Ranking the Top 5 NBA Slam Dunk Contests of the Last 30 Years
The 2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest might not have the household names we’re used to but that doesn’t mean contestants Kenyon Martin Jr., Mac McClung, Trey Murphy III, and Jericho Sims can’t throw down insane dunks. Can any of these participants put on a show that rivals the special performances of the past? To get us ready, let’s look at the 5 best Slam Dunk Contests since 1990. Enjoy!
No. 1
Vince Carter's Incredible Performance
The 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest is hands down the most outstanding performance in the history of the event. Raptors star Vince Carter put on a show for the ages, executing a variety of incredible dunks that left the crowd in awe. His most memorable dunk was a 360-degree windmill that he threw down with ease.
No. 2
Zach LaVine vs Aaron Gordon
The 2016 NBA Slam Dunk Contest was one for the ages, as Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine and Magic forward Aaron Gordon engaged in an epic dunk-off. LaVine ultimately won the contest, but only after the two players put on a show that had a series of incredible dunks, including a between-the-legs dunk and a 360-degree dunk.
No. 3
Blake Griffin's Car Dunk
The 2011 NBA Slam Dunk Contest was the first to feature fan voting, and Clippers forward Blake Griffin gave the fans plenty to cheer about. Griffin jumped over a car parked in front of the basket and threw down a two-handed dunk, earning a perfect score. Never forget how ferocious Blake was as a dunker.
No. 4
Dwight Howard's Superman Dunk
Dwight Howard, then a center for the Magic, won the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Contest with a dunk that is still talked about today. Howard donned a Superman cape and flew from the free-throw line to throw down a one-handed dunk, earning a perfect score from the judges.
No. 5
Dee Brown's No-Look Dunk
The 1991 NBA Slam Dunk Contest was memorable for many reasons, but one moment stood out above the rest. Dee Brown, then a guard for the Celtics, won the contest with a dunk that he dubbed the "no-look" dunk. Brown covered his eyes with his forearm as he approached the basket, then threw down a one-handed dunk that brought the crowd to its feet.