NBA: Who's the greatest dunker ever?

I go with:

DR J
Wilkins
MJ
Daryl D

 

Spud Webb

 

Spud Webb and Vince Carter, I've seen carter at the top of a few lists in this category

 

1. Spud Webb
2. Vince Carter
3. Michael Jordon
4. Dominique Wilkins

 

MY CHOICES,,

FOR A POWER DUNK,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,WILT CHAMBERLAIN, DARREL DAWKINS

FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF STYLE WHEN DUNKING.........DR J


THE BEST ALL AROUND DUNKER I EVER SAW.......................MJ



HONORABLE MENTION.....DOMINQUE AND SPUD WEBB

 

Dominique Wilkins was the best- If memory serves he beat jordan in the slam dunk contest.

I was to young to see the Dr j or wilt play.

 

Most-backboards-swept-up-in-a-dustpan award: Daryl Dawkins.

 

I think you guys have covered the key skywalkers: Jordan, Erving, Wilkins, Thompson, Dawkins, Carter (how about Darrell Griffith "Dr. Dunkenstein"?)

I'm always especially impressed by guys that dunk way "above their height", meaning it's one thing to throw down something crazy when you're 6'10", but another thing entirely to be a spectacular dunker when you're short (by NBA standards)..apart from Webb, I'm thinking of Steve Francis and Baron Davis (both around 6'3"), and Dwayne Wade (~6'4" like Darrell Griffith). Current crop of soon-to-be legendary dunkers: Kobe, LeBron, Jason Richardson and Wade.

Most boring dunker I've ever seen: James Worthy.
Most surprising: Charles Barkley (around 6'5") - was always amazed that he could get that weight so high up in the air.

 

Beauty - Dr J. Yes, beauty. He could dunk like no one I've ever seen since, he was just unbelievable.

Power - Darryl Dawkins - Chocolate thunder could slam them like no other. He single handedly forced a re-design of rims and backboards to withstand his awesome power.

Misc. - Michael Jordan - gotta get him on the list.

Old school - Connie Hawkins. That guy could flat out do it.

DM

 

Saw both of them play. While they were in Sixers uniforms. Both when they were in their prime. Would have been awesome to have had them on the same team. Too bad their careers didn't cross paths.

GAWD, I'm feeling mighty old right now.

DM

 

I saw a still photo of Jordan in the air. He had jumped from about the top of the key and his head was level with the basket. I think He had something like a 4'+ vertical leap. Hell, the Fridge (of the Chicago Bears) had a 28" vertical leap, and he weighed, what, 270+lbs?

Here is a link to the image: http://www.upperdeckstore.com/Images/Catalog/ProductImages/cud21725.jpg

 

I wouldn't necessarily rank him first, but I would single out Connie Hawkins for some special props. He was unfairly deprived of his prime years in the NBA, so we really never saw him at his best in that league.

I would also comment that there are probably some playgrounders in the Rucker League, etc. who would stack up pretty favorably with the best the pro's have to offer, on the basis of purely dunking ability.

 

Dunking for entertainment / exhibitions is fine, but personally, I think it should be illegal to touch the rim during the course of play (personal opinion of a short guy).

 

Just out of curiosity, what makes you think that. Im not tall at 5'-10", (although I play much taller), but I think that dunking is one of the best parts of basketball.

 

Jesus Christ! I swear to God that I opened this thread thinking that it was asking for the NBA's greatest drunks! I think I have to go lay down now...

 

“This place is a trip. The people here are very neat, very friendly and very well dressed, but you can't stay here for long. Things cost too much. If you're an alcoholic, this is a good place to come because a beer can cost you $40. You can't afford to be a drunk here.”
--Charles Barkley, on Monte Carlo prices


oh wait... I thought the same thing as Augustine! oops!

 

True, but Jordan got his revenge by defeating Wilkins in the next contest.

 

MJ's REAL revenge was the six rings.

 

You guys are overlooking Jack Sikma, the center for Supersonics in '80s.
His dunks are clumsy looking, but you could feel the heat watching his face.
Truck Robinson from Wiz are similar dunker, too.

I also enjoyed watching Manute Bol dunking. His dunk & MJ's dunk are totally different, but earns the same point. I saw the irony there.

Mailman used to power dunk well, and I always mixed Nique w/ him.

I'm just talking these dunks in games, not at the contest.

 

It's okay Dave. You are kinda old.

 

OK you young whipper snapper, that's the last time I let your ass in the driver's seat of my car!

 

Have I mentioned how youthful and handsome you've been looking lately?

 

Too late now pal. Only seat available to you is the passenger seat in my GRANDSON'S Honda.

(That'll be in about 2030)

OH WELL.

DM