10 Best NBA Dunkers of All Time

The best NBA dunkers of all time have left indelible marks on the game, from gravity-defying leaps to sheer power. These high-flyers didn’t just dominate the highlight reels—they influenced the culture of the sport as examples of skill and talent. Additionally, these players have even impacted how fans view NBA odds and place bets on NBA betting sites. 

Let’s break down the top 10 dunkers in NBA history, celebrating their legacy and unforgettable on-court moments in their careers.

10. Blake Griffin – Mr. Posterizer

Career Stats: 19.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 4.0 APG; 49.3 FG%, 32.8 FG3%
Notable Achievements: 1x NBA Rookie of the Year, 6x NBA All-Star, 6x All-NBA selections

Blake Griffin starts off the best NBA dunkers of all time list with his combination of raw athleticism and power. Griffin became a highlight reel with the Los Angeles Clippers, throwing down iconic dunks during his prime. His rookie season featured countless jaw-dropping moments, with his knack of consistently posterizing defenders that made him must-watch television.

Griffin’s most iconic moment came during the 2011 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, where he famously dunked over a Kia Optima. He secured the trophy and cemented his reputation as a rim-rocking showman during the All-Star Weekend. But his in-game dunks were even more devastating. He made a habit of rising up in traffic and delivering thunderous slams over elite big men. For instance, he posterized the likes of Timofey Mozgov and Kendrick Perkins, often shifting momentum and igniting the crowd.

What set Griffin apart wasn’t just his vertical leap or strength, but his creativity and fearlessness in attacking the rim. His impact on dunking and the resurgence of “Lob City” with Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan defined their era. Griffin didn’t just dunk—he dunked with authority, making him a legend in NBA dunking lore.

9. Shawn Kemp – Explosive, Disrespectful Dunks

Career Stats: 14.6 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.6 APG; 48.8 FG%, 27.7 FG3%
Notable Achievements: 6x NBA All-Star, 3 All-NBA selections

Shawn Kemp, known as “The Reign Man,” is widely regarded as one of the best NBA dunkers of all time. His ferocious power, explosive athleticism, and fearless attitude made his dunks  highly anticipated events by fans during Seattle Supersonic games. 

During the 1990s, Kemp terrorized defenders with rim-rattling slams that combined brute force and grace in equal measure. His dunks weren’t just about scoring—they were about sending a message, often delivered with a thunderous finish and a stare-down.

Kemp’s prime with the Seattle SuperSonics featured some of the most iconic in-game dunks in league history. Whether it was catching Gary Payton alley-oops, or soaring through traffic for one-handed tomahawks, Kemp’s dunks are rooted in aggression. 

His most infamous dunk came in the 1992 playoffs against the Golden State Warriors. He annihilated Alton Lister with a vicious slam followed by a legendary point—a moment etched into NBA lore. Most NBA fans know this dunk as “The Lister Blister”.

What set Kemp apart was his ability to combine size (6’10”) with guard-like agility and an almost reckless intensity. He didn’t rely on dunk contests for fame—he earned it in the trenches of real competition. Kemp’s dunks were game-changers, momentum-shifters, and pure intimidation. His legacy lives on as a symbol of ‘90s power dunking at its absolute best.

8. Jason Richardson – Back-to-Back Slam Dunk Contest Champ

Career Stats: 17.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.7 APG; 43.8 FG%, 37.0 FG3%
Notable Achievements: 2x NBA Slam Dunk Contest Winner, 1x All-Rookie NBA 1st Team

Jason Richardson is undeniably one of the best NBA dunkers of all time, known for his jaw-dropping athleticism, and creativity. He is also known for his amazing back-to-back dominance in the NBA Slam Dunk Contests. 

Winning the contest in 2002 and 2003, Richardson brought a unique blend of power and finesse to the events. His dunks were not only technically difficult but also artistically mesmerizing, wowing the fans and judges. He unleashed between-the-legs reverses, off-the-glass alley-oops, and spinning slams that left fans and judges in awe.

