SI's Top 10 Dunk Contest Dunks

[Rake2204]

This is not going to go over well...

http://nba.si.com/2013/02/14/michael-jordan-nba-slam-dunk-contest-best-vince-carter-dwight-howard/#

10. J.R. Rider's Between-the-Legs
9. Dwight Howard's Backboard Tap Pass
8. Dee Brown's No Look
7. Jason Richardson's Bounce Between-the-legs Reverse
6. Michael Jordan Sideways Windmill
5. Vince Carter's cuff clockwise 360 windmill
4. Gerald Green's Cupcake
3. Dwight Howard's Superman
2. Vince Carter's Elbow
1. Michael Jordan's Free Throw

Also, SI's Five Worst NBA Dunk Contests: http://nba.si.com/2013/02/12/nba-slam-dunk-contest-worst-kobe-bryant-nate-robinson/#

5. 2005 (Winner: Josh Smith)
4. 1996 (Brent Barry)
3. 2004 (Fred Jones)
2. 2010 (Nate Robinson)
1. 1997 (Kobe Bryant)

And SI's Top Ten Best NBA Dunk Contests: http://nba.si.com/2013/02/13/nba-slam-dunk-contest-michael-jordan-vince-carter-dwight-howard/

[RoboticWang]

1. MJ :facepalm

http://www.pngfaces.com/images/joomgallery/thumbnails/by_emotion_28/desire_7/nba-vince_carter-desire_20120419_1745064603.png

[Rake2204]

I personally have a strong disagreement with Vince Carter's cuffed, clockwise 360 windmill being anywhere outside of the top 2 NBA contest dunks of all-time, let alone falling behind Gerald Green's Cupcake dunk and Dwight Howard's Superman.

I'd also select Jason Richardson's off-the-backboard between-the-legs dunk over his awesome-but-kinda-ulgy bounch reverse between-the-legs. I might even prefer his windmill and two-hand, reverse bounce windmill from the 2002 contest.

I also feel as if there had to have been at least one of Dominique Wilkins' dunks that'd register on this list. He wasn't even in the honorable mentions (though Blake Griffin's Car Dunk is present).

[CeltsGarlic]

Not a fan of cupcake but dho superman is in the top 10.
I really like this 360 by Jomario.
j.moon 360 alley (http://youtu.be/Jrp-VRA6Cpo?t=19s)

Iggy and Iverson off the backboard is also underrated.

[gasolina]

I personally have a strong disagreement with Vince Carter's cuffed, clockwise 360 windmill being anywhere outside of the top 2 NBA contest dunks of all-time, let alone falling behind Gerald Green's Cupcake dunk and Dwight Howard's Superman.

I'd also select Jason Richardson's off-the-backboard between-the-legs dunk over his awesome-but-kinda-ulgy bounch reverse between-the-legs. I might even prefer his windmill and two-hand, reverse bounce windmill from the 2002 contest.

I also feel as if there had to have been at least one of Dominique Wilkins' dunks that'd register on this list. He wasn't even in the honorable mentions (though Blake Griffin's Car Dunk is present).
Agreed. VC's clockwise 360 windmill and MJ's sideways windmill should be battling #1 and #2.

The problem with JRich's dunks is that they weren't strong enough

[Rake2204]

Regarding the Five Worst Dunk Contests of All-Time, I've got two I feel belong on the list: 2012 (Last year's debacle) and 2002 (The Wheel). I actually kind of liked the 1996 and 1997 dunk contests and I certainly do not believe '97 was worse than 12's. I might remove those two and replace them with '02 and '12.

And outside of '04's terrible finish, I didn't find that contest to be too terrible either. Andersen performed well. Ricky Davis was solid. Fred Jones had at least one good dunk. And Jason Richardson pulled off an all-timer (the off-the-backboard, between-the-legs crush).


Agreed. VC's clockwise 360 windmill and MJ's sideways windmill should be battling #1 and #2.

The problem with JRich's dunks is that they weren't strong enoughI thought Richardson's dunks were strong. I mean, I didn't think they were ungodly powerful, but I thought they passed the threshold of what's deemed acceptable in that regard. But I respect your views there. Even then, I did not feel the dunk of his they included in that top ten list was his best competition dunk.

[alenleomessi]

blake griffin first dunk in 2011 was better than half of those on the list

[Rake2204]

blake griffin first dunk in 2011 was better than half of those on the listI disagree. I thought it would have been an all-time dunk if he'd finished his original attempt where he brought it down to his waist.

http://www.tremendousupsidepotential.com/img/blake-griffin-missed-dunk.gif

Instead, his final product looked a little more pedestrian:

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5wfntIAe51rymxgso1_400.gif

Still great, but not all-time great to me.

