The Slam Dunk has to be the play that gets crowds moving the most. After all, the NBA has the best athletes in the world and we have witnessed some of the greatest dunkers ever in Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, and Dominique Wilkins, among others. Even last year’s winner Mac McClung is a fantastic dunker even if he is not currently signed by an NBA team. That begs the question: who are the best dunkers in the NBA this season?
Whether it is high-flying jams, vicious posters, or simply beautiful finishes above the rim, we have ranked the 10 best dunkers in the NBA in 2023-24 and there will be very steep competition. However, the number one dunker in the league will be named because he is constantly making highlight reels.
Honorable Mentions
Obi Toppin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdhXwfUGjjE
As an honorable mention on our list of the best dunkers in the NBA for the 2023-24 season, Obi Toppin has showcased an impressive aerial display that demands recognition. The Indiana Pacers forward has exhibited a remarkable combination of power and finesse in his dunks, often leaving fans in awe.
Toppin’s athleticism and explosiveness are evident as he attacks the rim with authority, frequently finishing plays with thunderous slams. His ability to seamlessly blend creativity with precision sets Toppin apart, incorporating acrobatic maneuvers into his dunks that captivate audiences. We hope to see some of his moves in the upcoming Dunk Contest.
Jonathan Kuminga
Jonathan Kuminga, as a very honorable mention, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with above the rim. The Golden State Warriors’ young forward brings a unique blend of athleticism, versatility, and explosiveness to the court, making him a standout dunker. So far this season, the forward shows why he has been somewhat untouchable by the Warriors franchise as he is averaging career-highs on the stat sheet (12.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 21.7 MPG).
As he continues to develop his skills, Jonathan Kuminga’s dunking prowess adds an exciting dimension to the Warriors’ game and positions him as a rising star in the league. Keep an eye on Kuminga as he looks to leave a lasting impact with his high-flying performances throughout the season.
10. Derrick Jones Jr.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBPwZ6zNbSc
Securing the 10th spot on our roster of the best dunkers in the NBA for the 2023-24 season is the high-flying forward Derrick Jones Jr. Known for his gravity-defying dunks and highlight-reel finishes, Jones brings a combination of athleticism and creativity to the court. A member of the Dallas Mavericks with 29 games played, Jones Jr. already has a few nasty dunks to his name this season along with the impressive 2020 Slam Dunk Contest title.
Whether it’s elevating for powerful putback slams, executing acrobatic alley-oops, or dazzling with his dunk contest-worthy moves, Jones adds an exciting dimension to any game. While he may not be in the spotlight as much as some other players, Derrick Jones Jr.’s ability to energize the crowd and leave defenders in his wake with his electrifying dunks makes him a valuable player to watch for dunk enthusiasts.
9. Giannis Antetokounmpo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-36d5nhA5aw
Finding himself at the 9th position on our list of the best dunkers in the NBA for the 2023-24 season is none other than former two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Known for his unparalleled combination of size and skill, Giannis continues to dominate the paint with thunderous dunks. Despite his lower position on this list, Giannis’s dunks remain a spectacle of power and athleticism. His ability to cover ground swiftly, navigate through defenses, and finish at the rim with authority makes him a constant threat in the paint.
More than just a two-way superstar (30.8 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 5.5 APG), Giannis is a ferocious dunker and he always finds a way to embarrass defenders when he attacks the rim. While The Greek Freak makes dunking look too easy because of his elite athleticism and size, his posters are downright nasty, and not a single defender will be able to stop it from happening.
8. Jalen Green
At the 8th spot on our countdown of the best dunkers in the NBA is the electrifying Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green. Bursting onto the scene with explosive athleticism and an innate ability to defy gravity, Green’s dunks are a spectacle of finesse and flair. Whether slashing through the lane or taking flight in transition, Green’s creativity and hang time set him apart.
His dunking repertoire includes a mix of windmill dunks, tomahawks, and reverse slams, showcasing a level of confidence and showmanship uncommon for a player of his age (21). As Jalen Green continues to make a name for himself in the league, his highlight-reel dunks are sure to be a major talking point, solidifying his status as one of the most exciting young dunkers to watch this season.
7. KJ Martin
Even if he is hardly playing this season with only 5.5 minutes per game on average, KJ Martin’s dunks are a testament to his athleticism and fearlessness. Whether finishing lobs with authority, elevating for putback slams, or soaring in transition, Martin’s dunks command attention on the court. His remarkable hang time and ability to navigate through traffic make him a constant threat above the rim.
