Clubhouse Article

NBA: Top Five Dunkers In NBA History

January 31st, 2013 by Nat Black-Heaven

The slam dunk hasn’t always been the popular spectacle that it is now. In the ’60s and ’70s, the dunk was just another way to put the ball through the hoop. It wasn’t until the first Slam Dunk Contest, during the 1976 ABA All-Star Game, that this spectacular play stole fans’ hearts.
The slam dunk is now one of the most dynamic plays in basketball. Players take to the sky, perfect their techniques in order to throw down some of the most innovative and thunderous dunks we’ve ever seen. As generations come, so does athleticism. Technology and medicine is allowing the human body to become a physical machine of strength and muscle. This means players are jumping higher and higher than ever before.
Read on for my Top 5 Slam Dunkers in NBA History…
Compiled by Nat Black-Heaven

5. MICHAEL JORDAN
No list with the words “best” and “basketball” is complete unless the name Michael Jordan is mentioned. It’s that simple. We all know this dude could play some basketball but we sometimes forget that this guy could fly. I’m sure; hiding in your closet somewhere is the stitching of the famous “Jumpman” logo made famous by the Jumpman himself. Let’s face it, Jordan is one of the best dunkers to ever live. He has two Slam Dunk titles to his name as well as a host of other in-game, show stopping, rim rockers.

4. BLAKE GRIFFIN
The new kid on the block has all the makings to one day top the list of best dunkers in NBA history. This dude is just scary! He claims victims every night he steps onto the court. Kendrick Perkins, Pau Gasol, Danilo Gallinari to name a few, the list is unparalleled. Not only that, but in the 2010 All Star Slam Dunk contest. Griffin dunked over a car! Yes, a car! Check the photo! The only thing that he is yet to have a fitting nickname!

3. DOMINIQUE WILKINS
The “Human Highlight Reel!” ‘Nique was most known for his inspiring performances against the Boston Celtics in the 1988 Eastern Conference finals. Although we already knew his dunking abilities. He produced some devastating throw downs that solidified his already certain place in the history books. Although he wasn’t the most “flashy” when it came to slam dunking, he still wins a place at #3 on the list due to the pure ferocity and shock waves his dunks sent through arenas.

2. JULIUS ERVING
Dr J had the most flawless approach to dunking the basketball, few players can compare to what Julius Erving brought to the court every night. He had the perfect mix of the finesse that Michael Jordan was known for. Yet, he displayed an act of disregard for anyone in his way just like Dominique Wilkins. This perfect medium is why Dr J appears at #2 on our list. He brought dunking to a whole new level; a level that was never witnessed before this guy came along. HE IS THE DOCTOR OF THE DUNK!

1. VINCE CARTER
Could it really have been anyone else? There is only one man that is capable of claiming the #1 spot on this list. “Vinsanity” – half man, half amazing, Air-Canada. This man goes by many names because of his special ability to slam the ball through a hoop. The 2000 Slam Dunk contest will probably remain in the memories of all who had the privilege of viewing it due to the sheer magnitude of dunks pulled off by Carter. Not only that, Vince was and still is one of the best in-game dunkers to ever live. 360s, windmills, tomahawks – EVERYTHING! This guy THROWS IT DOWN! Above all, Vince Carter will forever be known as the man that dunked over a seven footer! The proof is in the picture.