10 Greatest Dunkers with the highest vertical in NBA History
Physical dispositions, athleticism, and speed are a mandatory part of modern-day basketball. Although basketball is a sport played by tall people, it is not necessary to be among the tallest in order to successfully overcome obstacles. Jumpin high can always help. In some cases, only genetics, and in others, only bloody work led individuals to the air up there. It is always interesting to know who are the players who can jump the highest. Therefore, we have prepared a list of 10 10 Greatest Dunkers In NBA History.
10. Shannon Brown – 44.5 inches
When you are able to impress Kobe with your jump, it is a clear sign that you are above the average. Shannon Brown spent three seasons with the Lakers, winning two consecutive NBA championships, and will be remembered for his high-flying dunks and blocks. He participated in the 2010 NBA Slam-Dunk contest but failed to move on to the final round. He spent a total of nine seasons in the NBA averaging 7.6 points and 2 rebounds per game.
9. Zion Williamson – 45 inches
The first pick of the 2019 NBA draft made a name for himself as an outstanding athlete before he even made it to the league. The 6’7’’, 285 pounds Williamson has athletic abilities that have never been seen before from a human of his size. He entered the league as a 19-year-old and right away showed a physical dominance that sometimes seemed out of this world.
What makes Spud Webb special is his ability to dunk the ball despite the fact that he was only 5’6’’ and officially the third shortest player in the history of the league. Webb even managed to win the 1986 NBA Slam-Dunk contest against his teammate from the Atlanta Hawks, Dominique Wilkins. He spent 13 years in the league averaging 10 points and 5 assists but will always be remembered as a legend.
7. Derrick Jones Jr. – 46 inches
Being just an average NBA player, Jones Jr. got attention with his high-flying in-game dunks. He also won the 2020 NBA Slam-Dunk contest even though many believe that the trophy should have gone to Aaron Gordon. He didn’t find much success as a role player for the Suns, Heat, and Blazers but his highlight dunks have made the fans jump off the seats many times.
LaVine won the 2015 and 2016 NBA Slam-Dunk contests and it seemed like he could keep repeating that as long as he wants to participate. Not willing to be remembered just as a dunker, he clearly stated that he was done with the contest, and he made a name for himself as one of the better shooting guards in the league. He led the Bulls in scoring in three consecutive seasons, finishing the last one with a career-high 27.4 points per game.
Nicknamed “Flight”, James White deserved the respect from the players as one of the best dunkers of all time even though he failed to keep a long-term job in the NBA. White played only 67 games in the NBA but won the championship ring with the Spurs in his rookie year even though he didn’t play a minute in the Playoffs. He is the first player who made a two-handed dunk from the free-throw line.
4. Jason Richardson – 46.5 inches
The fifth pick of the 2001 NBA draft became the face of the Golden State Warriors in the early 2000s due to his scoring and especially flying skills. He won the NBA Slam-Dunk contests in 2002 and 2003 and became the first player after Michael Jordan to defend the title. His game was based on his athleticism and he was forced to retire at the age of 34 because as he said “he would like to be able to walk when he gets old”.
3. Dennis Smith Jr. – 48 inches
Smith Jr. entered the NBA as one of the most promising young players in the country. He was the best athlete in college basketball when he managed to lead the North Carolina State University to a deep March Madness run and was expected to transfer the success into the big league. Unfortunately, his work ethic and performance were disappointing in Dallas and New York, and hopefully, he will finally make a step forward with the Pistons.
2. Darrell Griffith – 48 inches
Griffith won the NCAA in 1980 and later that year was selected by the Utah Jazz as the second overall pick at the NBA draft. Nicknamed Dr. Dunkenstein, together with Adrian Dantley, he was a part of one of the most exciting tandems in the early 80s. He led the NBA in field goal percentage in two seasons. Unfortunately, two knee injuries slowed him down considerably and he had to retire at the age of 32.
Simply the GOAT in every aspect of the game. Jordan’s athleticism and basketball skills are setting him apart from the others. The law of gravity did not exist for him. While the other players were jumping, MJ was flying and was accordingly nicknamed “Air”. His highlight films from the 80s and 90s still look unbelievable. Many have tried but no one has managed to reach him. MJ has been retired for over a decade and has solidified his spot as the one of 10 Greatest Dunkers In NBA History.
