Flashback: A look at the some of the NBA slam dunk contest’s greatest moments

DID Zach LaVine’s effort in the 2015 NBA slam dunk contest leave you wanting more? Then check out our pick of the best dunks in the contest’s history.

Basketballer Michael Jordan taking part in NBA All-Star Slam Dunk contest in Seattle 07 Feb 1987. 1980s

DID Zach LaVine’s effort in the 2015 NBA slam dunk contest leave you wanting more?

Then check out our pick of the best dunks in the contest’s history.

WATCH THE VIDEO IN THE PLAYER ABOVE TO SEE THE DUNKS

The first ABA All Star dunk contest was won by Julius Erving.

JULIUS ERVING

To become the first winner of the dunk showcase, Erving put on quite a show in Denver. Even though it was in the days of the American Baskeball Association in 1976, the quality was there.

SPUD WEBB

Spud Webb of the Atlanta Hawks.

At just 1.7m tall, Webb is still the shortest player in history to win the slam dunk contest. His vertical leap measured over one metre, giving him incredible dunking ability. In front of a hometown crowd in Dallas, Webb became the 1986 champion.

HAROLD MINER

Guard Harold Miner of the Miami Heat. Credit: Jonathan Daniel/Allsport

In the 1990s fewer big name players took part in the dunk contest. Heat’s second year young gun Miner blew away audiences with his first dunk in the 1993 contest. ‘Baby Jordan’ nailed a reverse effort, reaching the ball way down between his legs in midair, before unleashing a slam dunk behind his head.

MICHAEL JORDAN

Michael Jordan in NBA All-Star Slam Dunk.

Jordan won the dunk contest twice, in 1987 and 1988, but his attempt in front of Bulls fans in Chicago in the latter event was a standout. Even though there were accusations of home court advantage and favouritism, Jordan going up for a slam dunk was an undeniably beautiful thing.

VINCE CARTER

Vince Carter of the Toronto Raptors jumps to the net. Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport

Having won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, in 2000 Carter was selected to feature in the All Star Weekend. But in the dunking contest, that’s where he truly dazzled. His windmill power dunk, between the legs dunk and honey dip got him the highest round score of 149.

KOBE BRYANT

Guard Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers.

In 1997 Bryant became the youngest ever winner of the dunk contest. At 18 years of age, a fresh-faced Bryant was full of confidence, and had a swagger about him that was undeniable on court. And in the slam contest, that was an advantage. His between the legs trickery followed by a dunk over the top got him the title.

LARRY NANCE

Nance in flight during a monster dunk.

Phoenix forward Nance was one of the best dunkers in the NBA when he won the dunk contest in 1984, the first proper event of it’s kind since the ABA/NBA merge. With a strong grip and massive leap, Nance made it look so easy. All of his dunk attempts — including a two-ball double dunk — were spectacular. It was decided in the final round though where Nance narrowly held off Julius Erving for the win.

NATE ROBINSON

Nate Robinson and Dwight Howard hear the results of the 2009 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest.

When 1.75m New York point guard Robinson leapt over 2.11m defending champion Dwight Howard at the 2009 dunk contest, it was clear there could be no other winner.

BLAKE GRIFFIN

Blake Griffin from the L.A. Clippers slam dunks over a car with teammate Baron Davis inside.

Slammin’ Blake left 2011 viewers in awe when he leapt over the hood of a car to dunk his way to victory. Props seem unfair, but they do make the dunks look better.

JOSH SMITH

Josh Smith drives to the basket.

Smith is an ultimate showman when it comes to dunking. He played to the crowd and it boosted his performance the more they got into it. His flying dunks had supreme style to them. But his alley-oop over Kenyon Martin was next level, and earned him a perfect 50 score to win in 2009.

WATCH THE VIDEO IN THE PLAYER ABOVE TO SEE ALL THE DUNKS

Originally published as Flashback: A look at the some of the NBA slam dunk contest’s greatest moments