The NBA is filled with high-level dunkers capable of ruthlessly throwing down the hammer on their opponent at any given moment. Ranking the best NBA dunkers is no easy task, and there are countless current NBA dunkers who deserve a place on this list.
The greatest dunkers in the NBA ensure the entertainment value for the fans remains high, as it has been for the entirety of league history. Joe Fortenberry dunked the basketball for the first time in 1936, changing the trajectory of the league forever. Who’s the Best Dunker in the NBA Ever?
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The greatest dunker in NBA history is no other than Vince Carter, who truly brought dunking to the digital age. Carter would viciously dunk on his opponents on a consistent basis, and if he was left alone on a fast break, there is no guessing what he may do. He would bring out windmill dunks to a dreary Tuesday night in Toronto and revolutionized the slam dunk for future generations. As Youtube and the internet began to emerge, Vince Carter was the perfect man to feature in NBA highlights for the better part of 2 decades. Carter truly had no fear, and once he decided he was going to dunk, there was little anyone could do to stop him.
Who is the Best Dunker in the NBA Right Now?
The best dunker in the NBA right now is Anthony Edwards. Edwards is in his 4th NBA season, and his pure athleticism enabled him to become the greatest dunker in the NBA right now. Just last week, Edwards threw down what will probably go down as the dunk of the year against the Utah Jazz. Edwards got a feed from Alexander-Walker before throwing down a vicious poster from the free throw line on the head of John Collins, giving Collins a concussion in the process. Edwards still has a way to go before he could go down as one of the greatest dunkers in NBA history, but there is no doubting his place at the summit.
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5. LeBron James
LeBron James has been throwing down posters for the last two decades, and despite the fact that he’s 39 years old, he still has the ability to get up there and create a highlight. His earlier days in the league featured coast-to-coast jams that would often end with a standing ovation. He will certainly go down as one of the best dunkers ever, and while he is past his prime, he is still one of the greatest dunkers in the NBA.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo has a variety of ways he can score the basketball, and dunking is just one of the tools in his lengthy arsenal. His monster 7 foot 3 wingspan allows him to score from seemingly impossible angles, finding new and creative ways to get the ball in the hoop. His Eurostep usually starts from outside the 3-point line, and his long strides combined with sheer power make him one of the toughest men to stop. Sometimes MVP caliber play overshadows the fact Antetokounmpo is one of the best current NBA dunkers, as it is just one of the many ways he has remained at the top of the league.
3. Aaron Gordon
The Denver Nugget stud may not get the attention he deserves when playing next to someone like Nikola Jokic, but he is certainly recognized around the league as one of the greatest dunkers in the NBA. Gordon has already competed in 2 dunk contests but was robbed of a victory. His explosiveness and surprising agility make him one of the best dunkers in the league, and it’s only a matter of time before he gets a material reward. He was honored with ‘Dunk of the Year’ when he threw down a monster jam in overtime against the Suns on Christmas 2022.
2. Zion Williamson
When Zion Williamson walks onto the court, every single opposing player knows it. His inability to stay healthy has prevented him from reaching his potential, but the 23-year-old still has time to go down as the greatest dunker the league has ever seen. The 6 foot 6, 284-pound center is the most powerful player in the league, and his dunks are just as devastating. If his health can stay consistent, Williamson can get even more aggressive with his dunks, which is a terrifying thought for the opposition.
1. Anthony Edwards
Due to his incredible physical traits, Edwards is the clear-cut winner for the best dunker in the NBA. Earlier this month, Edwards blocked a shot by jumping so high that he hit his head on the backboard. His stunning vertical allows him to get over defenders’ outstretched arms, and throw it down with ferocity.