[CeltsGarlic]

his second is not even great. Its good at best. ~46 .

[Rake2204]

his second is not even great. Its good at best. ~46 .True. I just meant I still liked it, but it wasn't an all-timer.

[bergs14]

How J-Rich's between-legs-off-glass is not even top is a joke. That had me literally jump out of my seat. In that same contest, he attempted a 360-honey dip (elbow in ring) which almost went down, which would have been godlike. I, personally, have Vince Carter, Jordans and Richardsons contests as 1,2,3.

[alenleomessi]

while i agree with you on the griffin dunk that is not an all time great... well i guess depends how do you define all time great... if its about originality then yeah most of the dunks on that list are original... as in how tough is it to make them... then absolutely not, 7 or 8 of them can be done by pretty much any above average dunker right now, while the same cant be said for that griffin dunk...
jordan, wilkins, drj, carter, jrich... those were the real dunks... no gimmicks

[CeltsGarlic]

Desmond mason also was a real dunker. Never did something crazy creative but had great style , power and finesse.

[memetherapy]

If you could choose 6 dunk contest contestants in their dunking prime, who would it be?

[IGotACoolStory]

J Rich's bounce, between the legs, reverse is #1. That is a preposterously difficult and unique dunk. Exactly what the dunk contest is about... Not that gimmick crap like jumping over a kia or putting on a superman cape.

#2 I think I would go with Carter's 360 windmill.

#3 I am fine with MJ's free throw dunk here, since it's probably the most iconic dunk ever performed at the dunk contest.

#4 would be MJ's leaning dunk.


And where the **** is J Rich's off the backboard between the legs? :facepalm

I agree with Rake's on that one Blake dunk. The first attempt would have been an all-timer. By the time he finally hit the dunk it was just a normal 360...

[ProfessorMurder]

F*ck, Brent Barry in 1996 was awesome. Dude kept his warm up jersey on, his free throw line dunk was amazing.

Darvin Ham was ripped off big time in 1997.


Dwight Howard blows, especially the non-dunk Superman cape shit.

[StroShow4]

Whole list sucks, but "Superman" >> VC 360? Come on now. :oldlol: :roll:


Also, this has been mentioned, but J-Rich off-glass between the legs needs to be on the list. Shit, I might even argue that it could be #1.

[StroShow4]

[QUOTE=the article]Sorry, purists: Don

[Noob Saibot]

Damn, Sports Illustrated needs their eyes re-examined. All of these lists are garbage. VC and J-Rich are underrated, while Blake Griffin and Dwight Howard are getting overrated!

[Suckafree]

2005 Dunk comp was great!

J.R Behind the back
Amare with the Between the legs reverse and the Steve Nash 'header' assist 360 thing.
Then Josh smith with the windmill over K-Mart.

[Rake2204]

well i guess depends how do you define all time great... if its about originality then yeah most of the dunks on that list are original... as in how tough is it to make them... then absolutely not, 7 or 8 of them can be done by pretty much any above average dunker right now, while the same cant be said for that griffin dunk...
jordan, wilkins, drj, carter, jrich... those were the real dunks... no gimmicksI think originality has to play at least a little bit of a role when ranking dunk contest dunks. Of course, style and difficulty must also play big parts. The reasoning behind the importance of originality is in part to account for how the dunk was initially received when it was first completed.

For instance, if a player emulated Vince Carter's honey dip this year exactly as he did it, how might it be received? I feel like we'd peer at one another thinking, "That's it?" However, at the time, when we had not even fathomed such a slam in our imaginations, it was mind-blowing to witness (remember how the crowd didn't really cheer until they watched the replay to confirm their suspicions of what'd just happened?) It was a spectacular dunk and a spectacular moment.

On the flip side, I've never been a huge fan of Dee Brown's no-look dunk. I feel like "the moment" may have provided a little too much propulsion to his legend - pumping up his shoes and whatnot.

All that said, I disagree that any above average dunker can complete every dunk on that list. I also disagree with the notion that the majority of dunks on that list are easier to truly replicate than Blake Griffin's final 360 product. It was a difficult dunk, and it'd provide a problem to small guards and two-foot dunkers who cannot palm a ball or jump off one foot (Francis, Richardson, Wilkins) but it didn't strike me as a dunk residing on a different difficulty plane than the slams mentioned.


J Rich's bounce, between the legs, reverse is #1. That is a preposterously difficult and unique dunk. Exactly what the dunk contest is aboutI respectfully disagree. I personally believe dunking the ball between-the-legs after throwing it off the backboard would be much more difficult than a self-alley off the bounce. Lobbing and bouncing the rock tends to provide players with a little more time to prepare, especially when it's a self-pass (as opposed to a teammate pass). Also, not having the ball in one's hands for such an extended period of time allows for the freedom of approaching, planting, and leaping exactly when you want.

