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Top 10 Best Basketball Dunkers of All Time
These are the greatest NBA slam dunkers of all time — athletes who combined raw power, jaw-dropping creativity, and pure athleticism to make the dunk an art form. From Vince Carter's iconic Olympic windmill to Spud Webb's impossible 5-foot-7 victory, every player on this list redefined what is humanly possible above the rim. Be the first to vote and tell us who you think is No. 1!
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Greatest NBA Dunkers
Who is widely considered the best dunker in NBA history? Vince Carter is most often cited as the greatest dunker ever. His 2000 NBA Dunk Contest and the elbow-in-the-rim dunk at the Sydney Olympics set a standard the sport has never topped. ([NBA.com — Slam Dunk Contest history](https://www.nba.com/dunk-contest))
What makes someone a 'great' dunker? Experts weigh four factors: power (force at the rim), creativity (originality of the move), consistency (doing it in real games, not just contests), and cultural impact (did the dunk become a defining poster or viral moment?). This list scores every player across all four.
Has anyone won the NBA Dunk Contest more than once? Yes — Zach LaVine won back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016. Nate Robinson won three times (2006, 2009, 2010). Multiple wins signal repeatable skill rather than a one-time peak, which is why both rank among the all-time greats.
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