What truly set Richardson apart was his ability to translate contest flair into in-game action. During his prime years with the Golden State Warriors and later the Charlotte Bobcats, he consistently delivered explosive, high-flying moments. His leaping ability, body control, and fearless approach made him a threat in transition or when cutting to the basket.

Moreover, apart from Slam Dunk Contest greatness, Richardson’s legacy is built on both performance and consistency. His combination of vertical explosiveness and aerial innovation helped evolve the dunking craft, inspiring a new generation of high-flyers. Whether in a contest or a clutch game situation, Richardson made dunking look like pure art in motion.

7. Zach LaVine – Modern NBA Rim-Rocker, Smoothest and Best NBA Dunkers of All Time

Career Stats: 20.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.0 APG; 47.0 FG%, 39.1 FG3%
Notable Achievements: 2x NBA Slam Dunk Contest Winner, 2x NBA All-Star, 1x All-NBA selection
*still active

Zach LaVine lands in seventh place among the best NBA dunkers of all time list. His jaw-dropping athleticism, creative flair, and technical precision made him an exciting player to watch out for. 

He burst onto the scene in 2015 when he won his first NBA Slam Dunk Contest. He immediately captivated fans with his smooth style and gravity-defying bounce that led to stylish, awe-inspiring dunks. In 2016, he elevated his reputation even further by delivering an unforgettable performance in a historic showdown with Aaron Gordon. Many consider this as the greatest dunk contest battle ever.

LaVine effortlessly blends grace with difficulty whenever he decides to dunk in-game or during contests. He executes between-the-legs dunks off the bounce and windmills from the free-throw line with stunning ease. Moreover, his dunks go beyond flash; they showcase masterful control, perfect timing, and creativity, becoming technical and visual masterpieces.

In live games, LaVine brings the same energy. He attacks the rim with intensity during fast breaks, regularly delivering slams that ignite the crowd and shift momentum. As a dynamic in-game performer, he doesn’t just dunk—he puts on a show.

LaVine’s consistent explosiveness and influence on modern dunk culture continue to shape how fans and experts evaluate talent. Bettors and fans considering good NBA picks can check LaVine to make an impact on the game’s biggest moments.

6. LeBron James – The King of the Rim

Career Stats: 27.0 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 7.4 APG; 50.6 FG%, 35.0 FG3%
Notable Achievements: 4x NBA Champion, 4x NBA Finals MVP, 4x NBA MVP, 1x NBA Rookie of the Year, 21x NBA All-Star, 28x All-NBA selections
*still active

LeBron James lands sixth on this list, with over two decades worth of powerful and speedy highlight dunks. From his very first game, LeBron showcased a rare combination of strength and athleticism, throwing down ferocious in-game slams. His dunks are not just about flair—they’re often game-changing plays that energize teammates and shift momentum.

What makes LeBron’s dunking legacy truly remarkable is his consistency. Even as one of the oldest NBA players still competing at a high level, he still easily elevates against defenders. From fast-break tomahawks or posterizing slams in traffic, LeBron’s dunks remain as explosive even in his 40s.

His presence on the court also heavily influences NBA player prop bets, especially in scoring, dunks, and assists. Bettors often factor in his potential to deliver electrifying moments when placing wagers.

LeBron may not have participated in a dunk contest, but his in-game slams speak for themselves. His power, precision, and ability to rise in crucial moments secure his legacy as one of the game’s greatest dunkers.

5. Shaquille O’Neal – Rim-Shattering Power, Strongest and Best NBA Dunkers of All Time

Career Stats: 23.7 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.5 APG; 58.2 FG%, 4.5 FG3%
Notable Achievements: 4x NBA Champion, 3x NBA Finals MVP, 1x NBA MVP, 1x NBA Rookie of the Year, 15x NBA All-Star, 18x All-NBA selections

Shaquille O’Neal is one of the best NBA dunkers of all time, combining brute strength, massive size, and post dominance. At over seven feet tall and more than 300 pounds, Shaq didn’t just dunk—he punished the rim. 