On a backboard toss, the process is pretty much in motion as the toss is happening. The ball's not floating in its dunk zone as long and it's pretty much an insane bang-bang play to be able to make the toss then still be able to throw it between the legs on the catch.

Also, to be a complete stickler, I thought Richardson's bounce between-the-legs was a little ugly. And, when discussing the greatest dunk contest dunks of all-time (particularly when considering one slam for the top spot) I think those dunks better appear just about perfect. In this case, J-Rich's dunk was outstanding, but it also looked a little awkward, lacked in power, and did not go down cleanly.

In contrast, I found Vince Carter's cuffed, clockwise 360 windmill to be just about as perfect as a dunk can get. I don't know if that makes it number one on the list but in all the areas I'd nick Richardson's bounce dunk, Carter's slam excels. In fact, in those same areas, Richardson's backboard slam excels (although I guess it could have gone down slightly stronger).

[StroShow4]

I don't think anyone has mentioned Iguodala in '06 yet. A couple of his dunks probably deserve consideration. That one where Iverson bounced it off the back of the glass, and then the self-alley behind-the-back. From a degree of difficulty standpoint, those are tough to beat.

[Noob Saibot]

I don't think anyone has mentioned Iguodala in '06 yet. A couple of his dunks probably deserve consideration. That one where Iverson bounced it off the back of the glass, and then the self-alley behind-the-back. From a degree of difficulty standpoint, those are tough to beat.

oh yeah. Iggy was robbed. Derozan was robbed. Steve Francis was underrated and TMac, 360 pump dunk off the bounce. :bowdown:

[Glide2keva]

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ve9o8gyUYLM J-Rich Off the glass, between the legs

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhZs9vDflzc J.R. Smith Behind The Back

3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oHGL7vBLGM V.C. 360 Windmill

4.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUaWZEiOL0U Demar Derozan - The Show Stopper (Dude got robbed)

5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq11VVkdPZU Jordan Kiss The Rim

6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NpPtKRLuq0 Larry Johnson The Original 360 windmill 32:07 of this video.

7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWcR0N4iGSk Darvin Ham - Touch The Glass 360

8. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYOW9VvmoYk Harold Miner - 180 cuff windmill

9. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6z9-l4hnMM AI to AI - Behind The Glass Dunk

10. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y5yb_u3OFw Amare - Off Steve Nash's Head

These were probably the prettiest dunks that I've ever seen in a dunk contest. Feel free to disagree with my list.

[Rockets(T-mac)]

People still acting like he did it on purpose. It's one thing to do that in a game, when you're getting fouled... but THE MAN DIDN'T JUMP FAR ENOUGH. :oldlol: :roll:
This. It was a nice, but not better than Carter's 360.

[IGotACoolStory]

oh yeah. Iggy was robbed. Derozan was robbed. Steve Francis was underrated and TMac, 360 pump dunk off the bounce. :bowdown:

Yeah, the 2000 dunk contest was great because not only did VC give a near perfect performance, but TMac and Francis showed up with really good performances as well.



I respectfully disagree. I personally believe dunking the ball between-the-legs after throwing it off the backboard would be much more difficult than a self-alley off the bounce. Lobbing and bouncing the rock tends to provide players with a little more time to prepare, especially when it's a self-pass (as opposed to a teammate pass). Also, not having the ball in one's hands for such an extended period of time allows for the freedom of approaching, planting, and leaping exactly when you want.

On a backboard toss, the process is pretty much in motion as the toss is happening. The ball's not floating in its dunk zone as long and it's pretty much an insane bang-bang play to be able to make the toss then still be able to throw it between the legs on the catch.

Also, to be a complete stickler, I thought Richardson's bounce between-the-legs was a little ugly. And, when discussing the greatest dunk contest dunks of all-time (particularly when considering one slam for the top spot) I think those dunks better appear just about perfect. In this case, J-Rich's dunk was outstanding, but it also looked a little awkward, lacked in power, and did not go down cleanly.

In contrast, I found Vince Carter's cuffed, clockwise 360 windmill to be just about as perfect as a dunk can get. I don't know if that makes it number one on the list but in all the areas I'd nick Richardson's bounce dunk, Carter's slam excels. In fact, in those same areas, Richardson's backboard slam excels (although I guess it could have gone down slightly stronger).

You will get no arguments from me on Carter's 360 windmill. It is the single best looking dunk I've ever seen. Basketball porn, if you will.

