Throughout the history of the National Basketball Association, there have been electrifying athletes who possess an exceptional ability to defy gravity and awe-inspire fans with their rim-rattling dunks. These high-flying individuals possess a unique combination of athleticism, creativity, and sheer power that allows them to soar above their opponents, leaving spectators in awe.
In this article, we delve into the world of slam dunks, seeking to identify and celebrate the greatest dunkers the NBA has ever witnessed. However, instead of ranking them solely based on personal preference or subjective opinions, we categorize these legendary dunkers into tiers, allowing for a more comprehensive and nuanced assessment of their dunking prowess.
Each tier represents a distinct level of dominance and impact in the realm of dunks, taking into account factors such as style, creativity, power, and iconic moments. Whether it is the thunderous power of a rim-shaking tomahawk or the elegance of a graceful 360-degree windmill, we explore the unique qualities that set these dunkers apart and have solidified their status in NBA lore.
It is time to celebrate the athleticism, creativity, and showmanship of the greatest dunkers in NBA history, showcasing their awe-inspiring displays of aerial artistry. From rim-rocking powerhouses to finesse-filled maestros, this exploration of basketball’s high-flying heroes is sure to leave you captivated and in awe of their ability to soar above the competition. Here are the NBA’s 25 greatest dunkers ranked into tiers.
High-Flyers
Darryl Dawkins
Ja Morant
Spud Webb
DeAndre Jordan
Clyde Drexler
Tracy McGrady
Josh Smith
Dwyane Wade
Zion Williamson
Darryl Dawkins, affectionately known as “Chocolate Thunder,” was a pioneer in powerful dunking and showmanship. He was one of the first players to regularly shatter backboards with his thunderous dunks, earning him a reputation as one of the strongest and most awe-inspiring dunkers in NBA history. Dawkins’ combination of raw power and charisma made him a fan favorite, leaving a lasting impact on the dunking culture.
Ja Morant has burst onto the NBA scene with his electrifying athleticism and highlight-reel dunks. As one of the most explosive young guards in the league, Morant showcases his leaping ability and creativity with rim-rattling dunks that defy the realm of possibility. His ability to finish with finesse and power, often incorporating acrobatic moves and hang time, has made him an instant fan favorite and one of the most exciting young dunkers in the game. Hopefully, there will be many more to come from the young superstar.
At just 5’7″, Spud Webb defied the odds and showcased his incredible leaping ability in the NBA. Webb’s vertical leap and agility allowed him to execute breathtaking dunks, including his iconic victory in the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest. Despite his height disadvantage, Webb’s ability to soar above the rim and execute dunks with style and creativity solidifies his place as one of the most remarkable dunkers in NBA history.
DeAndre Jordan is recognized for his unparalleled leaping ability and rim-rocking dunks. Standing at 6’11” with a 7’6″ wingspan, Jordan’s combination of size and athleticism allows him to finish dunks with authority and emphatic slams. His ability to rise above defenders for alley-oops and putback dunks, often punctuated with his signature windmill motion, has made him one of the most dominant and exciting dunkers of his era. Jordan’s days with the “Lob City” Clippers will always be remembered although Brandon Knight will try his best to forget.
Clyde Drexler, known as “The Glide,” showcased his smooth and graceful dunking style throughout his career. Drexler’s combination of speed, athleticism, and creativity allowed him to execute dunks with finesse and elegance. His ability to finish with power and flair, often incorporating one-handed slams and acrobatic moves, made him a captivating dunker. Drexler’s dunking ability, coupled with his overall skills, solidified his place as one of the greatest shooting guards of all time.
Tracy McGrady possessed a unique blend of size, athleticism, and scoring ability that made him a remarkable dunker. McGrady’s dunks were characterized by his effortless fluidity and ability to finish above the rim with authority. His ability to soar for high-flying alley-oops and finish with acrobatic moves, often incorporating reverse dunks and 360-degree slams, cemented his status as one of the most captivating dunkers of his era.
Josh Smith’s leaping ability and athleticism allowed him to execute powerful and rim-rattling dunks throughout his career. Smith’s dunks often showcased his versatility, as he could finish with authority in traffic or throw down jaw-dropping alley-oops. His ability to elevate quickly and execute dunks with flair and power made him a fan favorite and one of the most exciting dunkers of his time. Smith’s catalog of dunks is simply incredible and it is a shame his prime did not last as long as it should have.
