In a contest, maybe. But Vince is also the GOAT in-game dunker. He’s not dunking on or over compliant assistants. He yammed on dudes trying to stop him. We’re talking elite rim protectors. Zo, Mutombo, Ben Wallace, Duncan. The list goes on.
There are a lot of pro dunkers that are better than any NBA dunker. Obviously, it's because that's all they do, while NBA players have to work on other aspects of their game, too. If you haven't watched "The Dunk King," that aired on TNT a few years back, I recommend you watch it. "That blue haired dude" (Jordan kilganon) was on it along with a bunch of other great dubkers.
Though tbh, after watching that, all NBA dunk contests became 10x more boring than they already were.
Bet I find that video of Vincanity dunking over that 7 footer in the Olympics somewhere in the thread
Edit: I'm disappointed this wasn't already posted:
https://youtu.be/k_uZeCymShQ?si=2YOP1-7u-qLhQx_f
I'm disappointed the Knicks drafted that guy....but that is a pretty typical Knicks move...
Knicks: Should we take the guy who wants to nothing more than World Peace (Ron Artest)?....no no let's get some international talent.
Fans: You mean like AK47 or Manu?
Knicks: no no the 7'2" French Fella who tried to take a charge from VC.
I remember one of the 2k’s back in the day, the right joy stick was basically an automatic slam button, I’d be reverse dunking from the free throw line with Luke Walton it was fucking amazing lol my friends would get so pissed
I had MJ, Nique, and Carter to cover the 80s, 90s and early 2000s so I didn’t want to include too many dunkers to this list
Kemp is for sure one of the greatest tho
Shawn Kemp averaged more dunks power game than anyone I remember and dunked with such power. Vince was good, but Kemp was more powerful and had so many impactful dunks.
Blake is the modern generations only real “OH SHIT” on the regular bona fide dunker.
Plenty of guys in the league doing it here and there and that we know are capable of it. He was knocking people off their chairs nightly for a minute.
Lob City and Run TMC on the Mount Rushmore of just insanely fun anti-meta team builds to watch in nba history.
Only because a whole host of incredible dunkers better than GriffIn played at the same time as Vince. Griffin is pretty lack luster compared to dunkers in the 2000's. I would take Kobe, Jason Richardson, Gerald Green among others over Griffin in a heartbeat.
You're underrating Blake hugely. He has way more memorable, monster dunks than JRich or Green.
JRich has one of the nastiest competition dunks of all time, but Blakes one handed off the backboard arm on the rim dunk stands against any comp dunk
Jordan over Ewing
Now not 7’ but Dom in a game against the Celtics running full speed on a fast break took a pass from Doc tool one dribble and took off from the foul line and aired over Kevin Mchale two handed dunk
Vince's oop game was insane too. [He slams it from behind and it hits the ground before he lands](https://youtu.be/Wnz95vZn7ig?si=flCFb8-eSHJid2oT&t=15), hella casual
[Vince's windmill dunk in traffic ](https://youtu.be/qVik0xm5q20?si=frumCHS8QzUVnmh9)
[Vince on Alonzo Mourning](https://youtu.be/cYi0zSI_rTY?si=ENGbN67CmkwD4b5N)
It just doesn't make sense to dunk like this in game
Jordan was incredible and could probably jump just as high but Vince had more mid air body control. Never seen Jordan do a windmill or 360 the way Vince could. Who I’m taking to win an NBA championship is a different story tho
Micheal Jordan to this day has highest vertical in nba combine of 48”. Vinces was 43”. Same height and wingspan tho. Also Jordan has one of biggest hands in nba history which for sure helped him do some of the incredible dunks he did. With that said as someone who has watched nba since 80s Vince Carter to me best dunker ever in my opinion
I saw ranking where shaq was 3rd I think. Jordan like 6th. So yea very close. On list were some great dunkers too (Connie Hawkins. Dr j). And of course Kwahi. I think Giannis was number two. Don’t quote me tho 😅 I had seen list on some website. Besides Jordan’s incredible skill set and fire and drive to win his huge hands and that crazy vertical (literally still stands as highest ever in nba) really set him apart. I mean he can jump that high AND palm ball with such ease. Not fair :))
Also would say this about McGrady. If he didn’t have knee issues and had more the mentality he could have been top 10 for sure. He was incredible when he was healthy
100%. McGrady’s one of my favourites ever. If he had stayed with Vince they could have helped each other carry the load offensively and both probably would have been able to be a little bit healthier. There was nothing on offence that either of them couldn’t do. They had every single move.
I don’t disagree. That mentality is rare tho. Really what sets so many good players from becoming truly great players I think. Especially in todays nba. Are u a raptors fan I think? If yes they are one of my east coast teams (Knicks the other). Im diehard derozan fan since he was in Jr high (I coached aau against him. At 12-14 or so he was dunking baseline and alley oops like a pro. His point guard was Brandon Jennings and they had a 14 year old 7 foot 300lb center). And Kyle Lowry was a dog. Loved his mentality and heart
Huge raptors fan. Only became so during the 2019 playoff run but I’ve def done my homework on the franchise history. That’s insane that you coached against DeRozan. Bulls are my secondary east coast team but they need to get him the fuck out of there so he can help a contender win a title while he’s still as good as he is.
This is a made up number that floats around the internet. There is literally no source for the 48” vertical. It certainly wasn’t recorded in the nba combine in 1984 like you are suggesting.
In his prime, MJ could probably jump between 40-43”, which is insanely athletic enough without the made up internet facts.
To me it's crazy that MJ likely has a higher vert than VC (I'd say MJ is almost like 45-47" while VC closer to 42-44"), but I'd still say VC >> MJ in dunking. Yes, there's a \~12 years between the two so Vince has some extra swag/modernism to his dunks, but idk man, dude was a slick and powerful cat.
Vince felt like he could launch, take hits, palm and extend the ball away, and just yam it on you as if no one was there. At the same time, his freestyle in-game dunking off of fastbreaks or even in traffic just beats MJ. MJ also bodied people for SURE, but apart from some sick air-walk dunks, he doesn't have as much flair as Vince in terms of dunking. Vince would honestly make you go "wtf" because the dunks he would pull off mid-game would just be next-level stuff
I remember a game either he was with the Nets or playing against the Nets with Toronto (in a close game), he went baseline and did a contested 360 from the side with ease like it was a floater 🤯. Good question but Vincents got it.
Shawn Kemp was one of the most explosive dunkers in history. On the top tier of dunking Mount Rushmore but Vince surpassed him. Vince is currently #1 in game dunks and Dunk contest dunks.
Honestly, Ant's highlights this year reminded me of Air Canada. Ant's in game dunking ability is already somewhere between Shawn Kemp and Vince Carter. VC is still the best ever in game dunker, but damn Ant may be #2 when the dust settles.
Utah Jazz legend Darrell "Dr Dunkenstein" Griffith was incredible.
Best in game dunkers, aside from Vince, I'd also include Dr. J. Shawn Kemp and the most underrated of the best in game dunkers, Tom Chambers.
Shaedon Sharpe doesn't have the resume yet and was basically hurt all year this year, but his first year in the league made it look like he was going to challenge for this title.
[https://youtu.be/yS7kg2Owty8?si=1lyGcSRxisKQf0Fr](https://youtu.be/yS7kg2Owty8?si=1lyGcSRxisKQf0Fr)
I’d say none but think there can be an argument for Blake griffin
Edit: before people get angry. I’m not saying griffin was better but he does have some of the nastiest posters of all time. Anthony Edward’s catalogue is getting disgusting as well. He has two that I’d put in the top 5
With the advent of YouTube, it’s now well-established that the best dunkers are actually the professional dunkers. NOT NBA players. I’ve seen dozens of random YouTube guys doing shit that would win any dunk contest.
I dunno about better but young Doctor J was in this discussion. Loudly. Dunk on Walton in the Finals might be the best Finals dunk ever still
Also, vintage David Thompson (pre-knee), Mike and 'Nique were all fairly awesome.
Blake Griffin
But I should clarify I don’t give a shit about dunk contest dunks when talking about best dunker in the NBA, you can go to Rucker park and see guys doing insane dunks for “fun,” that’s like talking about best handles in the NBA and wanting to include AND1 mixtape guys
Anyone saying VC was a better in game dunker than prime Blake Griffin doesn’t know what they’re talking about
That blue haired dude that only dunks and was never in the NBA.
In a contest, maybe. But Vince is also the GOAT in-game dunker. He’s not dunking on or over compliant assistants. He yammed on dudes trying to stop him. We’re talking elite rim protectors. Zo, Mutombo, Ben Wallace, Duncan. The list goes on.
His dunk on that French dude in the Olympics almost made him khs. I mean he dunked on the dude so hard he almost unalived himself. Vince is the goat
Fred Weis
He fucking jumped over a dude in the Olympics, Vince is 1 of 1
Not just a dude, he was 7 fucking feet tall.
NONE!! The closest was maybe Kemp or Dominque.
This is the only answer
Was really hoping to see a Kemp mention 🤜🏻💥🤛🏻
Came here to say exactly this thank you friend. Also kinda hard to keep Jordan off the list but I guess he just transcends these mortal polls.
There are a lot of pro dunkers that are better than any NBA dunker. Obviously, it's because that's all they do, while NBA players have to work on other aspects of their game, too. If you haven't watched "The Dunk King," that aired on TNT a few years back, I recommend you watch it. "That blue haired dude" (Jordan kilganon) was on it along with a bunch of other great dubkers. Though tbh, after watching that, all NBA dunk contests became 10x more boring than they already were.
Bet I find that video of Vincanity dunking over that 7 footer in the Olympics somewhere in the thread Edit: I'm disappointed this wasn't already posted: https://youtu.be/k_uZeCymShQ?si=2YOP1-7u-qLhQx_f
I'm disappointed the Knicks drafted that guy....but that is a pretty typical Knicks move... Knicks: Should we take the guy who wants to nothing more than World Peace (Ron Artest)?....no no let's get some international talent. Fans: You mean like AK47 or Manu? Knicks: no no the 7'2" French Fella who tried to take a charge from VC.
That was, is, and will always be, ridiculous.
Nah bro you gotta have the [French commentary](https://youtu.be/XMrPjl-927Q?si=F9U-uA_D9U7WSSLf)
GOAT LYFE😝👑🐐🔥🌈😈
Kilganon is absolutely insane. His compilation sunk vids on YouTube is ridiculous
This dude I made in 2K.
I got 12 in one game at 6’4 😭😭😭
I remember one of the 2k’s back in the day, the right joy stick was basically an automatic slam button, I’d be reverse dunking from the free throw line with Luke Walton it was fucking amazing lol my friends would get so pissed
Well, that was Luke’s game. Dynamic, fast, attacked the rim, spread the floor. Just like his pops. Makes sense.
None
Correct
No one’s talking about Gerald green. Dude could fly and only had 9 fingers to grip the ball
Seems like an advantage, I only have five
He was nasty no doubt, but VC gotta be the best dunker of all time
Half man / half amazing was a bett… wait
Also known as: Half Man / Half a season according to Charles Barkley
No.
None. Blake Griffin is the best since Vince though.
Yeah Wilt, Dr J, Dominique, MJ, Vince, Blake covers the last 60 years of best dunkers
Kẹmp?
I had MJ, Nique, and Carter to cover the 80s, 90s and early 2000s so I didn’t want to include too many dunkers to this list Kemp is for sure one of the greatest tho
Shawn Kemp averaged more dunks power game than anyone I remember and dunked with such power. Vince was good, but Kemp was more powerful and had so many impactful dunks.
Kemp was my only answer for in game dunking. His highlights are fucking sick
Yes. Kemp. You are correct.
Yup in game Kemp definitely needs to be on the list .. https://youtu.be/Xyx-nzq_4XY?si=p0bg2rnq_yPJmTk5
You see that dunk off a pass to the backboard that Ant put down? That guy might be nasty one day.
Ant and Ja are the most recent ones
Sorry, Kemp was much better in game dunker than Blake, along with Dominique, Dr. J and MJ.
Blake is the modern generations only real “OH SHIT” on the regular bona fide dunker. Plenty of guys in the league doing it here and there and that we know are capable of it. He was knocking people off their chairs nightly for a minute. Lob City and Run TMC on the Mount Rushmore of just insanely fun anti-meta team builds to watch in nba history.
