The NBA Slam Dunk Contest is an inherent part of the All-Star Weekend. Each year fans look forward to seeing their favorite NBA high flyers soaring through the air and putting on a great show of artistic and powerful dunks. Before the action goes down in Toronto 2016 tonight let’s take a look at the history of the event real quick. The first ever Slam Dunk Contest was held in 1976, during half time of the ABA All-Star Game. That same year the ABA and NBA merged and in the following years the league experienced a new rise in popularity. In 1984, the NBA reintroduced the contest and since then it has been a continuous part of the NBA All-Star Weekend schedule. We put together a NBA Slam Dunk Contest Top 10 for you.
All photos via FIVE Magazine/Getty Images
10. NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2013
2013’s winner Terrence Ross put on a great show in the contest. The jury gave him 99 out of 100 points for his dunks in the first round and he proceeded to the final to face Jeremy Evans. Fans voted for Ross via text messaging and he won with 58% of the votes. Here are some pictures and a video clip of the 2013 performance.
during the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest part of 2013 NBA All-Star Weekend at the Toyota Center on February 16, 2013 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
during the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest part of 2013 NBA All-Star Weekend at the Toyota Center on February 16, 2013 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 16: Terrence Ross #31 of the Toronto Raptors during the 2013 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest on State Farm All-Star Saturday Night as part of the 2013 NBA All-Star Weekend on February 16, 2013 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 16: Terrence Ross of the Toronto Raptors attempts a dunk during the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest on State Farm All-Star Saturday Night during NBA All Star Weekend on February 16, 2013 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE. (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
9. NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2006
In 2006 Nate Robinson’s Slam Dunk Contest career started with a bang. It was the first of his overall 3 titles which makes him the most successful participant of all time. The 2006 competition was fought out on a extremely high level. The final round against Andre Iguodala ended in a draw so the 5’9 Robinson sealed the deal in an additional tie break to win the title.
HOUSTON – FEBRUARY 18: Nate Robinson #4 of the New York Knicks completes a dunk as he jumps over former slam dunk champion Spud Webb during the Sprite Rising Stars Slam Dunk Contest on All-Star Saturday Night during the 2006 All-Star Weekend at Toyota Center on February 18, 2006 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2006 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Nate Robinson;Spud Webb
HOUSTON – FEBRUARY 18: Nate Robinson #4 New York of the attempts a dunk during the Sprite Rising Stars Slam Dunk Contest on All-Star Saturday Night during 2006 All-Star Weekend February 18, 2006 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2006 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON – FEBRUARY 18: (L-R) Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks, Nate Robinson #4 of the New York Knicks, Hakim Warrick #21 of the Memphis Grizzlies, and Andre Iguodala #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for a portrait prior to the 2006 Sprite Rising Stars Slam Dunk Contest on February 18, 2006 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2006 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON – FEBRUARY 18: Nate Robinson #4 of the New York Knicks completes a dunk as he jumps over former slam dunk champion Spud Webb a dunk during the Sprite Rising Stars Slam Dunk Contest on All-Star Saturday Night during 2006 All-Star Weekend February 18, 2006 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2006 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
8. NBA Slam Dunk Contest 1984
1984 marks the year of the first NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Larry Nance won it in spectacular fashion. The pictures of his dunks are impressive and some of my favorites can be seen below.
DENVER – JANUARY 28: Larry Nance #22 of the Phoenix Suns goes for a dunk in the 1984 NBA Slam Dunk Competition during the All-Star Weekend on January 28, 1984 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1984 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER – JANUARY 28: Larry Nance #22 of the Phoenix Suns looks on after winning the 1984 NBA Slam Dunk Competition during All-Star Weekend on January 28, 1984 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1984 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
7. NBA Slam Dunk Contest 1985
Dominique Wilkins aka “The Human Highlight Film” and Michael Jordan aka “His Airness” were the protagonists of the 1985 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Two great players on their way to the top. Wilkins showcased some unreal dunks and won the intense duel against Jordan.
CHICAGO – FEB 6: Dominique Wilkins #21 of the Atlanta Hawks goes for a dunk during the Gatorade Slam Dunk Championship during the 1988 NBA All-Star Weekend at Chicago Stadium on February 6, 1988 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2004 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 9: Front Row (L-R) Julius Erving, Larry Nance, Dominique Wilkins, Orlando Woolridge, Back Row (L-R) – Clyde Drexler, Michael Jordan, Darrell Griffith and Terrence Standsbury pose for a portrait prior to the 1985 Slam Dunk Contest on February 9, 1985 at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1985 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 10: Doninique Wilkins #21 of the Atlanta Hawks poses on top of the basket with the Slam Dunk Champion Trophy after wining the contest during the NBA All Star Weekend on February 10,1985 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agreesthat, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice and Credit: Copyright 2002 NBAE Mandatory Credit:Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images
09 Feb 1986: Doninique Wilkins #21 of the Atlanta Hawks goes up for a reverse slam dunk in the Slam Dunk contest during the NBA All Star Weekend in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using thisPhotograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice and Credit: Copyright 2002 NBAE Mandatory Credit:Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images
6. NBA Slam Dunk Contest 1997
Kobe Bryant was 18 years old when he won the NBA Slam Dunk Championship in 1997. That makes him the youngest champion ever. It is just great to see the up and coming star dunking like there is no tomorrow plus boasting with confidence in an interview after the event. Watch and enjoy.
