (1998 – 2020)
Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 220 lbs
Teams: Toronto Raptors, New Jersey Nets, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks
Vince Carter, often referred to as “Half-Man, Half-Amazing,” is widely considered the greatest dunker in NBA history. His jaw-dropping athleticism and creativity were on full display during the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, where he won in what many consider the greatest dunk contest ever.
Carter’s performance not only revitalized the dunk contest after a few years off but also set a new standard for creativity and execution.
One of Carter’s most iconic moments came during the 2000 Sydney Olympics when he soared over 7’2″ French center Frédéric Weis, delivering a dunk that is still talked about as one of the greatest in basketball history. Carter’s unparalleled in-game dunks, combined with his contest performances, showcased a level of athleticism and creativity that may never be seen again.
Accolades:
- 8× NBA All-Star
- 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion
