Top 10 Dunkers of All Time?

[Shade8780]

Who are yours

[Fudge]

1. Vince Carter
2. Michael Jordan
3. Dominique Wilkins
4. Jason Richardson
5. LeBron James
6. Shawn Kemp
7. Amare Stoudemire
8. Blake Griffin
9. Kobe Bryant/T-Mac
10. Desmond Mason

[RRR3]

1. Vince Carter
2. Michael Jordan
3. Dominique Wilkins
4. Jason Richardson
5. LeBron James
6. Shawn Kemp
7. Amare Stoudemire
8. Blake Griffin
9. Kobe Bryant
10. Desmond Mason
T-Mac fan and you don't list him. You're out of the club :no:

[PyrrhusX]

1. Vince Carter
2. Dominique Wilkins
3. MJ
4. Kemp
5. Dr J
6/7. Kobe/Lebron
8. David Thompson
9. T-Mac
10. Blake Griffin

Based off wasting time on youtube while supposedly doing work. OP why didnt you list yours?

[red1]

1. Vince Carter
2. Dominique Wilkins
3. MJ
4. Kemp
5. Dr J
6/7. Kobe/Lebron
8. David Thompson
9. T-Mac
10. Blake Griffin

Based off wasting time on youtube while supposedly doing work. OP why didnt you list yours?
got all the right names on hurr

[Fudge]

T-Mac fan and you don't list him. You're out of the club :no:
I knew i was missing somebody. :banghead:

I'll put him at 9 with Kobe. They're kinda equal to me.

[RRR3]

I knew i was missing somebody. :banghead:

I'll put him at 9 with Kobe. They're kinda equal to me.
**** Kobe. Put T-Mac over him for that at least. He should get to be better than Kobe at one thing at least :cry: I guess he was a better 3PT shooter :confusedshrug:
:( :cry: :mad: @ the way T-Mac's career turned out :facepalm

[DuMa]

Dr J and Chocolate Thunder deserves a lot more props

[eliteballer]

tmac a better dunker than kobe?:oldlol:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvWy9liwC7U

[Heavincent]

1. Vince Carter










































































2. Jordan
3. Dr. J
4. Wilkins
5. Kemp
6. Jason Richardson
7. Kobe
8. Griffin
9. Lebron
10. Clyde Drexler

[PyrrhusX]

Dr J and Chocolate Thunder deserves a lot more props

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtJawsitMsA
:bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

Was gonna put him in, but decided on Blake, was a 50-50 decision there.

[pauk]

NBA INGAME (based on dunking ability, creating dunks & longevity):

1. Dominique Wilkins
2. Michael Jordan
3. Lebron James
4. Julius Erving
5. Vince Carter
6. Shawn Kemp
7. David Thompson
8. Kobe Bryant
9. Tracy McGrady
10. Darryl Dawkins

NBA DUNK CONTEST (based on innovation):

1. Vince Carter
2. Dominique Wilkins
3. Michael Jordan
4. Spud Webb
5. Julius Erving
6. Jason Richardson
7. Harold Miner
8. Desmond Mason
9. Shawn Kemp
10. Nate Robinson


OVERALL:

http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/history/features/moments-1988-jordan-wilkins/jordan-nique-608.jpg




But the best PEAK overall dunker (both ingame & dunk contest) has to probably be Vince Carter, but it didnt last so long

[AlphaWolf24]

1.Nique
2.Air Canada
3.Dr.J
4.AIR Jordan
5.Rain Man
6.KOB8
7.Baby Jordan
8.Spud Webb
9.Pippen
10.Lebron

[CAstill]

1. Vince Carter
2. Shawn Kemp
3. MJ
4. Dr. J
5. Dominique Wilkins
6. Jason Richardson
7. Kobe Bryant
8. Tmac
9. Lebron
10. Drexler

[Money 23]

That I've seen:

1) Vince Carter
2) Michael Jordan
3) Dominique Wilkins
4) Clyde Drexler
5) Shawn Kemp
6) Blake Griffin
7) Kobe Bryant
8) LeBron James
9) Tracy McGrady / Scottie Pippen
10) Derrick Rose / Russel Westbrook

This is in terms of solo dunks, leaping ability, frequency of dunks, creativity, in game dunks, and facials.

I didn't include leapers who suck at ball and never get burn:

James White
Gerald Green

[Rake2204]

NBA INGAME (based on dunking ability, creating dunks & longevity):

1. Dominique Wilkins
2. Michael Jordan
3. Lebron James
4. Julius Erving
5. Vince Carter
6. Shawn Kemp
7. David Thompson
8. Kobe Bryant
9. Tracy McGrady
10. Darryl Dawkins

NBA DUNK CONTEST (based on innovation):

1. Vince Carter
2. Dominique Wilkins
3. Michael Jordan
4. Spud Webb
5. Julius Erving
6. Jason Richardson
7. Harold Miner
8. Desmond Mason
9. Shawn Kemp
10. Nate Robinson


OVERALL:

http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/history/features/moments-1988-jordan-wilkins/jordan-nique-608.jpgI'm pretty sure you and I have discussed dunks before and I'm thinking we probably just politely agreed to disagree, so I don't know if there's a point in me chiming in right now but... I still can't wrap my head around ranking Vince Carter 5th all-time in in-game dunks (and behind LeBron James no less), particularly when you cite ability, creating dunks, and longevity.

To start things off briefly and succinctly, I believe Carter has performed more styles of in-game dunks, in more situations, more times, in more varieties, than anyone in NBA history. He may earn this honor largely in part due to being fortunate enough to watch those who came before him and perfecting and expanding upon what they did, but it still is what it is.

The logical part of me acknowledges a very large part of dunk interpretation is just that, it's interpretative and open to a variance in opinion. Even still, placing LeBron James' dunking career over Carter's is almost offensive to me.

[swi7ch]

Vince Carter = unanimous GOAT dunker

[Noyze]

rofl at the Jason Richardson picks. His in game dunks havent been that good

[Money 23]

rofl at the Jason Richardson picks. His in game dunks havent been that good
Agreed. Amazing avatar, btw. Can't wait for the DVD release.

Anyone not naming VC as numero uno needs to be checked.

[Fudge]

rofl at the Jason Richardson picks. His in game dunks havent been that good
:facepalm

Not sure if serious. This mix says otherwise. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWvwCOTGGdM) All 100 of those were in-game dunks, and a lot of those are probably aesthetically more pleasing than some guys in the Top 5. One of the more cleaner windmill dunkers of all time, just right behind VC imo.

But this is all opinionized, so I cant really argue if you think so.

[Rake2204]

rofl at the Jason Richardson picks. His in game dunks havent been that goodAs many know, Richardson seemed as if he could barely dunk off one-foot. Often, it seems if there's only one type of in-game dunking a person can do, it's one-foot jamming, so I think Richardson's a little strange in that respect. As such, I think Richardson's missing some of those one-foot soaring slams we expect to see from our top dunkers.

Even with that, I think Richardson deserves consideration for his high ratio of creative-to-routine. In the open floor, he seemed as if he was always willing to go for the gusto, busting out windmills or 360s at the drop of a hat, and that goes a long way in carving out an outstanding dunker to me. Further, he's had some all-time nasty putback jams, reverses and lobs.

This video is a little dark to me, but I think it's a good reference piece: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWvwCOTGGdM

At times, Richardson was just finishing with routine one-handers where it didn't seem like he was elevating too highly. But when he had the opportunity to freestyle, he showcased all-time dunk form and execution. I find his windmills and 360's to be peerless, much cleaner and filthier than nearly all who've come through and performed the same finishes. I think that's why you'll see him earning consideration here.

[Djsonny]

NBA INGAME (based on dunking ability, creating dunks & longevity):

1. Dominique Wilkins
2. Michael Jordan
3. Lebron James
4. Julius Erving
5. Vince Carter
6. Shawn Kemp
7. David Thompson
8. Kobe Bryant
9. Tracy McGrady
10. Darryl Dawkins

NBA DUNK CONTEST (based on innovation):

1. Vince Carter
2. Dominique Wilkins
3. Michael Jordan
4. Spud Webb
5. Julius Erving
6. Jason Richardson
7. Harold Miner
8. Desmond Mason
9. Shawn Kemp
10. Nate Robinson


OVERALL:

http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/history/features/moments-1988-jordan-wilkins/jordan-nique-608.jpg




But the best PEAK overall dunker (both ingame & dunk contest) has to probably be Vince Carter, but it didnt last so long

11. I would like to add Dee Brown.

http://wannadunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/dee_brown_no_look_dunk.jpg

[FatComputerNerd]

Alonzo Gee = #1!!!

[DStebb716]

Any list with Vince Carter not at number one is immediately discredited, and its creator will be shunned to the depths of hell.

[9erempiree]

Any list without Kobe as top 3 is shameful because Kobe's one of the best if not, the best at in-game dunks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em2NR49VaKk

[Whoah10115]

Any list with Vince Carter not at number one is immediately discredited, and its creator will be shunned to the depths of hell.



What about one with Carter at #5?

[Rockets(T-mac)]

There really are only 2 number 1 possibilities, that's Carter and Nique.

My list:

Carter
Nique
Kemp
Jordan
Dr.J
Darryl Dawkins
Kobe
Griffin
J-rich
Francis

This is very hard to narrow it down, and my list could change depending on who's highlight reel I last saw. Rating dunking is pretty subjective, outside the top 2 it can go in many different orders.

[SHAQisGOAT]

people forgetting dudes like Larry Nance, Tom Chambers and most importantly Orlando Woolridge: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ-CH_dHw8Q


1. Nique
2. Carter
3. Jordan
4. Kemp
5. Dr J
6. Dawkins
7. Griffin
8. Drexler
9. Woolridge

Then in no order, Kenny Walker, McGrady, Chambers, Nance, Webb, LeBron, J-Rich, David Thompson, Steve Francis, Dee Brown, Green, Nate, Miner, J-Smoove, Pippen, Kevin Johnson, Westbrook, Wall, Stansbury, Kobe Griffith and so on....

[Whoah10115]

Oddly enough, I think Shaq deserves a shout...just because he could and did whenever...and heavy as hell.

[SHAQisGOAT]

Oddly enough, I think Shaq deserves a shout...just because he could and did whenever...and heavy as hell.

Yes he does, one of the greatest bigman dunkers

[Just2McFly]

NBA INGAME (based on dunking ability, creating dunks & longevity):

1. Dominique Wilkins
2. Michael Jordan
3. Lebron James
4. Julius Erving
5. Vince Carter
6. Shawn Kemp
7. David Thompson
8. Kobe Bryant
9. Tracy McGrady
10. Darryl Dawkins

:biggums:

How is Vince not even in your top three?

[Noob Saibot]

1. VC
2. MJ
3. Dominique Wilkins
4. Dr J.
5. Kemp
6. Clyde The Glide
7. Jason Richardson
8. LeBron
9. David Thompson
10. T-Mac

[andgar923]

No love for Eddie Jones?

While his stint was short, he was a highlight machine always explosive and dangerous.

[Segatti]

Lebron best dunker than Vinsanity? :facepalm :facepalm :facepalm

The things I have to read...

[mshahidz]

NBA INGAME (based on dunking ability, creating dunks & longevity):

1. Dominique Wilkins
2. Michael Jordan
3. Lebron James
4. Julius Erving
5. Vince Carter
6. Shawn Kemp
7. David Thompson
8. Kobe Bryant
9. Tracy McGrady
10. Darryl Dawkins
\


http://cdn.head-fi.org/6/6e/350x208px-LL-6e31098e_mind-blown-11.jpeg


Lebron...seriously? He does the same dunk over, and over, and over, and over again.

[mshahidz]

#1 Vince Carter
#2 Dominique Wilkins
#3 Michael Jordan
#4 Kobe Bryant
#5 Shawn Kemp
#6 Julius Erving
#7 Griffin
#8 Spud Webb
#9 David Thompson
#10 Clyde Drexler


Not really sure where to put griffin really...I give him importance soley based on the sheer volume of dunks he has, and how he is probably the first person since VC to bring dunking back from mediocrity. He has posterized a lot of shock blockers already.

Don't have J.Rich on my list just cause his dunks aren't clean at all, he has his legs and arms flailing all over the place when he dunks....it bothers me lol.

[Rojogaqu11]

Vince Carter
Jason Richardson
Michael Jordan
Dominique Wilkins
Kobe Bryant
Steve Francis
Lebron James
Julius Erving
Tracy McGrady
Nate Robinson

[Bird]

I really can't put them in an exact order, but the ten guys on my list:

Vince Carter
Julius Erving
David Thompson
Dominique Wilkins
Michael Jordan
Clyde Drexler
Shawn Kemp
Blake Griffin
Darryl Dawkins
Tom Chambers

Narrowly missing are Harold Minor (Baby Jordan), Eddie Jones (and I LOVED him in the 90's, I really thought he was going to be a top player for a long time), Kobe (I just don't think he is top 10 material), Charles Barkley (just for his size and ability to have that athleticism), LeBron James (same reason), Bobby Sura, Dee Brown, Kenny "Sky" Walker, John Starks (I feel like I was always seeing him dunk over some giant center in the 90's), etc.