Meh, we can argue the semantics of the dunk. To me the reasons why Richardson's final dunk in 2003 ranks at the very top is twofold:

1) The moment and situation.
Desmond Mason was a terrific dunker and those two went at it all throughout the competition. It was definitely one of the best battles in a dunk contest, up there with Dominique and MJ. It came down to the final dunk, he needed like a 49 or 50 to win, and Richardson completed it on his very first try (something important to me). For the same reason why I'll take a clean jumper to win a game in the Finals over some ridiculous move and circus shot to win a regular season game, I like this dunk.

2) The dunk itself was just about as far as creativity should be allowed in a dunk contest.
Self alley? Done before. From the base line? Nothing new. Between the legs? Solid, maybe good, is all. But he combined everything with the added difficulty of going between the legs reverse. He literally picked parts of the greatest dunks ever, joined them, added a little of his own flavor, and that treasure emerged.

There was so much going on in the dunk that it almost felt like he made up what he was going to do after his jump in the first viewing, yet it still came off simple --in a good way. Like a good painting, from afar you see a beautiful picture and that's great and all. Then when you look up close (the replay), you can see the true intention of every little brush stroke and only then do you realize what a masterpiece it is.

I do agree that it could have been cleaner and/or stronger to some extent. However, considering the level of difficulty pertaining in that dunk, it really couldn't have been much better unless he can jump higher. Which, imo, would take a little away from the dunk.

[Rake2204]

Yeah, the 2000 dunk contest was great because not only did VC give a near perfect performance, but TMac and Francis showed up with really good performances as well.




You will get no arguments from me on Carter's 360 windmill. It is the single best looking dunk I've ever seen. Basketball porn, if you will.

Meh, we can argue the semantics of the dunk. To me the reasons why Richardson's final dunk in 2003 ranks at the very top is twofold:

1) The moment and situation.
Desmond Mason was a terrific dunker and those two went at it all throughout the competition. It was definitely one of the best battles in a dunk contest, up there with Dominique and MJ. It came down to the final dunk, he needed like a 49 or 50 to win, and Richardson completed it on his very first try (something important to me). For the same reason why I'll take a clean jumper to win a game in the Finals over some ridiculous move and circus shot to win a regular season game, I like this dunk.

2) The dunk itself was just about as far as creativity should be allowed in a dunk contest.
Self alley? Done before. From the base line? Nothing new. Between the legs? Solid, maybe good, is all. But he combined everything with the added difficulty of going between the legs reverse. He literally picked parts of the greatest dunks ever, joined them, and that treasure emerged.

There was so much going on in the dunk that it almost felt like he made up what he was going to do after his jump in the first viewing, yet it still came off simple --in a good way. Like a good painting, from afar you see a beautiful picture and that's great and all. Then when you look up close (the replay), you can see the true intention of every little brush stroke and only then do you realize what a masterpiece it is.

I do agree that it could have been cleaner and/or stronger to some extent. However, considering the level of difficulty pertaining in that dunk, it really couldn't have been much better unless he can jump higher. Which, imo, would take a little away from the dunk.Good stuff. I agree with some things (loved that battle between Richardson and Mason) and still do not entirely agree with other things, but I respect it. It was a great dunk all the same.

[NBA4EVER]

no love?

http://basketball-basic.com/wp-content/uploads/nate-robinson.jpg

[plowking]

J Rich and VC should have 4 of the top 5. With MJ sneaking in with his free throw line at 4th or 5th somewhere.

But c'mon. The between the legs off the backboard was the sickest dunk of all time in the dunk contest. Its not close.

[Glide2keva]

no love?

http://basketball-basic.com/wp-content/uploads/nate-robinson.jpg
No. Because it sucked.

[Glide2keva]

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ve9o8gyUYLM J-Rich Off the glass, between the legs

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhZs9vDflzc J.R. Smith Behind The Back

3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oHGL7vBLGM V.C. 360 Windmill

4.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUaWZEiOL0U Demar Derozan - The Show Stopper (Dude got robbed)

5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq11VVkdPZU Jordan Kiss The Rim

6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NpPtKRLuq0 Larry Johnson The Original 360 windmill 32:07 of this video.

7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWcR0N4iGSk Darvin Ham - Touch The Glass 360

8. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYOW9VvmoYk Harold Miner - 180 cuff windmill

9. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6z9-l4hnMM AI to AI - Behind The Glass Dunk

10. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y5yb_u3OFw Amare - Off Steve Nash's Head

These were probably the prettiest dunks that I've ever seen in a dunk contest. Feel free to disagree with my list.

No love for this list? I think it's pretty solid.

[Rake2204]

No love for this list? I think it's pretty solid.I thought it was a good and fun list. I don't agree with it, but it was fun. I think a lot of it comes down to what markers we're using to measure "best" dunks. For instance, it sort of complicates things, but I still think the effect given dunks had on crowds, judges, and viewers at the time may still be at least a small part of the equation. With that in mind, it's kind of tough to exclude, say, the soaring Jordan free throw line dunk.

