Best Dunkers Ever – #7 Zach Lavine
#7 – Zach Lavine
Zach Lavine has been jumping out of the gym ever since he came into the league. Throughout nba history, there are certain Slam Dunk Contests that stand out amongst the others. One of them being in 2016, which may have ended in controversy, after he and Aaron Gordon were putting up perfect dunks one after the other. Lavine took home the award after producing scintillating, high-flying dunks, including several from the free throw line.
After winning back-to-back dunk contests (2015-16), he has solidified his legacy as one of the league’s best dunkers of all-time. Hitting his athletic prime, Zach Lavine will continue to improve on his elite level dunking ability.
Best Dunkers Ever – #6 Shawn Kemp
#6 – Shawn Kemp
Although some of you will always believe that guys like Blake Griffin and Aaron Gordon are the best dunkers ever, they likely wouldn’t exist today if it wasn’t for Shawn Kemp. He was part of the first wave of big men to add flare and excitement to each one of his dunks.
If the opportunity presented itself, Shawn Kemp was going to dunk on you, and it was probably going to hurt. He was a force to reckoned with in the dunk contest, as he participated 4 times, made it to the finals twice but could never take home the award.
Best Dunkers Ever – #5 Kobe Bryant
#5 – Kobe Bryant
Most people know Kobe for his mamba mentality and ability to hit any game winning shot, but it was his dunking ability that first got him on the map. He is one of the greatest dunkers in NBA history and is the youngest player ever, at 18 years old, to win a slam dunk contest (1997).
During his lengthy career, Mamba managed to display some of the most creative dunks we have ever seen. He truly wanted to be the outright best at everything he did, and dunking was no exception.
Combining his elite athleticism with his trademark killer instinct, Kobe put fear in his opponents hearts every time he had the ball in his hands. Whether it was #24 or #8, Kobe will always go down as one of the greats.