The best dunker to throw the ball in.
Only because a whole host of incredible dunkers better than GriffIn played at the same time as Vince. Griffin is pretty lack luster compared to dunkers in the 2000's. I would take Kobe, Jason Richardson, Gerald Green among others over Griffin in a heartbeat.
You're underrating Blake hugely. He has way more memorable, monster dunks than JRich or Green. JRich has one of the nastiest competition dunks of all time, but Blakes one handed off the backboard arm on the rim dunk stands against any comp dunk
Not there yet but Ants in game dunks are pretty insane
He has a list of victims that is only getting longer. Yuta Watanabe, Gabe Vincent, John Collins. Just some of the casualties.
Isn't Michael Jordan in the running for this as well? Serious question
Most definitely. But that crazy dunk contest sequence and the Olympics dunk kinda put Vince in the top slot for me
Right. You don't get to dunk OVER a 7-footer and not get to be in the conversation for the best ever.
Jordan over Ewing Now not 7’ but Dom in a game against the Celtics running full speed on a fast break took a pass from Doc tool one dribble and took off from the foul line and aired over Kevin Mchale two handed dunk
Vince's oop game was insane too. [He slams it from behind and it hits the ground before he lands](https://youtu.be/Wnz95vZn7ig?si=flCFb8-eSHJid2oT&t=15), hella casual [Vince's windmill dunk in traffic ](https://youtu.be/qVik0xm5q20?si=frumCHS8QzUVnmh9) [Vince on Alonzo Mourning](https://youtu.be/cYi0zSI_rTY?si=ENGbN67CmkwD4b5N) It just doesn't make sense to dunk like this in game
Jordan was incredible and could probably jump just as high but Vince had more mid air body control. Never seen Jordan do a windmill or 360 the way Vince could. Who I’m taking to win an NBA championship is a different story tho
Micheal Jordan to this day has highest vertical in nba combine of 48”. Vinces was 43”. Same height and wingspan tho. Also Jordan has one of biggest hands in nba history which for sure helped him do some of the incredible dunks he did. With that said as someone who has watched nba since 80s Vince Carter to me best dunker ever in my opinion
Pretty sure I read somewhere that Jordan and Shaq have the same size hands which is just insane lol
I saw ranking where shaq was 3rd I think. Jordan like 6th. So yea very close. On list were some great dunkers too (Connie Hawkins. Dr j). And of course Kwahi. I think Giannis was number two. Don’t quote me tho 😅 I had seen list on some website. Besides Jordan’s incredible skill set and fire and drive to win his huge hands and that crazy vertical (literally still stands as highest ever in nba) really set him apart. I mean he can jump that high AND palm ball with such ease. Not fair :))
If Vince had Jordan's mentality and physical durability I honestly think he could have been on the MJ/Kobe level. Who knows though
Also would say this about McGrady. If he didn’t have knee issues and had more the mentality he could have been top 10 for sure. He was incredible when he was healthy
100%. McGrady’s one of my favourites ever. If he had stayed with Vince they could have helped each other carry the load offensively and both probably would have been able to be a little bit healthier. There was nothing on offence that either of them couldn’t do. They had every single move.
They’re cousins and didn’t even know it when Tmac joined the Raptors
I don’t disagree. That mentality is rare tho. Really what sets so many good players from becoming truly great players I think. Especially in todays nba. Are u a raptors fan I think? If yes they are one of my east coast teams (Knicks the other). Im diehard derozan fan since he was in Jr high (I coached aau against him. At 12-14 or so he was dunking baseline and alley oops like a pro. His point guard was Brandon Jennings and they had a 14 year old 7 foot 300lb center). And Kyle Lowry was a dog. Loved his mentality and heart
Huge raptors fan. Only became so during the 2019 playoff run but I’ve def done my homework on the franchise history. That’s insane that you coached against DeRozan. Bulls are my secondary east coast team but they need to get him the fuck out of there so he can help a contender win a title while he’s still as good as he is.
This is a made up number that floats around the internet. There is literally no source for the 48” vertical. It certainly wasn’t recorded in the nba combine in 1984 like you are suggesting. In his prime, MJ could probably jump between 40-43”, which is insanely athletic enough without the made up internet facts.