On the flip side, I've never been a huge fan of Jordan's side windmill (aka his Kiss the Rim dunk). I always kind of thought the legendary status of that slam was created by excellent camera work more than by the outstanding nature of the dunk itself. That low angle sideline view that's thrown into super slow motion at just the right time make Jordan look like he's floating higher and longer than he truly was. It was a fun dunk, but I feel we're more in love with a camera effect than we are the dunk itself.

I also feel J.R. Smith's dunk is not exactly top three worthy because the shock factor was basically at 0 after his numerous attempts to put it down prior. And even then, the final dunk was awesome, but not perfect by any means.

I also really like DeMar DeRozan's dunk in slow motion (and regular motion for that matter) but his slams always seemed to be lacking something to me. This is my favorite dunk of his but still, in regular motion, he nails it, but the flavor seems moderate. I really like it, but I can't see myself labeling it as one of the top four dunk contest dunks of all time.

I like all 10 of the dunks you picked. But if I were to be a stickler, as you can tell so far, I have issue with some of them. Darvin Ham is another example. It wasn't super clean and I get the feeling even Ham would admit he didn't perform that dunk exactly as he wanted to.

Amar'e Stoudemire's dunk was fun and I was entertained, but it is more or less a dunk he could perform in his sleep. I may have even liked his All-Star Game version better: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp164npRuxE

It feels ridiculous to talk down any of those slams because again, I'm a fan of each of them, but if we're talking Top Ten of all-time, those are some of my issues I'd have with those picks.

[ProfessorMurder]

I actually think one of the main problems with the dunk contest is that they f*cking change the rules EVERY YEAR. Just keep it consistent. I mean in 94 or 95 one of the players didn't even know about the rule changes until they told him he f*cked up.


6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NpPtKRLuq0 Larry Johnson The Original 360 windmill 32:07 of this video.

7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWcR0N4iGSk Darvin Ham - Touch The Glass 360

I think LJ's bounce off the ground, off the backboard dunk was as good if not better than the 360. He thew down some good dunks until the final round when he missed.

Again, Ham was ripped off. Dude didn't even get out of the first round in that contest. Given that wasn't super clean, but he was clearly the best or second best in that round.

[Overdrive]

I think both Shawn Kemp and Larry Johnson were robbed by two stupid gimmick dunks and Dee Brown doesn't deserve to be on that list.

[ProfessorMurder]

I think both Shawn Kemp and Larry Johnson were robbed by two stupid gimmick dunks and Dee Brown doesn't deserve to be on that list.

Yeah the Dee Brown and Ceballos blindfold shit was super weak.

[Glide2keva]

I thought it was a good and fun list. I don't agree with it, but it was fun. I think a lot of it comes down to what markers we're using to measure "best" dunks. For instance, it sort of complicates things, but I still think the effect given dunks had on crowds, judges, and viewers at the time may still be at least a small part of the equation. With that in mind, it's kind of tough to exclude, say, the soaring Jordan free throw line dunk.I can understand that part. I took it into account.


On the flip side, I've never been a huge fan of Jordan's side windmill (aka his Kiss the Rim dunk). I always kind of thought the legendary status of that slam was created by excellent camera work more than by the outstanding nature of the dunk itself. That low angle sideline view that's thrown into super slow motion at just the right time make Jordan look like he's floating higher and longer than he truly was. It was a fun dunk, but I feel we're more in love with a camera effect than we are the dunk itself.I can understand how you would feel that. I agree to a degree. The slow motion side view makes it epic, but then it shows off the beauty of the dunk.


I also feel J.R. Smith's dunk is not exactly top three worthy because the shock factor was basically at 0 after his numerous attempts to put it down prior. And even then, the final dunk was awesome, but not perfect by any means.I definitely feel you on this, but judging the dunk standing alone, it was awesome. It had never been done before. That factored in to me.


I also really like DeMar DeRozan's dunk in slow motion (and regular motion for that matter) but his slams always seemed to be lacking something to me. This is my favorite dunk of his but still, in regular motion, he nails it, but the flavor seems moderate. I really like it, but I can't see myself labeling it as one of the top four dunk contest dunks of all time.This is just one of my favorite dunks of all time. He got robbed by Kia and gimmicks. Blake's misses were better than his makes and Demar just put on a show.


I like all 10 of the dunks you picked. But if I were to be a stickler, as you can tell so far, I have issue with some of them. Darvin Ham is another example. It wasn't super clean and I get the feeling even Ham would admit he didn't perform that dunk exactly as he wanted to.He had some good makes and that third one was nice. It's an underrated dunk.


