The Names Behind the Top Dunkers of All Time: The Flying Kings of the NBA

By Niky — ON May 27, 2025

Ranking the Baddest Dunkers to Ever Flex on a Rim!

Beyond the Rim

Dunking isn’t just taking a shot – it’s a flex. It’s the moment you know the arena’s about to go wild. The best dunkers aren’t just players; they’re legends who turned a simple slam into headline news and viral videos before that was even a thing.

Vince Carter – The Crowned King of Dunking

Teams: Toronto Raptors, New Jersey Nets, Orlando Magic, and a bunch of pit stops
Dunking Era: Late ‘90s – 2010s

Every dunk GOAT convo starts with Vince, no exceptions. Vince did dunks people still can’t pull off in video games. Style, power, hang time—he made it look easy. Spoiler: it isn’t.

Michael Jordan – Flight Personified

Teams: Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards (but let’s be real, it’s Bulls MJ we care about)
Dunking Era: 80s–90s

MJ wasn’t just the icon of clutch, he was the air up there—literally. Tomahawks, double-clutch jams, that glide—nobody did it smoother.

Dominique Wilkins – The Human Highlight Film

Team: Atlanta Hawks (and a couple others, but again—Hawks or bust)
Dunking Era: 80s–90s

Raw power, straight-up violence at the rim. His windmills looked like he was trying to rip the rim off just because he could.

Julius Erving – The Pioneer of Dunk Artistry

Teams: Philly 76ers, New York Nets (back when the ABA was actually wild)
Dunking Era: 70s–80s

Dr. J made dunking art before there was even a gallery. The baseline reverse in the ‘80 Finals and that rock-the-cradle dunk—iconic, both of ’em. Ask any NBA high-flyer today where they got their inspiration, they’ll probably drop Doc’s name.

Shawn Kemp – Power with Purpose

Team: Seattle SuperSonics, few other squads
Dunking Era: 90s

Kemp was a menace. 6’10” moving like a point guard and skying like a wing, just bullying rims. No fluff, just pure intimidation.

Zach LaVine – Modern Master of Dunk Contests

Teams: Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls
Dunking Era: 2010s–Now

LaVine came out of nowhere and just started levitating. Back-to-back Dunk Contest champ (2015, 2016) and pulling off stuff that makes you double-take—between-the-legs reverses, lobs, you name it.

Jason Richardson – Contest Consistency

Teams: Warriors, Suns, and a few others
Dunking Era: 2000s

Richardson was Mr. Reliable in Dunk Contests—won it twice, and he earned it. Spinning, catching lobs off the backboard, windmills like he’s got springs in his shoes. His dunks weren’t just for show, he brought that same heat when it counted.

Aaron Gordon – The Best to Never Win a Contest?

Teams: Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets
Dunking Era: 2010s–Now

Aaron Gordon’s 2016 Dunk Contest showdown with LaVine is often cited as the best ever. While Gordon never officially won a contest (despite two all-time performances), many believe he deserved the crown, making him the most underrated dunker of all time.

LeBron James – In-Game Power and Longevity

Teams: Cavs, Heat, Lakers
Dunking Era: 2000s–Now

No, LeBron never did the Dunk Contest, but honestly, he didn’t have to. He’s been throwing down thunderous tomahawks and alley-oops for 20 years. LeBron’s name is sitting near the top. He’s not just an all-timer, he’s a living highlight reel.

Ja Morant – The Human Rocket Launcher

Team: Memphis Grizzlies
Dunking Era: 2020s and counting

Ja Morant’s basically a one-man highlight reel with springs for legs. Dude’s only 6’2″, but he attacks the rim like he’s got some kind of personal beef with it. If Ja keeps up this pace, he might end up chilling on the Mount Rushmore of dunkers.

Who’s King of the Dunk Mountain?

Right now, Dwight Howard’s chilling at the top, dunk crown firmly on his head. Over 3,000 jams—yeah, you read that right. Prime Dwight with the Magic? Unstoppable. He basically lived above the rim, catching lobs, bullying defenders, and putting up numbers nobody’s touched since.

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Dunking’s not just scoring; it’s straight-up art, and these guys made every slam a mic drop.

FAQ

Who is considered the best dunker of all time?

Vince Carter. No question. He didn’t just win contests, he obliterated them. The 2000 Dunk Contest? Legendary—people still get goosebumps watching the highlights.

Who is the most underrated dunker of all time?

Aaron Gordon, hands down. The guy pulled off dunks that looked like video game glitches and somehow still never took home the trophy. Robbery, honestly.