Early in his career, he made headlines by obliterating two backboards with monster slams, bringing down the entire rim system. These moments weren’t just highlights—they symbolized his sheer force and intimidation when he got his position down the block.

Defenders knew better than to stand in his way when he charged the lane. Whether it was a one-handed jam in transition or a two-handed rim-rattler in traffic, Shaq delivered his dunks with authority. He often hangs on the rim for effect and dominance, especially after he uses his patented “Black Tornado” post move. His slams weren’t about style or flair; they were about sending a message to defenders and the opposing team.

Shaq’s dunks became a signature part of his game, energizing the crowd and deflating opponents. He made dunking look effortless, often overpowering multiple defenders en route to the basket. Unlike finesse dunkers, Shaq turned the dunk into a weapon, reshaping how big men played the game. 

His unmatched power and iconic backboard-shattering moments firmly cement his legacy as one of the most dominant NBA dunkers.

4. Dominique Wilkins – Windmill-Powered Dunks

Career Stats: 24.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.5 APG; 46.1 FG%, 31.9 FG3%
Notable Achievements: 2x NBA Slam Dunk Contest Winner, 9x NBA All-Star, 8x All-NBA selections

Dominique Wilkins, known as “The Human Highlight Film,” ranks fourth on the best NBA dunkers of all time list. This is attributed to his explosive power, electrifying style, and relentless aggression at the rim each time he dunks. 

Wilkins didn’t just dunk—he attacked the basket with a ferocity that few players have ever matched. In-game, he soared past defenders and delivered violent one-handed tomahawks and thunderous two-hand slams. His ferocious dunks routinely brought crowds to their feet and left opponents stunned.

Wilkins didn’t reserve his dunking brilliance for games alone. On the biggest stages, he delivered unforgettable performances in the Slam Dunk Contest. He won the title twice (1985 and 1990) and went head-to-head against Michael Jordan in 1988 in a legendary battle. His dunks combined power, elevation, and flair—highlighted by windmills and reverse slams delivered with overwhelming force.

What set Wilkins apart was his ability to make every dunk feel personal. He elevated not just physically, but emotionally, turning dunks into statements. Whether he was demoralizing defenders in-game or lighting up All-Star Weekend, Wilkins made sure fans never forgot his presence.

His raw power, signature windmills, and clutch performances solidify Wilkins as one of the most dynamic and respected NBA dunkers.

3. Julius Erving – The Doctor Is In, Pioneer of the Best NBA Dunkers of All Time

Career Stats: 24.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 4.2 APG; 50.6 FG%, 29.8 FG3%
Notable Achievements: 2x ABA Champion, 1x NBA Champion, 3x ABA MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 1x MVP, 5x ABA All-Star, 11x NBA All-Star, 7x All-ABA selections, 7x All-NBA selections. 1x ABA Slam Dunk Champion, 2x NBA Slam Dunk Champion

Julius Erving, famously known as “Dr. J,” revolutionized dunking and is one of the best NBA dunkers of all time. His graceful yet powerful aerial artistry was fully showcased each time he went downhill and dunked the ball. He didn’t just dunk—he floated, glided, and soared through the air with an elegance that changed the game forever. Moreover, Dr. J brought dunking into the mainstream, making it not just a scoring move, but a form of expression.

In both the ABA and NBA, Erving delivered iconic moments that defined basketball’s modern era. One of his legendary dunks was his rock-the-baby cradle dunk—an aerial feat that felt more like flight than basketball. 

His in-game dunks, however, were equally devastating. He attacked the rim with flair and finesse, often posterizing defenders with one-handed slams that seemed to pause time.

Erving also elevated the art of dunking in exhibitions and All-Star games long before the modern dunk contest era. His famous free-throw line dunk inspired generations of players and set the gold standard for hang time.

With his smooth style, finishes, and impact on the evolution of dunking, Julius Erving forever changed how dunks are revered.

2. Michael Jordan – His Airness

Career Stats: 30.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.3 APG; 49.7 FG%, 32.7 FG3%
Notable Achievements: 2x NBA Slam Dunk Contest Winner, 6x NBA Champion, 6x NBA Finals MVP, 5x MVP, 1x NBA Rookie of the Year, 14x NBA All-Star, 21x All-NBA selections

Michael Jordan stands as one of the best NBA dunkers of all time. His jaw-dropping vertical leap and the way he made dunking a symbol of dominance and flair is legendary. Jordan soared through the air with an unmatched combination of grace, power, and control, turning simple slams into iconic moments.

He etched his legacy into history with unforgettable performances in the Slam Dunk Contests, winning the 1987 and 1988 titles. His free-throw line dunk, with his arm outstretched and legs tucked, is arguably the most iconic image in sports history. But Jordan didn’t reserve his aerial excellence for exhibitions—he brought that same energy to the court night after night.

In-game, Jordan punished defenders with ferocious poster dunks, often driving down the lane and rising above even the tallest opponents. He attacked the rim with purpose, often using a single, elegant motion to slam the ball while leaving defenders flat-footed. Jordan even posterized vaunted defenders like Dikembe Mutombo and Patrick Ewing on different occasions.

Jordan made dunking look effortless, yet every leap carried intensity and purpose. He combined style, timing, and competitive fire elevated the dunk to new heights, cementing his status as a dunking legend.

1. Vince Carter – Half-Man, Half-Amazing, Carter is one of the Best NBA Dunkers of All Time

Career Stats: 16.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.1 APG; 43.5 FG%, 37.1 FG3%
Notable Achievements: 1x NBA Slam Dunk Contest Winner, 1x NBA Rookie of the Year, 8x NBA All-Star, 3x All-NBA selections

Vince Carter is widely regarded as the best NBA dunker of all time, and for good reason. He turned dunking into an art form that combined jaw-dropping athleticism, creativity, and pure electricity. From the moment he entered the league, Carter dazzled fans with high-flying slams that defied gravity and redefined mid-air artistry. He didn’t just dunk—he soared, twisted, and slammed with a flair that left audiences stunned and defenders helpless.

Carter’s 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest performance stands as the most legendary in history. He threw down a reverse 360 windmill, put his arm through the rim all on the first try. His dunks were so clean and explosive that even his peers stood in disbelief. He didn’t just win the contest—he owned it, creating a moment that would forever define All-Star Weekend.

In-game, Carter remained a constant threat to take off at any moment. He delivered unforgettable posters, including his now-mythical dunk over 7’2″ French center Frédéric Weis during the 2000 Olympics. Most consider this as the greatest in-game dunk of all time.

With unmatched vertical ability, insane hang time, and a highlight reel spanning two decades, Vince Carter elevated dunking. This has earned him the crown as the greatest dunker in NBA history.

Honorable Mentions:

Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards has quickly established himself as one of the most electrifying dunkers in the NBA, combining explosive athleticism with fearless aggression at the rim. His ability to elevate over defenders and deliver powerful, highlight-reel slams makes him a must-watch player every time he steps on the court. 

Ja Morant

Ja Morant is a sensational NBA dunker known for his jaw-dropping vertical leap, lightning-quick explosiveness, and fearless mentality in attacking the rim. Whether he’s posterizing big men or soaring in transition, Morant delivers some of the most electrifying dunks in the league today.

Zion Williamson

Zion Williamson is a phenomenal NBA dunker who combines rare strength, explosive leaping ability, and quickness for a player of his size. His powerful, rim-rattling dunks not only energize the crowd but also showcase his dominance and unique physical gifts.

Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook is one of the most powerful and aggressive dunkers in NBA history, known for attacking the rim with unmatched intensity and athleticism. His thunderous slams, often delivered in traffic or over defenders, reflect his relentless energy and highlight-reel explosiveness.

Darryl Dawkins

Darryl Dawkins, famously known as “Chocolate Thunder,” was a trailblazing NBA dunker who brought raw power and personality to every slam. He shattered backboards with his thunderous dunks, turning each one into a show and paving the way for the modern era of above-the-rim basketball.