Amar'e Stoudemire's dunk was fun and I was entertained, but it is more or less a dunk he could perform in his sleep. I may have even liked his All-Star Game version better: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp164npRuxEThis was a fun dunk for me. I wanted to include Dominique, but all he ever did was the same windmill dunk every single time.


It feels ridiculous to talk down any of those slams because again, I'm a fan of each of them, but if we're talking Top Ten of all-time, those are some of my issues I'd have with those picks.That's fine. I want the disagreement because that gets conversation going. Thanks for your input.

[Freedom Kid7]

This is not going to go over well...

http://nba.si.com/2013/02/14/michael-jordan-nba-slam-dunk-contest-best-vince-carter-dwight-howard/#

10. J.R. Rider's Between-the-Legs
9. Dwight Howard's Backboard Tap Pass
8. Dee Brown's No Look
7. Jason Richardson's Bounce Between-the-legs Reverse
6. Michael Jordan Sideways Windmill
5. Vince Carter's cuff clockwise 360 windmill
4. Gerald Green's Cupcake
3. Dwight Howard's Superman
2. Vince Carter's Elbow
1. Michael Jordan's Free Throw




3. Dwight Howard's Superman


http://www.reactionface.info/sites/default/files/images/1310497097772.gif

It's not that surprising they'd pick MJ over Carter (I'd disagree, but whatever). But picking Dwight's "olol I have a cape" dunk over the legendary 360 windmill? No. No. That's not right

[kaiteng]

My #1 dunk is J-Rich's either reverse tweener or off-the-board tweener.

Also, Superman Dunk is not overrated. It is entertaining and visually incredible.

[ProfessorMurder]

Also, Superman Dunk is not overrated. It is entertaining and visually incredible.

I really like the visual of him not dunking the ball.

[Big#50]

Nique is numero uno. Dude had finesse and power like no other.

[kaiteng]

I really like the visual of him not dunking the ball.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Pb8w6GtaZw/TuZx1aivFBI/AAAAAAAAAIo/kD6EgBQPkG4/s1600/not_this_shit_again3.jpg

[Glide2keva]

Nique is numero uno. Dude had finesse and power like no other.
He did the same dunk over and over again. It was one variation it and that was one hand or two hands.

That's it.

[Burgz V2]

no.1 should be VC's 360 windmill. his between the legs off the bounce should be in the top 10 too, he was the first guy to do it in a dunk contest off two feet, and dudes head was on the rim despite having to put the ball between his legs. come on SI stop the madness

[Myth]

That list is awful. J-Rich should have some higher dunks in that. Vince's elbow dunk is only his 2nd best dunk from that contest. Dwight's Superman was not better than his tap off the glass. So many things wrong with the list.

[Burgz V2]

I thought it was a good and fun list. I don't agree with it, but it was fun. I think a lot of it comes down to what markers we're using to measure "best" dunks. For instance, it sort of complicates things, but I still think the effect given dunks had on crowds, judges, and viewers at the time may still be at least a small part of the equation. With that in mind, it's kind of tough to exclude, say, the soaring Jordan free throw line dunk.

On the flip side, I've never been a huge fan of Jordan's side windmill (aka his Kiss the Rim dunk). I always kind of thought the legendary status of that slam was created by excellent camera work more than by the outstanding nature of the dunk itself. That low angle sideline view that's thrown into super slow motion at just the right time make Jordan look like he's floating higher and longer than he truly was. It was a fun dunk, but I feel we're more in love with a camera effect than we are the dunk itself.

I also feel J.R. Smith's dunk is not exactly top three worthy because the shock factor was basically at 0 after his numerous attempts to put it down prior. And even then, the final dunk was awesome, but not perfect by any means.

I also really like DeMar DeRozan's dunk in slow motion (and regular motion for that matter) but his slams always seemed to be lacking something to me. This is my favorite dunk of his but still, in regular motion, he nails it, but the flavor seems moderate. I really like it, but I can't see myself labeling it as one of the top four dunk contest dunks of all time.

I like all 10 of the dunks you picked. But if I were to be a stickler, as you can tell so far, I have issue with some of them. Darvin Ham is another example. It wasn't super clean and I get the feeling even Ham would admit he didn't perform that dunk exactly as he wanted to.

Amar'e Stoudemire's dunk was fun and I was entertained, but it is more or less a dunk he could perform in his sleep. I may have even liked his All-Star Game version better: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp164npRuxE

It feels ridiculous to talk down any of those slams because again, I'm a fan of each of them, but if we're talking Top Ten of all-time, those are some of my issues I'd have with those picks.

Rake you're a good poster but you gotta learn how to summarize. I wanna read, but its too damn long :oldlol:

[Rake2204]

Rake you're a good poster but you gotta learn how to summarize. I wanna read, but its too damn long :oldlol:Ha, noted. I can see I have to chill that out a little. My bad.

