Top NBA 5 players who popularized slashing and dunking in the league

#3 Lebron James

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after scoring during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on October 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.

LeBron James is one of the foremost names in the modern-day NBA associated with the dunk. A physical and athletic specimen, James has been known for his unstoppable runs to the paint, recording many dunks in his career.

Although the NBA legend has failed to appear in the NBA dunk competition, many greats on this list have done so. His exploits on the rim in the NBA have been key. The 17-time All-Star ranks fourth on all-time dunks made by NBA players and had made 1,948 dunks by the end of the previous season.

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#2 Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls dunks the ball during the game against the Miami Heat.

There cannot be enough words to describe Michael Jordan’s affinity for dunking. The former Chicago Bulls shooting guard is considered by most to be the greatest basketball player of all time, and it’s no surprise he made this list, as MJ was the undoubted king of the rims in the nineties.

The legend had already won two Slam Dunk contests, defeating Jerome Kersey and Dominique Wilkins in the 1987 and 1988 editions of the slam dunk contest. He was widely regarded as the greatest player in the event’s history, before going on to decimate the NBA in his storied career.

He is believed to have revamped the game of basketball, elevating the sport through his captivating slam dunks. His signature “rock the cradle” dunk created hysteria in the NBA for several years, inspiring younger generations who looked to the legend whilst mastering their craft.

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#1 Vince Carter

Vince Carter #25 of the Dallas Mavericks makes the slam dunk against Marcus Thornton #23 of the Sacramento Kings at American Airlines Center on December 10, 2012 in Dallas, Texas.

Vince Carter is the most notable slasher and dunk artist to ever play in the NBA. The former Toronto Raptors small forward was a whirlwind on the court, his trademark “windmill” dunk as scary as it was, is captivating.

The former shooting guard was blessed with explosive pace at his peak and possessed great physicality, coupled with a mighty leap that gave him a great edge over players when powering himself to the rim.

He has had many notable dunking highlights in his lengthy career, memorably jumping over 7-footer French basketballer, Frederick Weis, in a dunk during the 2000 Olympics.

He was the first player to perform the 360 windmill dunk in the NBA slam dunk contest, a feat that ensured his place as the greatest dunker of all time.