Dwyane Wade may be best known for his overall greatness as a player, but he also possessed exceptional dunking skills. Wade’s explosiveness and ability to finish at the rim with creativity and authority made him an electrifying dunker. Whether it was his high-flying acrobatics or his ability to posterize opponents, Wade consistently provided memorable dunks throughout his career, solidifying his status as one of the greatest shooting guards and dunkers in NBA history.
Zion Williamson burst onto the scene with his unparalleled combination of size, strength, and athleticism. His ability to soar above the rim and finish with thunderous slams has captivated fans around the world. Williamson’s dunks are characterized by his power and force, often demolishing rims and overpowering defenders. His ability to execute dunks with such dominance and intensity at a young age has made him one of the most exciting dunkers in recent memory.
Automatic Posterizers
Aaron Gordon
Blake Griffin
Russell Westbrook
Kobe Bryant
Gerald Green
Jason Richardson
Shawn Kemp
Dwight Howard
Nate Robinson
David Thompson
Aaron Gordon has earned a reputation as one of the most innovative and fearless dunkers in recent years. His performances in the Slam Dunk Contest, including his memorable battles with Zach LaVine, showcased his incredible athleticism and creativity. Gordon’s ability to execute dunks with style, incorporating props and unique variations, has solidified his place among the greatest dunkers. His high-flying maneuvers and ability to elevate make him a thrilling player to watch.
Blake Griffin‘s combination of raw power and finesse made him a dominant force in dunking during his prime years. His explosive leaping ability and willingness to attack the rim resulted in numerous posterizing dunks over defenders. Griffin’s dunks were characterized by his ability to finish with authority, often incorporating windmills, tomahawks, and powerful two-handed slams. His highlight-reel plays and impact on the game make him one of the most memorable dunkers in NBA history. No doubt, Timofey Mozgov and Kendrick Perkins are still feeling the effects of Griffin’s posters.
Russell Westbrook is widely regarded as the most athletic point guard of all time, and his physical advantages have led him to achieve triple-doubles over a regular season and also make highlight-reels with his posters. Westbrook is unstoppable when he has an open lane to the rim because as soon as he gets up, players always move out of the way. While Russ can still get up at his age, his best days were obviously with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32DbcyVe7ZQ
Kobe Bryant may be better known for his scoring ability and competitive drive, but he also possessed remarkable dunking skills. Bryant’s athleticism and versatility allowed him to execute a wide range of dunks, from powerful one-handed slams to graceful reverse dunks. While he was not as flashy as some other dunkers, people forget how high a young Mamba could get up although Dwight Howard might never. Bryant’s ability to rise above defenders and finish at the rim with finesse and authority cemented his status as one of the greatest dunkers of his era.
Gerald Green was known for his incredible leaping ability and his ability to defy gravity when he attacked the rim. Green’s dunks often left fans in awe as he effortlessly soared above defenders, showcasing an array of high-flying acrobatics. His creativity and willingness to push the boundaries of what was possible in dunking earned him a reputation as a mesmerizing dunker. Green’s iconic cupcake dunk in the Slam Dunk Contest demonstrated his ability to captivate audiences with his athleticism and showmanship.
Jason Richardson was a high-flying dunker who consistently amazed fans with his aerial displays. He won the Slam Dunk Contest in back-to-back years (2002 and 2003), showcasing his athleticism, power, and creativity. Richardson’s repertoire included windmills, between-the-legs dunks, and alley-oop finishes with thunderous slams. His ability to execute dunks with precision and flair, coupled with his knack for electrifying in-game dunks, solidifies his place as one of the greatest dunkers in NBA history.
Shawn Kemp, known as the “Reign Man,” was a force of nature when it came to dunking. His combination of size, power, and explosiveness made him an imposing figure at the rim. Kemp’s ability to finish with authority, often incorporating powerful two-handed slams and thunderous dunks over defenders, earned him a reputation as one of the most ferocious dunkers of his era. Kemps’s monstrous dunk over Alton Lister followed by his iconic taunt has to be one of the best players in NBA history.
Dwight Howard‘s dominance as a dunker stems from his sheer size, strength, and leaping ability. Standing at 6’10” with exceptional athleticism, Howard was a prolific rim-attacker throughout his career. His powerful dunks, often executed with two hands, showcased his ability to finish above the rim with authority. Howard’s ability to elevate quickly and throw down thunderous slams earned him numerous highlights and made him one of the most intimidating dunkers of his generation. Not to mention, there aren’t many more iconic dunks in the Dunk Contest than Howard’s Superman jam.