[bergs14]

people forgetting dudes like Larry Nance, Tom Chambers and most importantly Orlando Woolridge: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ-CH_dHw8Q


1. Nique
2. Carter
3. Jordan
4. Kemp
5. Dr J
6. Dawkins
7. Griffin
8. Drexler
9. Woolridge

Then in no order, Kenny Walker, McGrady, Chambers, Nance, Webb, LeBron, J-Rich, David Thompson, Steve Francis, Dee Brown, Green, Nate, Miner, J-Smoove, Pippen, Kevin Johnson, Westbrook, Wall, Stansbury, Kobe Griffith and so on....

Good call with Woolridge.
First between the legs dunk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7ijzLPcx1I) :cheers:

[Toizumi]

I have Shaq no.1 all time.. by a fair margin.

Check 82 games. You'll find that in most seasons, about 25% of Shaq's fg's were dunks. 1 out of every 4 shot he made was a dunk :eek: He has more dunk-ons than VC and eventhough they might not be as aesthetically pleasing, they were hard as hell.

[Rake2204]

I have Shaq no.1 all time.. by a fair margin.

Check 82 games. You'll find that in most seasons, about 25% of Shaq's fg's were dunks. 1 out of every 4 shot he made was a dunk :eek: He has more dunk-ons than VC and eventhough they might not be as aesthetically pleasing, they were hard as hell.I understand where you are coming from, but my personal qualifications (and most others) differ from what you're working with. I mean, volume counts for something to me, but mostly only in terms of meeting a minimum quota. For instance, Harold Miner likely would not find a place on my list because he just wasn't around long enough to have an in-game dunking impact.

Otherwise, how much a person dunked per field goal attempt is not necessarily a sign of an all-time great dunker to me. When I think great dunkers, I think those with the greatest style, flair, ability, situational finishes, elevation, power, and versatility are the ones I value most. If I went the Shaq route, I feel like we'd have to start considering players like Otis Thorpe, Kevin Willis, David Robinson and Alonzo Mourning, guys who dunked a lot (and dunked on people) but like Shaq, mostly did not contain a lot of the other characteristics I consider when listing great dunkers (while at the same time recognizing that O'Neal's performed 360's and reverses before).


No love for Eddie Jones?

While his stint was short, he was a highlight machine always explosive and dangerous.
I ask this with respect, but do you really believe Eddie Jones is worthy of a Top Ten Dunker of All-Time slot? Or are you just saying that if we're talking about dunking, he at least deserves to be brought up in the conversation? I'd understand the latter, no so much the former. He had some nasty dunks during his career, but it was a lot of the same to me. I was impressed with a lot of what he threw out there, like his one-handers over Andrew Lang and Shawn Bradley, but beyond those, there was nothing really mind-bending about his dunks to me.

[It's A VC3!!!]

I'm pretty sure you and I have discussed dunks before and I'm thinking we probably just politely agreed to disagree, so I don't know if there's a point in me chiming in right now but... I still can't wrap my head around ranking Vince Carter 5th all-time in in-game dunks (and behind LeBron James no less), particularly when you cite ability, creating dunks, and longevity.

To start things off briefly and succinctly, I believe Carter has performed more styles of in-game dunks, in more situations, more times, in more varieties, than anyone in NBA history. He may earn this honor largely in part due to being fortunate enough to watch those who came before him and perfecting and expanding upon what they did, but it still is what it is.

The logical part of me acknowledges a very large part of dunk interpretation is just that, it's interpretative and open to a variance in opinion. Even still, placing LeBron James' dunking career over Carter's is almost offensive to me.

Well, that homer is the only person to rank LeBron ahead of Vince in this entire thread and he should honestly be banned for this fanism it's disgusting.
When you see that 99.99% of this thread has Vince at number 1 and few at number 2, it's ban worthy to put him at number 5. And lol at LeBron even being in the list. He deserves to be nowhere in the top 10. But of course this guy will find a way to put him there.

[MasterDurant24]

Jason Richardson on people's lists :roll: In game dunks aren't nearly as good as anybody else on these lists.

[Glide2keva]

How does lebron make this list?

He does the same exact dunk, every single time.

1. Vince Carter
2. Michael Jordan
3. Dominique Wilkins
4. Shawn Kemp
5. Blake Griffin
6. Dr. J.
7. Darryl Dawkins
8. Clyde Drexler
9. Tracy McGrady
10. Jason Richardson/Nate Robinson

[Rake2204]

#1 Vince Carter
#2 Dominique Wilkins
#3 Michael Jordan
#4 Kobe Bryant
#5 Shawn Kemp
#6 Julius Erving
#7 Griffin
#8 Spud Webb
#9 David Thompson
#10 Clyde Drexler


I must ask, I am fully aware of David Thompson's reputation and the stories of his leaping exploits, but I'm wondering, is there some hidden mixtape some of you guys have access to, or are you all just listing Thompson based on stories, rep, and hearsay? I feel as though I've seen footage of like, ten career David Thompson dunks. And to be very clear, that doesn't mean I don't think he was a great dunker, I was just wondering where you guys were coming from with your choices.

From the bit I've seen, I notice some pretty spectacular Thompson dunks (a couple of tip slams and a big fast break takeoff) and I know there's a pile of dunks of his I'll never see due to the lack of footage. But from what exists, I don't get any sort of feeling that'd make me want to include him as one of the top ten dunkers of all-time. For instance, if we were somehow able to compile all of Thompson's professional dunks onto one reel and we pitted that reel against, say, Dwyane Wade's clips, I don't feel like it'd even be a contest.

On the flip side, I think Julius Erving still stands the test of time. He performed a number of slams in certain situations that folks still haven't replicated today (ex: his cuff over Cooper). I'm just curious to see where you guys are coming from with DT.

[Noob Saibot]

Jason Richardson on people's lists :roll: In game dunks aren't nearly as good as anybody else on these lists.

I put him on my top 10 cuz he's one of the few nba players to win and participate in multiple dunk contest. When it comes to freestyle dunks, J-Rich is one of the best.

[Rake2204]

I put him on my top 10 cuz he's one of the few nba players to win and participate in multiple dunk contest. When it comes to freestyle dunks, J-Rich is one of the best.I have to agree with you on that one. I think part of the issue is his dunking style (and his near inability to dunk off one foot) is not conducive to allowing him to dunk with great volume throughout the latter stages of his career. As such, I think some may have forgotten a little of what he was bringing to the table in-games during his Golden State years.

I think there's a few other dunkers I've seen mentioned in this thread I'd be more likely to question before Richardson (Nate Robinson for one).

A better quality video than the one I posted earlier of Richardson's Top 100 up to 2007: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oj7-lzaZ9QA

Richardson just seemed to have that dunking "it" factor for me. Other people windmill, other people 360 and other people double pump reverse off two feet, but outside of Dominique Wilkins and Vince Carter, no one seems to be able to do it quite like Jason Richardson.

[hangintheair]

1. Vince Carter
2. Dominique Wilkins
3. Kobe Bryant
4. Michael Jordan
5. Shawn Kemp
6. Blake Griffin
7. Tracy Mcgrady
8. Clyde Drexler
9. Josh Smith
10. Wilt Chamberlain coz he dunks when shooting from free throw line..

[Toizumi]

I understand where you are coming from, but my personal qualifications (and most others) differ from what you're working with. I mean, volume counts for something to me, but mostly only in terms of meeting a minimum quota. For instance, Harold Miner likely would not find a place on my list because he just wasn't around long enough to have an in-game dunking impact.

Otherwise, how much a person dunked per field goal attempt is not necessarily a sign of an all-time great dunker to me. When I think great dunkers, I think those with the greatest style, flair, ability, situational finishes, elevation, power, and versatility are the ones I value most. If I went the Shaq route, I feel like we'd have to start considering players like Otis Thorpe, Kevin Willis, David Robinson and Alonzo Mourning, guys who dunked a lot (and dunked on people) but like Shaq, mostly did not contain a lot of the other characteristics I consider when listing great dunkers (while at the same time recognizing that O'Neal's performed 360's and reverses before).


