When I first started TNLP, one of the topics that I first talked about was my Favorite NBA Dunk Contest Dunk. If you clicked on the link, you can see that it was Vince Carter’s first dunk: that reverse 360 windmill.
I asked everyone involved with TNLP their favorite jam in NBA Dunk Contest history. Roll call!
JIMMY
My favorite Slam Dunk Contest dunk happened in the 2000 NBA All Star Weekend in Oakland, California… when Toronto Raptors star Vince Carter, did a 360 windmill dunk. I was sitting on my friend’s couch and then I just jumped up when I saw it. That dunk was too sick.
Copycat.
DERON
My fave dunk goes back to MJ in’87 with the Kiss The Rim Dunk. Up to that point in time, no one had seen anyone get up sideways/horizontal; Jordan had so much creativity and style with his dunks — Rock The Cradle anyone? And, almost as equally impressive, goes to Vince Carter’s Between The Legs assisted from T-Mac.
PETER
2004 NBA Slam Dunk contest
Jason Richardson off the glass-through the legs.
The difficulty of this dunk is off the charts. He didn’t even save the dunk for the finals. I knew that after he did that dunk, he had something insane planned for the finals (i.e. bounce off the ground, 360 through the legs dunk). Unfortunately, since he didn’t win, I think people tend to forget this incredible dunk.
DAVE
Desmond Mason through the legs left-handed flush in the ‘03 contest:
I really wanna vote for Tim Perry, but IMO this was one of the most underrated dunks of all-time. Maybe it’s a little bias on my part since I’m a southpaw, but the fluidity and effortlessness in which it was executed was something else. This way he kicked his legs in midair also added a hangtime element. Definitely a 50.
TONY
Michael Jordan’s 1987 “Kiss the Rim/Leaner” Dunk (video in Deron’s answer).
This was “Air Jordan”. No flashiness, no setup, no special effects… all he had to do was fly. And when I see this dunk, replay after replay, it never ceases to amaze me how graceful he looks while in midair. The guy just lived above the rim. It’s why he is what he is… the best.
HOLLAND
THE ODE TO DR. J (Brent Barry, LA Clippers – All-Star Weekend 1996, San Antonio, TX)
Back in the day when this journeyman two-guard had his humble beginnings in the NBA, he was donning shorts and bright red puffy LA Clippers warm up jacket. In a contest that’s dominated by black dudes, he proved everyone wrong during the mid 90’s that white men can jump. As he sprinted towards the free throw line, upon take off, you can see the gust of wind fill up his jacket as he throws it down. He needed that jacket because that dunk was ice cold. White guy winning the dunk contest that year, a slow night? Or an amazing night? I say it’s the latter. Daddy must be proud.
BRANDON
My favorite dunk would probably have to be the one where Leon, Doug E. Doug and two other guys coached by John Candy fall during the final sprint to the rim, only to get back up and walk the ball to the finish, garnering applause from the Swiss Bobsled Team. Oh, wait a second. That’s not a dunk. That’s the end of Cool Runnings. If I had to pick a dunk, I would have to go with Orlando Woolridge in the 1984 contest, going behind his back and then between the legs. This was actually the first time anyone had done a between the legs dunk, and it wasn’t for another decade before we would really see it again. NBA fans have all been witness to a myriad of between the legs dunk variations now, but Woolridge should be given credit for being the first.
LEO
Nance Levitates
Not only did this reverse windmill dunk help Larry Nance beat Dr. J and Dominique in the 1984 competition, but it looks like Nance wanted to do it while standing in mid-air. Elevator going up, anyone?
Chris Andersen Makes a Dunk
I like things that make me think and Chris Andersen’s 2005 exhibition had my mind in a tumble. History tells that he took 13 attempts to complete 2 dunks, but everything about it at the time was confusing: the type of dunks they were supposed to be, how many tries he needed, would he even complete the dunks. The spectators and judges: confused. It was high suspense and I kinda liked it.
NICK
Michael Finley’s cartwheel dunk. No contest.
MARC
1996 NBA Slam Dunk Contest
Darrell Armstrong Innovative no-touch dunk.
A lot of people laugh and give Darrell Armstrong crap for his attempt at the 1996 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. I see it more as a courageous player’s attempt at innovating the traditional “dunk” that is known the world throughout. In my opinion he should’ve won the dunk contest that year based solely on the fact that he had the balls to step up, and challenge everyone’s perception on what a “dunk” really is.
Around 1:20 in this vid for Darrell Armstrong.
What was your favorite dunk contest dunk in history? (I sound repetitive.) Sound off on the comments!
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