[Rake2204]

Currently watching All-Star Weekend 2006, made me think of this list. Still ridiculous.

[kNicKz]

The worst attempt I've ever seen was Chris Andersen, surprisingly...all of those crazy in game dunks and he couldn't make any of his dunks in the contest

[tmacattack33]

This is not going to go over well...

http://nba.si.com/2013/02/14/michael-jordan-nba-slam-dunk-contest-best-vince-carter-dwight-howard/#

10. J.R. Rider's Between-the-Legs
9. Dwight Howard's Backboard Tap Pass
8. Dee Brown's No Look
7. Jason Richardson's Bounce Between-the-legs Reverse
6. Michael Jordan Sideways Windmill
5. Vince Carter's cuff clockwise 360 windmill
4. Gerald Green's Cupcake
3. Dwight Howard's Superman
2. Vince Carter's Elbow
1. Michael Jordan's Free Throw

Also, SI's Five Worst NBA Dunk Contests: http://nba.si.com/2013/02/12/nba-slam-dunk-contest-worst-kobe-bryant-nate-robinson/#

5. 2005 (Winner: Josh Smith)
4. 1996 (Brent Barry)
3. 2004 (Fred Jones)
2. 2010 (Nate Robinson)
1. 1997 (Kobe Bryant)

And SI's Top Ten Best NBA Dunk Contests: http://nba.si.com/2013/02/13/nba-slam-dunk-contest-michael-jordan-vince-carter-dwight-howard/


:roll:

[bdreason]

First two that came to mind were the J Rich and V Carter dunks.

[Rake2204]

The worst attempt I've ever seen was Chris Andersen, surprisingly...all of those crazy in game dunks and he couldn't make any of his dunks in the contestHe actually had a good showing in his first contest in 2004 and I thought he was kind of robbed by the judges: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acQEe43UznI

In 2005, I think he just bit off a little more than he could chew. My thought is he wanted to throw that alley from half court then dunk from the free throw line. That would have been unprecedented. Alas, turns out there's a reason no one's done it before.

[andgar923]

Harold should've been there somewhere, eastbay funk should be ranked higher, no way is the cupcake nor Dwight on that list, where's Nique?

To be honest Kenny Smith's between the legs behind the back dunk >>> some of the dunks listed here if we want to give creativity and gimmickry so much weight.

[Rake2204]

Interesting to see the contrast between Chris Andersen's 2005 reception and Nate Robinson's 2006 reception. In 2005 Andersen was continuously the butt of all jokes for taking so many attempts. Then Robinson takes 14 shots at his final jam in '06 and he's lauded by the TNT crew for being strong enough mentally and physically to stick with it until he put one down.

[SamuraiSWISH]

Interesting to see the contrast between Chris Andersen's 2005 reception and Nate Robinson's 2006 reception. In 2005 Andersen was continuously the butt of all jokes for taking so many attempts. Then Robinson takes 14 shots at his final jam in '06 and he's lauded by the TNT crew for being strong enough mentally and physically to stick with it until he put one down.
Ummm ... significant size difference? Small arms, and he's a midget (5'8 generous listing) ... that takes ABSURD athleticism and stamina. Chris Anderson is like 6'9 or 6'10.

[Rake2204]

Ummm ... significant size difference? Small arms, and he's a midget (5'8 generous listing) ... that takes ABSURD athleticism and stamina. Chris Anderson is like 6'9 or 6'10.To be fair, Andersen was running from half court and attempting to jump from the free throw line (or just a touch inside) with each of his attempts. Regardless of size, that's also going to take a bit of athleticism and stamina. It was not as if he was just botching a routine flush. His dunk idea was a little nuts.

[SamuraiSWISH]

To be fair, Andersen was running from half court and attempting to jump from the free throw line (or just a touch inside) with each of his attempts. Regardless of size, that's also going to take a bit of athleticism and stamina. It was not as if he was just botching a routine flush. His dunk idea was a little nuts.
I understand, but c'mon bud. We're talking about a guy who is basically 5'6 in a dunk contest. Apples and oranges in terms of athleticism, and stamina.

[Rake2204]

I understand, but c'mon bud. We're talking about a guy who is basically 5'6 in a dunk contest. Apples and oranges in terms of athleticism, and stamina.True enough. I admit Robinson's subsequent appearances in the dunk contest sort of soured me on his dunk contest career. There was still a lot of novelty to his appearance in '06 (his first contest) and his first dunk and the Webb finish were fresh. His others jams were good too, but all those misses....

You're right though, the crowd just wanted him to succeed that year. I was taken aback by what he could do - I just wish he could have pulled it off quicker.

