The NBA’s dunk contest was once one of the most popular events in the sports world. Back in the 1980’s, this event dominated the landscape. From the likes of Spud Webb and Michael Jordan to Dominique Wilkins and Clyde Drexler, the showmanship that took place on the court during All-Star weekend was nothing short of amazing.
The golden era of the slam-dunk contest has long since passed, but this doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the festivities for what they are—fun and entertaining.
As we enter All-Star weekend around the Association, it’s time to look back at the five-best dunk contests of all-time.
1. 1988 (Michael Jordan)
You don’t have to be a child of the 1970’s or 1980’s to know about this specific dunk contest. It was the one where Michael Jordan—the greatest basketball player of all time—defended his championship. While that was definitely the headline-grabbing moment here, some seem to forget that his trademark dunk is something that Jordan had perfected at this point (see #4 on this list).
Overall, Jordan went at it with Dominique Wilkins to define what it meant to have two powerhouses inspire a new generation of basketball fans. For children of the era, this was a defining moment at a time when basketball stood above all other major sports in the United States.
2. 1986 (Spud Webb)
At 5’6″, this dymano of a player absolutely stunned an unsuspecting audience. Going up against the likes of Dominique Wilkins, Gerald Wilkins and Jerome Kersey, the smallest dude on the court stood the tallest. It was a sight to behold.
3. 1993 (Harold Minor)
“Baby Jordan,” as he was called. I remember this year like it was yesterday—just a young tike collecting Minor rookie cards in hopes that it would pay for my college education. This bust of a NBA player dazzled onlookers in every possible way.
Looking at the participants of this specific dunk contest, there’s no reason why it should be so high on this list. David Benoit, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, Kenny Smith and Tim Perry. The word you are looking for here is “who?”
Many expected returning champion Cedric Ceballos to defend his title here, but Minor’s performance stood the test of time as one of the best ever. If not for his appearance on the court in Salt Lake City, this would have likely gone down as a disastrous contest. Minor was THAT good.
4. 1987 (Michael Jordan)
“His Airness.” Of the slam dunk contests that Jordan participated in, he only lost one. Fortunately for those of us who hold him in such a high regard, that specific contest is not on this list. Jordan’s exploits at the now defunct Kingdome in Seattle is what made everyone (and I mean everyone) jump for joy. Not much more to say here other than Tom Chambers didn’t stand a chance against a dude that could dunk from the free-throw line.
5. 2000 (Vince Carter)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImAMVqA6mug
“Vinsanity” was born in Oakland at the dawn of a new age. Going up against the likes of Steve Francis (remember him?), Tracy McGrady and Jerry Stackhouse, Carter absolutely dominated the competition here. It also came during an era of the dunk contest in which many had lost faith. More than a decade removed from the excellence of the 1980’s, Carter made us all want to get out our Ninendo Entertainment System and play our Jordan vs Bird game.