From Dominique Wilkins to Harold “Baby Jordan” Minor to Zach LaVine, the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest showcases high-flying, jaw-dropping spectacles from the world’s most acrobatic dunkers. It is, in my opinion, the most entertaining event of All-Star Weekend, and possibly the entire NBA season.
Growing up idolizing Michael Jordan, along with the other approximately 300 kids attending Fell Elementary school in the small town of Simpson, PA, the All-Star weekend spotlighted his talent along with other basketball greats. I would set the VHS to record Ahmad Rashad on NBA Inside Stuff on Saturday morning and then again for the Contest at night. My favorite competition of All-Star Weekend was and always will be the Slam Dunk Contest.
There have been countless dunks in the 33-year history of the Contest that could be considered by many as great, or insane, or as millennials would say, “amaze-balls.” Here are five of the most memorable dunks (not necessarily best) from the Dunk Contest over the years.
Honorable Dunker considerations: Spud Webb, Dr. J, Jason Richardson, Larry Nance (1st ever winner), Nate Robinson, Zach LaVine, Isaiah “J.R.” Rider, Aaron Gordon, Rick Barry, Blake Griffin
5. Cedric Ceballos – The Ray Charles (1992)
4. Dwight Howard – Superman Dat Hoe (2008)
3. Dee Brown – The Original Dab (1991)
2. Vince Carter – Armed & Dangerous (2000)
1. Michael Jordan – “Air Jordan” (1988) *Video contains all dunks from this Contest. Might be the best one ever.
The Verizon Slam Dunk Contest can be seen this Saturday, Feb. 18th at 8:00PM ET on TNT.
@Eddie_ThePAS