Dominique Wilkins recently reignited the ever-swirling dunk debate with a bold but not unfounded statement: “Me and Vince Carter are the two greatest dunkers ever… that’s a good place to start.” Coming from “The Human Highlight Film,” this proclamation is both a reminder of his aerial dominance and a respectful nod to Vince Carter, better known as “Vinsanity.” But with a history of jaw-dropping slams spanning decades, who else deserves a spot in the GOAT dunker conversation?
Let’s start with Wilkins and Carter. Dominique Wilkins was the embodiment of power and flair in the 1980s and early ’90s. Known for his thunderous windmills and aggressive finishes, Wilkins didn’t just dunk — he attacked the rim. His epic dunk contest battles, especially against Michael Jordan, are the stuff of legend. His two-footed takeoffs, graceful hang-time, and emphatic finishes made him a staple on highlight reels.
Then there’s Vince Carter. Simply put, he changed the game. From his iconic 2000 Dunk Contest performance — considered by many the greatest ever — to his legendary in-game dunk over 7’2” Frederic Weis in the Olympics, Carter fused creativity with insane athleticism. His ability to float, contort, and improvise mid-air was practically artistic. Carter’s dunking longevity — throwing down at age 40 — adds to his mythos.
But the dunk GOAT conversation doesn’t stop there.
Michael Jordan must be mentioned. Though his dunk contest résumé is short, his impact is massive. His iconic free-throw line dunk, grace in the air, and ability to seemingly levitate all contributed to his Air Jordan nickname. He combined competitive fire with elegance, making every slam feel like a statement.
Julius “Dr. J” Erving was the original aerial artist. In the pre-Jordan era, Dr. J brought showmanship to the NBA, taking dunking to another level. His legendary baseline reverse layup and his cradle dunk in the 1983 Finals still echo through basketball history.
Shawn Kemp, the “Reign Man,” was perhaps the most ferocious in-game dunker of the ’90s. Kemp didn’t just dunk — he destroyed defenders. His combination of speed, size, and flair made his slams particularly brutal, and he often added a finger point or glare for emphasis.
Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon have pushed the dunk contest into the modern era with mind-bending creativity. Their 2016 duel is hailed as one of the best ever, with LaVine showcasing effortless bounce and Gordon displaying outrageous innovation (remember the under-the-legs dunk over the mascot?).
Ja Morant and Zion Williamson are rising stars keeping the aerial legacy alive today. Morant’s fearless, high-flying attacks on the rim have already produced poster-worthy dunks, while Zion combines brute force with agility in ways rarely seen.
Ultimately, dunking greatness is part performance, part power, and part poetry. Dominique and Vince Carter are undoubtedly atop the list, but they share the throne with legends from every era — each bringing their own flavor to the slam. From Dr. J’s elegance to Kemp’s ferocity, the conversation remains wide open, fueled by every highlight that makes us jump out of our seats.
