NBA dunk contest winners: A list of all slam dunk winners

People who watch the NBA slam contests have varying reactions to the NBA dunk contest winners. Some slams are so stunning and aesthetically pleasing that they have entered basketball folklore and become part of basketball tales and legends. Nearly four decades have passed since the first NBA All-Star Dunk Competition happened.

Over the course of nearly four decades, the NBA has hosted the annual All-Star Game Dunk Contest. There have been some incredible slams that never seem to stop being talked about. A number of them have served as inspiration for both aspiring slam dunk performers and casual basketball viewers. Let us take a look back at some of the best NBA dunk contest winners of all time.

Best NBA slam dunk contest winners of all time

10. Dwight Howard

Many factors combined to make Dwight Howard's Superman dunk legendary. Dramatic flair was added to a normally solemn occasion. Everyone in the arena starts laughing as soon as they see the cape.

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His dunk is unremarkable in the big scheme of things, yet it is impressive because of its height, distance, and force. Howard makes a huge leap looks like it was nothing more than a regular hop.

9. Nate Robinson

Those in the know about Nate Robinson know he is not the tallest player, which is why it was so shocking to see the 5'9" studs dunk over the 6'10" Superman Dwight Howard. Many in the audience certainly did not believe it would, but it did.

Robinson sprints down the court and dunks over Howard, sending the crowd wild. All the big names in Hollywood were fans, and even Howard had to crack a smile for his pal.

8. Dee Brown

Dee Brown was one of the most thrilling players to ever participate in the Slam Dunk Contest, yet he is likely unknown to many of today's NBA fans. In 1991, when he was at his peak with the Celtics, he opted for a straightforward dunk over any number of flashier ones.

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Brown knew he could make dunking the ball more difficult by just not looking as he did it. Upon approaching the basket, Brown buried his face in his arm to prevent him from seeing the rim, and he still managed to throw down a spectacular slam that stunned the spectators.

7. Gerald Green

The NBA Slam Contest has always included the usage of props, albeit some competitors have far more success with them than others. The cape Dwight Howard wore had little effect on his jump. Midway through, Gerald Green blew out a cupcake candle he had used.

Just as Green was about to approach, the cupcake was moved to the rear of the rim and lighted. He then proceeded to blow out the candle, catch a high-bounce pass, and slam dunk without damaging the cupcake.

6. Andre Iguodala

Andre Iguodala has one of the most underappreciated dunks in the Contest history. Although he did not take home the trophy in 2006, his performance was well-received by the crowd. The rebound off the back of the rim led to one of his most impressive dunks.

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There were plenty of opportunities for disaster, but Iguodala grabbed the pass and dunked it with ease as he sailed onto the court. The crowd goes wild for Iguodala's creativity, making him an often-overlooked hero of the game.

5. Michael Jordan

Sceptics will say the jump is too easy to be among the best of all time, but it has been the subject of parody in virtually every film and television show that has featured a slam. He takes a running start at the basket and slams the ball down from the free-throw line.

The sight of Jordan flying through the air to throw down that dunk is not only one of the many things that have cemented his legendary reputation in the NBA, but it is also something that has inspired an entire generation of players.

4. Vince Carter

Vince Carter's perfect 360 windmills put an end to any doubts about him winning the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. More than two decades later, it is considered by some to be the best ever in the competition.

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His method was unspectacular, saving his flair for the dunk itself. Vince Carter made it look like he could perform three more jumps in a row without missing a shot, which is something the typical basketball fan has absolutely no chance of doing.

3. Zach Levine

Everyone should watch Zach Levine's version of the timeless slam from behind the line. While most players would have been content with a straightforward dunk, Levine chose to boost the ante by slamming the ball through an elaborate leg loop.

Almost everyone in the stands rushed onto the floor to be a part of the incredible occasion. It is no surprise that Levine has won the dunk contest two years in a row, given the constantly dominant and challenging displays he has made.

2. Spud Webb

Spud Webb, who stands at just 5 feet and 7 inches tall, is widely considered to be among the sport's all-time greatest Dunk Contest competitors. In 1986, he did not simply show up to the competition, he took first place. He dunked the ball backwards after launching it toward the basket, grabbing it in midair, and slamming it down.