Despite his smaller stature, Nate Robinson proved that size is not a limitation when it comes to dunking. Standing at just 5’9″, Robinson’s leaping ability and explosive athleticism allowed him to compete with much taller opponents. He won the Slam Dunk Contest three times, displaying his creativity and showmanship on countless occasions. Robinson’s ability to execute dunks with power and flair, combined with his underdog status, solidified his place as one of the most exciting and memorable dunkers in NBA history.
David Thompson was a pioneer in the art of dunking and is often credited with popularizing the alley-oop. Thompson’s incredible leaping ability and acrobatic dunks made him one of the most exciting players of his era. His ability to hang in the air and execute graceful reverse dunks and windmills set him apart from his contemporaries. It is rumored that Thompson had a 50” vertical, and based on video evidence, it might be true.
Legendary Dunkers
Michael Jordan
Julius Erving
Dominique Wilkins
LeBron James
Zach LaVine
Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, and his dunking ability played a significant role in his legendary status. Jordan’s dunking style was characterized by a combination of power, finesse, and grace. His iconic free-throw line dunk in the 1988 NBA Slam Dunk Contest showcased his unmatched hang time and the ability to glide through the air effortlessly. Jordan’s ability to finish dunks in traffic, his acrobatic moves, and his knack for posterizing opponents made him an extraordinary dunker and a constant highlight reel.
Julius Erving, often referred to as Dr. J, revolutionized the art of dunking and played a pivotal role in popularizing the slam dunk during his career in both the ABA and NBA. Erving’s high-flying style and creativity were unparalleled during his time. He brought a level of showmanship and flair to his dunks that had not been seen before. In many ways, Erving was a ground-breaking player which is why he is heavily respected among NBA communities. Oh, and his dunk on Michael Cooper is the greatest in-game dunk in the history of the NBA.
Known as “The Human Highlight Film,” Dominique Wilkins was a force of nature when it came to dunking. Wilkins possessed incredible power and explosiveness, allowing him to rise above defenders with ease. His thunderous windmill dunks, tomahawks, and soaring slams were a constant spectacle. Wilkins’ ability to finish dunks with authority while absorbing contact earned him a reputation as one of the most powerful dunkers in NBA history. His showdowns with Michael Jordan in the Slam Dunk Contest are legendary and solidify his place among the greatest dunkers ever.
LeBron James is renowned for his versatility and athleticism, and his dunking ability is a testament to his physical dominance. Standing at 6’9″ and possessing extraordinary speed and leaping ability, James combines power and finesse in his dunks. He has a knack for finishing alley-oops with thunderous slams, displaying his immense strength and ability to finish at the rim with authority. LeBron’s ability to elevate in traffic and posterize opponents has become a trademark of his game, and he has a host of posters to impress any fan. It is truly a shame The King never competed in a Dunk Contest.
Zach LaVine made a name for himself with two Dunk Contest victories. Along with Aaron Gordon, LaVine proved to be one of the most explosive and creative dunkers in recent years. LaVine’s combination of athleticism and showmanship has captivated fans and earned him multiple Slam Dunk Contest championships. He has an impressive array of dunks, including high-flying windmills, between-the-legs dunks, and 360-degree slams. LaVine’s ability to effortlessly execute complex and acrobatic dunks with a seemingly effortless style has solidified his status as one of the most exciting dunkers to ever play.
The Greatest Dunker Of All Time
Vince Carter
Vince Carter is the greatest dunker of all time. He possessed remarkable leaping ability and body control, allowing him to execute dunks that seemed almost superhuman. His vertical leap and hang time were unparalleled, enabling him to soar above defenders and finish with thunderous slams. Most importantly, Carter brought a level of creativity and innovation to his dunks that had rarely been seen before. He introduced a wide array of jaw-dropping maneuvers, including 360-degree windmills, between-the-legs dunks, and reverse alley-oops.
At the same time, one of Carter’s most notable traits was his ability to posterize opponents. He fearlessly attacked the rim and showcased his dunking prowess by emphatically throwing down over defenders, often resulting in iconic and memorable moments that left fans in awe. His “Dunk of Death” in the Olympics is widely regarded as the greatest poster dunk of all time and that rests Carter’s case.