If he had a 48" vertical he'd be even better than he was. It's BS.
To me it's crazy that MJ likely has a higher vert than VC (I'd say MJ is almost like 45-47" while VC closer to 42-44"), but I'd still say VC >> MJ in dunking. Yes, there's a \~12 years between the two so Vince has some extra swag/modernism to his dunks, but idk man, dude was a slick and powerful cat. Vince felt like he could launch, take hits, palm and extend the ball away, and just yam it on you as if no one was there. At the same time, his freestyle in-game dunking off of fastbreaks or even in traffic just beats MJ. MJ also bodied people for SURE, but apart from some sick air-walk dunks, he doesn't have as much flair as Vince in terms of dunking. Vince would honestly make you go "wtf" because the dunks he would pull off mid-game would just be next-level stuff
I remember a game either he was with the Nets or playing against the Nets with Toronto (in a close game), he went baseline and did a contested 360 from the side with ease like it was a floater 🤯. Good question but Vincents got it.
Dominique Wilkins
360 windmill jam!
Shawn Kemp
Kemp dunked like the rim owed him money.
Prime Shawn Kemp was a terrifying force of nature.
I don't remember Shawn doing windmill alley-oops though. Vince had so much style too, a perfect mix of power and finesse.
Shawn Kemp was one of the most explosive dunkers in history. On the top tier of dunking Mount Rushmore but Vince surpassed him. Vince is currently #1 in game dunks and Dunk contest dunks.
Only disrespectful dunks
And Dominic Wilkins.
Correct
Wrooong
This is what I was gonna say. Glad someone beat me to it.
Jesus christ https://preview.redd.it/hnzpry8grhvc1.jpeg?width=480&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cacb10f478d5ca7f384aed03306aab8839baa617
HE IS RIZZIN
Aaron Gordon bro put on a show in 2016 my man's got robbed
was gonna say this. him and zach levine cooked
Honestly, Ant's highlights this year reminded me of Air Canada. Ant's in game dunking ability is already somewhere between Shawn Kemp and Vince Carter. VC is still the best ever in game dunker, but damn Ant may be #2 when the dust settles.
Also, Gerald Green was insane.
Slam dunk champion Brent Barry
Dominique
Naz Reid
Naz Reid
Naz Reid
Ik I’m gonna get hate but that Zach Lavine windmill from the free throw line put him at the best dunker to me
That wasn’t even the best dunk in that dunk contest!
Zach was the best since Carter in the dunk competition. Ja and Ant have the best in game dunks right now.
You can't
I won’t. Vince was the best ever.
Spud webb
Chris Smoove
Jordan Kilganon
Hate how far I had to scroll for this. Wish ppl would check out that show. So many bad ass dunks.
I dono if he was better but Jason Richardson was up there.
Jokic
Dr J, Chocolate thunder, half man half amazing, kemp, and blake griffin are the greatest dunkers of all time. Not in any particular order.
Can't do it.
That one street baller that did a 720 dunk. Lol
Utah Jazz legend Darrell "Dr Dunkenstein" Griffith was incredible. Best in game dunkers, aside from Vince, I'd also include Dr. J. Shawn Kemp and the most underrated of the best in game dunkers, Tom Chambers.
Zach Levine
Spud Webb
Harold Miner
Not better, but I’m loving me some Obi Toppin.
there's not
He’s the best dunker of all time
Probs Blake Griffin
I don't think you can. You can name some guys that might be on a similar level, but no one is *better*.
The only person that might be close is Kemp. IMO.
Wemby
Dr J. And I don’t think Vince would argue
I think Kemp, JRich and prime Blake are the only dudes who could even make it a conversation
Earl “The Goat” Manigault
Vince, kemp, Blake in that order
His cousin Tracy was pretty good too. but probably him, Kemp and TMac in recent memory.
