On a recent episode of the All The Smoke podcast, NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins crafted an extraordinary dream dunk contest, selecting six of the most legendary dunkers in basketball history, including himself. His dream lineup, however, goes beyond just personal favorites—it features players who transformed the art of dunking into a defining element of the NBA.
“Of course, you’ve got to have Mike and Dr. J—automatically, gotta have them. Vince Carter. I’ve got an honorable mention: David Thompson. Oh, and Shawn Kemp, definitely. I mean, he’s different—big, powerful. Sometimes we forget about Shawn, so you know, I’m putting him in that top six.” (1:18:18)
No dunk contest list is complete without Michael Jordan, a two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion. Jordan’s legendary leap from the free-throw line during the 1988 dunk contest remains one of the most iconic moments in NBA history. Known as “His Airness,” Jordan brought grace, power, and creativity to the art of dunking.
His ability to seemingly defy gravity made him the ideal participant for Wilkins’ dream contest. In fact, Jordan and Wilkins shared one of the most memorable dunk contest battles ever in 1988, making Jordan an easy choice.
Before Jordan, there was Dr. J. Julius Erving revolutionized the dunk and was the first to perform many of the high-flying moves that became staples of modern basketball. His signature move—leaping from the free-throw line for a dunk—set the stage for future generations of players, including Jordan.
Erving’s combination of elegance, creativity, and sheer athleticism made him one of the most electrifying players of his era. Wilkins himself has often credited Dr. J as one of his early inspirations, and Erving’s inclusion in this dream contest is a tribute to the man who helped turn dunking into an art form.
Known as “Half-Man, Half-Amazing,” Vince Carter took dunking to new heights in the early 2000s. His performance in the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest is widely considered the greatest of all time, featuring unforgettable moments like the 360 windmill dunk and the “elbow dunk,” where Carter hung from the rim with his arm inside the basket.
Carter’s creativity and explosiveness made him a no-brainer for Wilkins’ dream lineup. His ability to pull off dunks that seemed impossible cemented his legacy as one of the best dunkers in basketball history.
An honorable mention on Wilkins’ list, David Thompson was a pioneer of the high-flying style of play. Known as “Skywalker,” Thompson brought an unprecedented level of verticality to the game.
Though Thompson’s prime years came before the introduction of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, his influence was undeniable. Many, including Michael Jordan, have cited Thompson as a major inspiration for their playing style. Wilkins included Thompson to recognize his role in shaping the future of aerial artistry in basketball.
Often overshadowed by other legends, Shawn Kemp was one of the most powerful dunkers of his generation. Known for his ferocious slams and ability to posterize defenders, Kemp was a force to be reckoned with in the 1990s.
His in-game dunks were nothing short of jaw-dropping, and his explosiveness was unmatched for someone of his size. Wilkins acknowledged that Kemp’s contributions to the dunking world are sometimes forgotten, but his athleticism and raw power earned him a spot in this all-time dunk contest lineup.
Naturally, Wilkins includes himself in his dream dunk contest. Known as the “Human Highlight Film,” Wilkins’ dunks were a combination of power, creativity, and finesse. His battles with Jordan in the 1985 and 1988 dunk contests are etched in NBA history.
Wilkins had an array of incredible dunks, often bringing the crowd to its feet with his windmill slams and rim-rattling power dunks. His own dominance in dunk contests makes him a fitting participant in his dream lineup.
This dream dunk contest assembled by Dominique Wilkins is the ultimate meeting of power, style, and creativity. It features players who each brought their own unique flair to dunking, whether it was Jordan’s gravity-defying leaps, Dr. J’s finesse, or Vince Carter’s revolutionary creativity. Each of these players left an indelible mark on the sport, contributing to the evolution of dunking in their own era.
If this contest were to ever take place, it would be one for the ages, combining generations of NBA greats in a spectacular display of athleticism and showmanship. Wilkins’ dream contest isn’t just a celebration of the best dunkers, but a testament to how dunking has evolved over the decades, leaving fans in awe of what’s possible on the basketball court.
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