Who has the highest vertical in the NBA? A top 10 ranked list

Basketball is one of the top-rated sports in the world that has accumulated numerous followers over the past decades. When playing it, there are various records that the skilled players make and break, such as the three-point shots, most points scored, most assists, and highest verticals, among others. Ever wondered who has the highest vertical in the NBA? Let's find out!

Historically, most athletes that make the highest jumps are mostly from the NBA. Some of them, like Michael Jordan, are all-time legends in the game, while others are still rising to stardom. Most basketball fans worldwide are thrilled whenever they see players making vertical jumps since it excites their lives.

Top 10 players with the highest vertical in the NBA history

Since its introduction in the 60s, the highest vertical has found its way to popularity, and in doing so, some athletes such as Michael Jordan and Darrell Griffith have made outstanding records in the sport.

According to various online sources, here is a list of the top 10 athletes with the highest vertical in the NBA as of 2023.

10. Dee Brown

Dee Brown is among the most well-known players in the NBA with the highest dunk. He rose to stardom in 1991 after taking home the Slam Dunk Rookie of the Year title when he gave a jaw-breaking performance, hitting the baskets with a no-look skill.

Various pages in the media have mentioned the dunk as the first-ever dab in the history of the NBA. Although he spent most of his years with the Boston Celtics, Dee made his 44-inch record while a point guard at the Springfield Armor.

9. Harold Miner

Miner made his record while he was with the Miami Heat, and he was nicknamed Baby Jordan. He joined the famous club straight out of the University of Southern California in 1991 after being picked 12th overall.

The renowned athlete only took part in four seasons, and in 1993 and 1995, he bagged the Slam Dunk titles and was recognised as one of the all-time highest verticals in the NBA.

8. Muggsy Bogues

Although Bogues is quite short compared to other basketballers, he can surprisingly dunk. In his 14-year career in the NBA, he made ten assists twice due to his near-perfect bouncing performance and athletes.

He has shown he has what it takes for the highest dunk since he can perform well, even if he has the tallest opponents around him.

7. Shannon Brown

Alongside Kobe Bryant, Shannon went down in history when he won two NBA titles when he played shooting guard for the Delaware Blue Coats. He made a record dunk of 44.5, earning him a place on the list.

Although he was never considered an effective rotation player, his dunk while playing against Dallas shocked many, including the legendary Kobe Bryant.

6. Zach LaVine

La Vine joined the NBA in 2014 after being picked 6th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves. In his attempts to make a 55-inch vertical, he made 46 inches and was considered one of the all-time greats for the highest dunks.

The renowned athlete won the 2015 and the 2016 dunk contests since he could go an additional 2 inches above the rim in addition to his height. Although his team, the Chicago Bulls, has been through a rough patch, he remains hopeful.

5. James White

With the New York Knicks, James White, with his incredible height of over 200 centimetres, made a record when he made a dunk of 46 inches. He began his NBA career with the Portland Trail Blazers before moving to Austin Toros and later the Knicks.

The legend made 57 appearances in his time with the Knicks and could jump up to 5 inches above the rim. While playing for Fenerbahce, he bagged the Turkish dunk contest.

4. Anthony Spud Webb

Webb rose to stardom when he was a rookie in 1986 and made an impressive 46 inches with his height of 5 feet and 6 inches. His determination and efforts saw him beat his then-teammate Wilkins, the club's top dunker.

The legend is among the few players in the history of the NBA who have made a dunk without palming the ball. Despite his height, he sawed high in the basketball arena and thus made the list.

3. Jason Richardson

With his incredible height of almost 200 centimetres, Jason joined the NBA in 2001 after being picked 5th overall by the Golden State Warriors. His combined vertical measurement was low when he was drafted.

With time, he finally made a 46.5 dunk and, in doing so, became one of the legends in the sport. His height gave him a record high of 4.5 above the rim, and thus, up to date, he is still among the most respected and adored Warriors.

2. Darrell Griffith

Darrell enjoyed a successful NBA career during his time and could jump up to 4 inches above the rim. He was nicknamed Dr Dunkenstain due to successful and complete dunks on the court while playing for Louisville.

However, despite all his incredible dunks, he did not take home any trophies from all the contests he participated in. His jersey has been raised to the rafters due to his performance and recognition throughout his career.

1. Michael Jordan

Jordan, nicknamed 'His Airness,' tops the list with a deserving 48-inch dunk with a hang time of up to 0.92 seconds. Although he is tied at the top position with Darrell, his accomplishments throughout his career have placed him above the others.

When it comes to basketball, he is the greatest ever since he has numerous records to his name. In the 1988 All-Star Weekend Slam Dunk Competition, Jordan made an astonishing 50-inch record, credited to his athletic skills and abilities.

Who has the highest vertical in the NBA right now?

As of 2023, Ja Morant has the highest vertical jump. He reigns the court with his spectacular set of dunks, and recently, he successfully dunked over one of the best NBA defenders, and was considered his most outstanding achievement.

Who has the highest vertical in the NBA combined?

With a 46-inch dunk, DJ Stephens, a former University of Memphis legend, has held the record for the combined highest vertical in the NBA since 2013. He was widely known for his acrobatic skills that made him make the record yet to be broken.

What is Lebron James' vertical?

The legendary Lebron James made a 44-inch dunk with his head being 4 inches above the rim.

What sport has the highest vertical?

According to statistics from various online sources, the pole vault has the highest dunk among all other sports in the world. The sport is mainly carried out in the Olympics, and it involves using a flexible pole to push the athletes over the bar.

What is Stephen Curry's vertical?

Vertical jumps were not Curry's strong suit since he did not get that high. His highest jump was in 2009, in a pre-draft, by which he made 35.5 inches.

Has anyone ever had a 50-inch vertical?

Some legends, such as Leonel Marshall, a volleyballer, allegedly made over 50 inches vertical jump from a standing position.

Can everyone reach a 40-inch vertical?

Statistically, despite how hard they train, about 99% of players will not make a 40-inch dunk. Only talented individuals can train hard enough, and they can make the dunk in about 12-13 weeks.

Can you add 5 inches to your vertical?

Yes, it is possible for talented individuals. The training road to add 5 inches can range from about 2-3 weeks, and it includes basics such as the ankle rocker and single leg squats, among others.

Does being taller give you a higher vertical?

Who is the shortest person to ever dunk in the NBA? List of shortest players to ever dunk in the NBA

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Not really. Some tall players in the NBA have the lowest dunk, while others who are shorter have made it to the list of the highest dunkers in the sport's history.

While going down memory lane and wondering who has the highest vertical in the NBA, most fans hope their idols are among the legends on the list. Making the highest vertical in the NBA is no easy task since only talented individuals have succeeded in making it above 40 inches in their careers.

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Globally, the sport is dominated by women who have worked hard enough and proved that they deserve the recognition and spotlight. Click on the link above to find more details about the best gymnasts in the world.