The 22-year-old forward has the skills to be a modern swingman in terms of floor-spacing, athleticism, and defensive impact. At 6’6” and 215 lbs, Martin finds a way to use his build to make some of his jams look absolutely beautiful. Hopefully, Martin can find some more NBA minutes and start showing us more of his arsenal in terms of in-game jams.
6. Aaron Gordon
As we approach the top five, we have to pay homage to none other than the high-flying forward, Aaron Gordon. Renowned for his slam dunk contest exploits and consistent aerial artistry, Gordon’s dunks are a masterclass in creativity and power. Whether it’s executing windmill dunks, alley-oop finishes, or showcasing his impressive dunking repertoire in traffic, Gordon’s athleticism and versatility make him a perennial dunking threat.
As a seasoned veteran who now focuses on his defensive skills for the 2023 champion Denver Nuggets, he brings a mix of experience and showmanship to every dunk, often leaving spectators in awe. Even when he is focused on the game, Gordon is always ready to create a poster and literally bring every fan in the stadium off his seat.
5. Zion Williamson
We are praying and hoping that Zion Williamson stays healthy and focused on dominating the court. Whether it is injuries, weight gain, or off-court issues, there is always something distracting the superstar forward from the game. However, when he does play, his dunks are simply ferocious. A force of nature in the paint, Williamson’s dunks are characterized by a rare combination of strength, agility, and explosive athleticism.
Whether bulldozing through defenders for thunderous jams or showcasing finesse with rim-rocking finishes, Zion’s dunks are a spectacle to behold. His ability to soar above opponents and convert through contact makes him a constant threat around the basket. As one of the league’s young stars, Williamson’s dunking prowess continues to captivate fans because he is must-see-TV.
4. Anthony Edwards
Landing at an impressive 4th position on our list of the best dunkers in the NBA for the 2023-24 season is the Minnesota Timberwolves’ dynamic guard, Anthony Edwards. Edwards, known for his explosive athleticism and fearless attacking style, showcases an array of electrifying dunks that keep fans on the edge of their seats. Whether it’s a thunderous putback slam, a stylish windmill in transition, or a rim-rattling dunk in traffic, Edwards’ versatility in finishing above the rim is a testament to his remarkable skills.
As one of the league’s rising stars who is having a career year averaging 25.2 points per game, Edwards’ aerial displays not only contribute to the Timberwolves’ offensive firepower but also solidify his status as one of the most exciting dunkers to watch. It won’t be long before Edwards becomes a top-10 player in the world because he is certainly getting close. Luckily for us, we will witness some electrifying jams in the process.
3. Zach LaVine
The Chicago Bulls’ high-flying maestro, Zach LaVine, has to be considered a top-three dunker in the NBA right now. Revered for his aerial acrobatics and consistent ability to elevate the game’s intensity, LaVine’s dunks are a blend of grace, power, and showmanship. From gravity-defying windmills to highlight-reel alley-oops, LaVine’s versatility above the rim is a spectacle that never fails to captivate fans.
The two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion might never compete in another competition again, which is a shame, but we still get to witness what LaVine does when he attacks the rim. In a season filled with inconsistencies and trade rumors, LaVine still finds a way to make the unreal possible when it comes to flying in the air and slamming home a thunderous dunk.
2. Shaedon Sharpe
Shaedon Sharpe is a ferocious dunker and that has effectively put him on the map for the Portland Trail Blazers. Sharpe is only in his second NBA season but has blossomed into an excellent option for the franchise to rebuild around as he is posting 16.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. However, Sharpe’s name is becoming regarded because of his fantastic athleticism.
Sharpe is 6’6” and 200 lbs, so he has the perfect build to sky for dunks and make it look effortless at times. It might not be long before Sharpe looks to compete and win a Slam Dunk Contest because he is getting more confident at attacking the rim and finishing over helpless defenders. Remember the name, because Shaedon Sharpe is currently one of the best dunkers in the world right now.
1. Ja Morant
The NBA’s notorious point guard, Ja Morant, is the NBA’s best dunker. While some might prefer Zach LaVine’s graciousness or Shaedon Sharpe’s vertical, nobody can make a dunk look as pretty as Morant can right now. The point guard is only 6’2” but like a young Russell Westbrook, he can fly in the air and his dunks look beyond beautiful.
Whether on a fast break, in traffic, or catching a lob, Morant’s way of contorting his body and finishing dunks is a thing of beauty. The former No. 2 overall pick is a bonafide superstar when he plays, in terms of eye-catching playing style and impact, and we all are hoping that he stays focused on basketball because we could be looking at a first-ballot Hall of Famer someday.