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His diminutive stature means that any of his jumps from the competition might be included here. His success is proof that anyone can realize their goals if they set their minds to them.

1. Aaron Gordon

Aaron Gordon does more than just leap over a mascot; he also brings the ball around his body and smacks it down. It is an unbelievable part of the show that every fan of the event should look for if they have not already seen it.

Without any assistance, he successfully dunks the ball after leaping over another person. For its sheer athleticism, this slam easily ranks among the best NBA Dunk Contest winners in history.

NBA dunks contest winners by year

The following is a chronological list, beginning in 1986, of all NBA dunk contest winners. Name and team filters are available as well. In honour of NBA All-Star Weekend, the league hosts the annual Contest.

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Year Winner Team

1984 Larry Nance Phoenix Suns

1985 Dominique Wilkins Atlanta Hawks

1986 Spud Webb Atlanta Hawks

1987 and 1988 Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls

1989 Kenny Walker New York Knicks

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1990 Dominique Wilkins Atlanta Hawks

1991 Dee Brown Boston Celtics

1992 Cedric Ceballos Phoenix Suns

1993 Harold Miner Miami Heat

1994 Isiah Rider Minnesota Timberwolves

1995 Harold Miner Miami Heat

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1996 Brent Barry L.A. Clippers

1997 Kobe Bryant L.A. Lakers

2000 Vince Carter Toronto Raptors

2001 Desmond Mason Seattle Sonics

2002 and 2003 Jason Richardson Golden State Warriors

2004 Fred Jones Indiana Pacers

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2005 Josh Smith Atlanta Hawks

2006 Nate Robinson New York Knicks

2007 Gerald Green Boston Celtics

2008 Dwight Howard Orlando Magic

2009 and 2010 Nate Robinson New York Knicks

2011 Blake Griffin L.A. Clippers

2012 Jeremy Evans Utah Jazz

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2013 Terrence Ross Toronto Raptors

2014 John Wall Washington Wizards

2015 and 2016 Zach LaVine Minnesota Timberwolves

2017 Glenn Robinson III Indiana Pacers

2018 Donovan Mitchell Utah Jazz

2019 Hamidou Diallo Oklahoma City Thunder

2020 Derrick Jones Jr. Miami Heat

2021 Anfernee Simons Portland Trail Blazers

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2022 Obi Toppin New York Knicks

White NBA dunks contest winners

Basketball has been stereotyped as a "black man's game" for decades. Due to racism and segregation, white players dominated the NBA in their early years. However, the meaning of the term and the practice of dunking have evolved over time.

Larry Bird: At 6'9", Larry Bird Legend dazzled Boston fans for years with his talents and often employed his lethal pump fake to open up easy jumping possibilities. But he will always be remembered as one of the game's greatest shooters.

Notable mentions

Jordan Farmer: Although he has only been in the NBA for a short period, Jordan Farmar has already compiled a series of devastating throw-downs despite being the league's shortest dunker at 6'2.

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Rudy Fernandez: For a number of years, Portland's bench has relied on the Spanish phenomenon Rudy Fernandez to provide a much-needed injection of energy. A 6'6" swingman from Spain, Fernandez was highlighted in the 2009 Sprite Slam Dunk Competition at All-Star Weekend in Phoenix.

Rex Chapman: Rex Chapman played in the NBA for 12 seasons with four different clubs. However, Chapman captivated fans with arena-rocking dunks like this one during much of the 1990s while playing for the University of Kentucky.

Bob Sura: Bob Sura, who had a respectable 12-year career until retiring in 2007, was one of the league's best leapers in his heyday, which was not all that long ago. Sura was a typical 6'5" NBA guard who could compete in jamming with anyone.

Dan Majerle: Dan Majerle, aka "Thunder," makes the list at number five. Despite his height disadvantage, Majerle was a reliable shooter for the Suns in the early 1990s. While Majerle's incredible shooting touch will always stand out, his graceful jumps should not be forgotten.

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All year long, slam fans must patiently wait for the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. The event is usually thrilling, and there are many things to enjoy about it. The NBA dunks contest winners spend time thinking of new and challenging ways to slam the ball.

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