CLEVELAND, OH – FEBRUARY 8: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes up for a dunk during the Slam Dunk Compitition during the 1997 NBA All-Star week on February 8, 1997 at Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Andy Hayt/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – FEBRUARY 8: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers soars for a dunk during the 1997 NBA All Star Slam Dunk Contest February 8, 1997 at the Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND – FEBRUARY 8: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes up for one of his slam dunks that won first place in the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest at Gund Arena on February 8, 1997 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright NBAE 2002 (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND – FEBRUARY 8: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers holds his trophy overhead after winning first place in the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest at Gund Arena on February 8, 1997 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright NBAE 2002 (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)
5. NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2011
This went viral. Blake Griffin dunking over a car. You can’t get more spectacular. Watch all powerful dunks in the video below.
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 19: Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers attempts a dunk over a car after receiving a pass from teammate Baron Davis #5 during the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest at Staples Center on February 19, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2011 NBAE (Photo by Bruce Yeung/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Blake Griffin;Baron Davis
in the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest apart of NBA All-Star Saturday Night at Staples Center on February 19, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
in the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest apart of NBA All-Star Saturday Night at Staples Center on February 19, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 19: during the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest during 2011 All-Star Saturday Night presented by State Farm on February 19, 2011 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2011 NBAE (Photo by Evan Gole/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
4. NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2008
“Superman is in the building!!!” We all assumed that Dwight Howard had some super powers. In the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Contest he proved it. Superman’s dunks were insane and his show let the crowd stand in awe.
during the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest part of 2008 NBA All-Star Weekend at the New Orleans Arena on February 16, 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE
NEW ORLEANS – FEBRUARY 16: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic completes his Superman dunk during the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest part of 2008 NBA All-Star Weekend at the New Orleans Arena on February 16, 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dwight Howard
during the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest part of 2008 NBA All-Star Weekend at the New Orleans Arena on February 16, 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE
NEW ORLEANS – FEBRUARY 16: Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic hugs the championship trophy after winning the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest, part of 2008 NBA All-Star Weekend at the New Orleans Arena on February 16, 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dwight Howard
3. NBA Slam Dunk Contest 1988
This one was a rematch between Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins. Wilkins had won the contest in 1985 so Jordan was super pumped to snatch the crown. Michael finally beat his opponent but the jury’s decision is discussed controversially to this day since Wilkins showed an amazing performance as well.
CHICAGO – FEBRUARY 6: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls attempts a dunk during the 1988 NBA Slam Dunk Contest on February 6, 1988 at Chicago Stadium in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1988 NBAE (Photo by Brian Drake/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Jordan
CHICAGO – 1988: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls goes for a dunk during the Slam Dunk Competition, part of the 1988 NBA All-Star Weekend at Chicago Stadium in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright 1988 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)
CHICAGO – FEBRUARY 6: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls attempts a dunk during the 1988 NBA Slam Dunk Contest on February 6, 1988 at Chicago Stadium in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1988 NBAE (Photo by Brian Drake/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Jordan
CHICAGO – FEBRUARY 6: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls hoists the trophy after winning the 1988 NBA Slam Dunk Contest on February 6, 1988 at Chicago Stadium in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1988 NBAE (Photo by Brian Drake/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Jordan
2. NBA Slam Dunk Contest 1986
The 5’7 Spud Webb is the smallest player ever to compete and win the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. He had some incredible hops. The pictures of him flying to the rim look too cool to be real. His height was never an excuse for him and he has always been a role model for small players competing in the game.
DALLAS – FEBRUARY 8: Spud Webb #4 of the Atlanta Hawks is introduced prior to the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest on February 8, 1986 at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1986 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS – FEBRUARY 8: Spud Webb #4 of the Atlanta Hawks dunks during the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest on February 8, 1986 at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1986 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS – FEBRUARY 8: Spud Webb #4 of the Atlanta Hawks dunks during the1986 Gatorade Slam Dunk Championship during the 1986 NBA All-Star Weekend on February 8, 1986 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1986 NBAE (Photo by NBA Photo Library/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS – FEBRUARY 8: Anthony “Spud” Webb #4 of the Atlanta Hawks goes up for a reverse slam dunk during the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk contest at Reunion Arena on February 8, 1986 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright NBAE 2002 (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/ NBAE/ Getty Images)
1. NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2000
And the winner is… Vince Carter. His performance in 2000 was just unreal. You can print a poster of all of his dunks that night. Vinsanity’s 360 windmill dunk is my all time favorite. Enjoy!
OAKLAND, CA – FEBRUARY 12: Vince Carter #15 of the Toronto Raptors soars for a dunk during the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest at The Arena in Oakland on February 12, 2000 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2000 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
13 Feb 2000: Vince Carter #15 of the Toronto Raptors jumps during the NBA Allstar Game Slam Dunk Contest at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport
13 Feb 2000: Vince Carter #15 of the Toronto Raptors jumps to make the slam dunk during the NBA Allstar Game Slam Dunk Contest at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport
OAKLAND, CA – FEBRUARY 12: Vince Carter #15 of the Toronto Raptors goes for a dunk during the 2000 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest at The Arena In Oakland on February 12, 2000 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)