[memetherapy]

10. Shawn Kemp's weird ass bendy dunk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9R1zefWDIvU
9.T-Mac's 360 pump alleyoop http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSClXyL4Eno
8.Dwight's tap dunk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wci00tn7OBA
7. Vince's between the legs alleyoop http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kro3Caums2c
6. Desmond Mason's super clean between the legs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1JgOTyhmRw
5.MJ's FT line dunk...this one in particular http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH9PX6xIohU
4. Terrence Ross's 360 behind the back http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKgrEQErmeU
3. J-Rich's two-handed reverse alleyoop windmill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x175FcF3Yyg
2.J-Rich's between the legs alleyoop reverse http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PejeH1uzDJs
1. Vince's 360 windmill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oHGL7vBLGM


This is the proper list. You're welcome.

[Rake2204]

10. Shawn Kemp's weird ass bendy dunk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9R1zefWDIvU
9.T-Mac's 360 pump alleyoop http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSClXyL4Eno
8.Dwight's tap dunk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wci00tn7OBA
7. Vince's between the legs alleyoop http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kro3Caums2c
6. Desmond Mason's super clean between the legs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1JgOTyhmRw
5.MJ's FT line dunk...this one in particular http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH9PX6xIohU
4. Terrence Ross's 360 behind the back http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKgrEQErmeU
3. J-Rich's two-handed reverse alleyoop windmill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x175FcF3Yyg
2.J-Rich's between the legs alleyoop reverse http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PejeH1uzDJs
1. Vince's 360 windmill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oHGL7vBLGM


This is the proper list. You're welcome.Not bad. No Jason Richardson off the backboard between the legs?

Also, totally open to interpretation (as is everything regarding dunk contest) but it's hard for me to throw Terrence Ross' dunk in the top 5 just because the execution struggled. Had he just come out and put that down immediately, I might be with you. However, after so many attempts, all surprise and incredulity had just about evaporated. And that's a big part of dunk contest dunks to me.

[Sakkreth]

J Rich's bounce, between the legs, reverse is #1. That is a preposterously difficult and unique dunk. Exactly what the dunk contest is about... Not that gimmick crap like jumping over a kia or putting on a superman cape.

#2 I think I would go with Carter's 360 windmill.

#3 I am fine with MJ's free throw dunk here, since it's probably the most iconic dunk ever performed at the dunk contest.

#4 would be MJ's leaning dunk.


And where the **** is J Rich's off the backboard between the legs? :facepalm

I agree with Rake's on that one Blake dunk. The first attempt would have been an all-timer. By the time he finally hit the dunk it was just a normal 360...

This so much, came here to post this. That's number one, it's not about the hype or some other bs, it's all about the dunk and it's n1.

[memetherapy]

Not bad. No Jason Richardson off the backboard between the legs?

Also, totally open to interpretation (as is everything regarding dunk contest) but it's hard for me to throw Terrence Ross' dunk in the top 5 just because the execution struggled. Had he just come out and put that down immediately, I might be with you. However, after so many attempts, all surprise and incredulity had just about evaporated. And that's a big part of dunk contest dunks to me.

Yeah...I was struggling with that one... but in general I tried putting dunks that'll stick out in the long run; aesthetically pleasing dunks no matter the circumstance. J-Rich's off-the backboard alleyoop could make any top 10 list, but in terms of visuals, I prefer all of the dunks I posted. It's definitely in my teens nonetheless, just not top 10. I was also questioning whether to put Iguodala's behind the backboard alleyoop somewhere in there... Darvin Ham's 360 backboard touch, Gerald Green reverse pump alley, Nique's two-handed windmill, MJ's side leaning windmill, Kenny Walker's 360 windmill or even Demar's east bay funk thingy.

[thefatmiral]

spud webbs' and also this dunk from brown
http://celticshub.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dee-brown-1991-dunk-contest.jpg

[Rake2204]

oh yeah. Iggy was robbed.Sorry to re-bump. It's just, after finishing the '06 contest again, I have to agree with you. Before I remember being a little indifferent about things, but to watch Iggy get a 45 in round 1 for a relatively routine one hand windmill then see him receive a 44 in the finals after completing a one-footed between the legs flush with the left hand... I don't know about that one. I'm not usually big on setups or conspiracy theories but for that slam to just happen to tie things up (with such an unusually low score for a dunk of that nature) just seemed a little suspicious.

Then, in the tie-breaker, I suppose I can better see that case, though I still don't agree with it. Nate Robinson completed a really baby windmill on a toss off the backboard on his 14th try. Iguadala then countered with a between the legs dunk from the baseline, finishing on the opposite side of the rim (I'm guessing he wasn't planning on a tie-breaker fifth dunk). Again though, for Robinson's 14 attempts and eventually weak finish to eclipse Iggy's final attempt... I suppose I understand why Andre was done with the contest after '06.