I agree. Both quantity and quality taken into the equation. Dwight Howard has been the leader in dunks for the past few years, but he is nowhere near the top for me. Shaq however, did not just dunk a lot, he threw down a lot of nasty ones as well. The man was murderous. Carter has the best personal highlight real of all time in my opinion, but Shaq's is more than great as well. Take into account that he dunked much much more than Carter and he takes the top spot in my list, followed by Carter.

[mshahidz]

I must ask, I am fully aware of David Thompson's reputation and the stories of his leaping exploits, but I'm wondering, is there some hidden mixtape some of you guys have access to, or are you all just listing Thompson based on stories, rep, and hearsay? I feel as though I've seen footage of like, ten career David Thompson dunks. And to be very clear, that doesn't mean I don't think he was a great dunker, I was just wondering where you guys were coming from with your choices.

From the bit I've seen, I notice some pretty spectacular Thompson dunks (a couple of tip slams and a big fast break takeoff) and I know there's a pile of dunks of his I'll never see due to the lack of footage. But from what exists, I don't get any sort of feeling that'd make me want to include him as one of the top ten dunkers of all-time. For instance, if we were somehow able to compile all of Thompson's professional dunks onto one reel and we pitted that reel against, say, Dwyane Wade's clips, I don't feel like it'd even be a contest.

On the flip side, I think Julius Erving still stands the test of time. He performed a number of slams in certain situations that folks still haven't replicated today (ex: his cuff over Cooper). I'm just curious to see where you guys are coming from with DT.


Dr.J was the first guy to give the appearance of hang time and "gliding" int he air. He was buttery smooth....after that came Thompson who really made verticals a something of importance. If I'm not mistake, he was one of the first guys doing reverse dunks, put backs on the regular, and he's also the same guy who people rumoured to have touched the top of the backboard. In addition, i think he defied the "no dunking" rules in college ball which started the movement to allow dunking.
I tried to stay as non bias as possible basing a lot of it on importance to the game too....or else all the greatest dunkers would be the ones I've seen only.

[andremiller07]

Kinda suprised only 1 other person said Steve Francis I think hed right up there in the top 10.

[Rake2204]

I agree. Both quantity and quality taken into the equation. Dwight Howard has been the leader in dunks for the past few years, but he is nowhere near the top for me. Shaq however, did not just dunk a lot, he threw down a lot of nasty ones as well. The man was murderous. Carter has the best personal highlight real of all time in my opinion, but Shaq's is more than great as well. Take into account that he dunked much much more than Carter and he takes the top spot in my list, followed by Carter.I respect your angle, though I do not ultimately agree. For me, the majority of O'Neal's slams were all of the same ilk: one hand power punch or two hand power punch, both often via dropstep or close two-foot takeoff. And that's surely not to say they weren't impressive (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyGTLGKcSkI), it was just a lot of the same.

Further, I recognize O'Neal dunked on a lot of folks, but those slams didn't always seem to contain the same amount of otherworldly athletic prowess because, if we're honest, O'Neal was bigger than 99% of the players he competed against. His crushes would still wow me a lot of times (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaJrg2iwzvo) but it didn't seem to take a lot for the 7'1'' 300+ pound beast to make it happen. As such, Shaq posterizing Alonzo Mourning doesn't always have the same effect on me as when, say, Grant Hill makes it happen.

I also think I just place a heavier value on style, innovation, situation, and versatility than I do frequency and good versions of routine slams.


Dr.J was the first guy to give the appearance of hang time and "gliding" int he air. He was buttery smooth....after that came Thompson who really made verticals a something of importance. If I'm not mistake, he was one of the first guys doing reverse dunks, put backs on the regular, and he's also the same guy who people rumoured to have touched the top of the backboard. In addition, i think he defied the "no dunking" rules in college ball which started the movement to allow dunking.
I tried to stay as non bias as possible basing a lot of it on importance to the game too....or else all the greatest dunkers would be the ones I've seen only.Yeah, I feel where you're coming from. I've read about David Thompson for many years and I hear stories about how people were blown away by his jumping ability. I've just never really been able to see any clips of his that made me step back and say, "Wow, he's got to be one of the 10 best of all-time." That doesn't mean he wasn't outstanding, he just didn't jump out at me, so to speak. Even in the dunk contest, when taking the origins of creativity into account, the slams Thompson put down didn't look athletically outstanding. That's why I was wondering if those who listed him were doing so as a "respect" sort of thing and merely going off the stories they heard.