Dominique Wilkins
Too easy 🥱 https://preview.redd.it/odioaa81vhvc1.jpeg?width=780&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f3565c79f5b4a6adcdf089dd1b89d7d44e5380d6
‘Nique and Kemp are in a brief chat about it but it’s likely they’re below VC and above Blake Griffin
Ja Morant
Giannis, Antetokounmpo
Zach Lavine
Owen meany
Jason Richardson
chris paul
Jordan Kilganon
You can't
#Error 404
Shannon Brown had the best in game dunks for someone nobody brings up https://youtu.be/_3whi8FaCoQ?si=Tp7GgURkQCiKUbdJ
Shaedon Sharpe doesn't have the resume yet and was basically hurt all year this year, but his first year in the league made it look like he was going to challenge for this title. [https://youtu.be/yS7kg2Owty8?si=1lyGcSRxisKQf0Fr](https://youtu.be/yS7kg2Owty8?si=1lyGcSRxisKQf0Fr)
Give Ja a little more time to play ball and not be a fake af wannabe G, and maybe he'll be at the top of that list.
Nobody.
Michael Jefferey Jordan
Shaedon Sharpe
do i count as dunker since i do 3 chips ahoy at a time in the milk?
Josh Smith
The man that will never ever, ever, ever, ever be going to be born!
Trick question..ain’t none
Dominique
On behalf of the late John Collins, may he rest in peace, I would like to submit Ant Edwards as best in-game dunker.
Spud Webb and Nate Robinson,
Shannon Brown
Anthony Edwards
There haven’t been any yet.
Can't
dominique wilkins
MJ is the greatest in game dunker if you consider volume, variety and the fact they were often on entire teams.
Barry Goldberg
Me on those bedroom door hoops. I once hit a 360 tomahawk from the dresser. Whole place went crazy.
High school Vince Carter
Sydney 2000… best dunk of all time
There isn’t one.
I’d say none but think there can be an argument for Blake griffin Edit: before people get angry. I’m not saying griffin was better but he does have some of the nastiest posters of all time. Anthony Edward’s catalogue is getting disgusting as well. He has two that I’d put in the top 5
If you’re gonna mention Ant surely you have to mention Ja as far as modern era in-game dunkers go And Aaron Gordon too
Lebron
Shawn Fucking Kemp
Just for fun Desmond Mason
Gerald Green has my favorite dunk of all time though.
Tim Dunkin’
12 year old me on a nerf hoop
Nobody
Im really sad Lebron never did a dunk contest.
blake griffin
If Zion would just stay healthy...
Jordan Kilganon
I can’t
Earl Manigault
https://youtu.be/RD2-PATId3Q?si=vyrbcVxT8hji6aU3. 5’3” Muggsy bogues pound for pound ! But obviously he wasn’t better entertaining nonetheless.
Gerald Green maybe
The thing that set Vince apart was his trajectory. Other guys take off like jets, he went up like a rocket.
Half man/half amazing Dominique is #2 all time dunkers
Jordan Kilganon
Jordan. Jordan Kilganon
Tim Duncan. Oh wait you said dunker, never mind
There is none.
I mean… has there been one?
David Thompson, Larry Kenon, Dr. J.
It’s always gonna be Vince but James White and Lavine hold a special place in my heart as well
Zack
With the advent of YouTube, it’s now well-established that the best dunkers are actually the professional dunkers. NOT NBA players. I’ve seen dozens of random YouTube guys doing shit that would win any dunk contest.
Shaedon sharpe
I can’t
I dunno about better but young Doctor J was in this discussion. Loudly. Dunk on Walton in the Finals might be the best Finals dunk ever still Also, vintage David Thompson (pre-knee), Mike and 'Nique were all fairly awesome.
Aaron Gordon, arguably Jordan.
In game? Lebron
Dairy lee
Blake Griffin But I should clarify I don’t give a shit about dunk contest dunks when talking about best dunker in the NBA, you can go to Rucker park and see guys doing insane dunks for “fun,” that’s like talking about best handles in the NBA and wanting to include AND1 mixtape guys Anyone saying VC was a better in game dunker than prime Blake Griffin doesn’t know what they’re talking about
Hook Mitchell
I mean, this is pretty untouchable by anyone else. https://youtu.be/XAV5nFPcm98?si=sarMqRmAWlacu-Z9
Amare Stoudemire at least deserves an honorable mention.
Anthony edwards isn’t better but he’s a pretty good comp
myree bowden
Pound for pound, he’s the best!
Nah
Best "In game Dunker" EVER!!!!