In celebration of today's 2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, join us as we take a look back at some of our top picks for the best dunks in NBA Slam Dunk Contest history. Although dunks from recent years have been notable, they don't necessarily compare to those from the memorable Jordan era.

1988 Michael Jordan Free-Throw Line Dunk

It’s challenging to think about an iconic NBA Slam Dunk without thinking of Michael Jordan’s iconic free-throw line dunk of 1988. The young baller needed a 49 to win the contest and allow him to defend his title successfully. Expectations were high, but Michael Jordan met them when he took off running, lifted off from the free-throw line, double-clutched in the air, and slammed the ball through the basket to secure his perfect score and back-to-back championship title.

2000 Vince Carter 360 Windmill Dunk

Vince Carter arrived at the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest with clear intentions. His super clean 360 windmill dunk was his first attempt, preserving the surprise factor for the crowd and the fans watching on tv. His body-controlled full rotation started from above his head and allowed a full overall extension. This powerful dunk was influential, as it went straight through the net and took on a very high first bounce as soon as it hit the ground. This dunk inspired many high flyers after him to try the same dunk, like Chris Staples, Donovan Mitchell, and Paul George. 

1987 Michael Jordan Windmill Dunk

The 1987 NBA Slam Dunk Contest put Michael Jordan on a different level of stardom for the first time in his professional career. This stardom never wavered. Stepping onto the court in Seattle in 1987, a young Michael Jordan was determined to make himself a star. Michael Jordan rose to the rim effortlessly and did a standard two-handed cradle dunk. Although it was simple, it was so effective yet effortless that it guaranteed his win. The Chicago Bulls player would win back-to-back NBA Slam Dunk Contest victories the following year.

2016 Zach LaVine Between-The-Legs Windmill Dunk

The 201 NBA Slam-Dunk Contest showed fans how excellent Zach LaVine’s dunk skills were, which was seen as he attacked the basket by throwing himself a pass, putting it through his legs while in the air, and slamming it over his head and into the hoop. Although it was similar to other dunks of the night, it further emphasized LaVine’s role in the dunking world.

1988 Dominique Wilkins Baseline Windmill Dunk

While Dominique Wilkins and Michael Jordan were the final two players in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Wilkins’ signature dunk from the night was his baseline windmill slam. He had delivered a performance for the ages. Wilkins was at the prime of his career as an NBA league superstar, and although he lost to a young Michael Jordan, he gave fans and the NBA as a whole something they’d never forget.

2016 Zach LaVine Free Throw-Line Windmill Dunk

Zach LaVine arrives again with another perfect dunk, such as when he performed a dunk from the free-throw line, all while doing a windmill. In 2016, the Minnesota Timberwolves point guard became the fourth player in NBA history to become a repeat champion of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

1986 Spud Webb 360 Dunk

Standing at a mere 5 feet and 7 inches tall, Spud Webb of the Atlanta Hawks landed in the final round of the 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest with fellow teammate Dominique Wilkins. Dominique was the favorite entering the competition but couldn’t compete with Spud Webb and the Dallas crowd. Spud Webb’s 360 dunk scored a perfect 50 points in the contest, securing his 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest win.

1991 Dee Brown No-Look Dunk

Having only joined the Boston Celtics a year prior, a young Dee Brown made a name for himself at the 1991 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Shawn Kemp was the favorite heading into the event. Having then made it to the final round, Brown’s final dunk took place with his eyes closed and his arm covering his eyes to prove it. He admitted to pulling that move out on the spot and wanted to make the crowd remember him.

2003 Jason Richardson Reverse Through-The-Legs Dunk

Following a between-the-legs dunk from Desmond Mason, Jason Richardson knew he needed to do something big to walk away with winning the 2003 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. After chatting with his teammate Gilbert Arenas, Richardson finished a between-the-legs reverse dunk, which awarded him a perfect score and the 2003 Slam Dunk Championship title.

1997 Kobe Bryant Through-The-Legs Dunk

In 1997, Kobe Bryant and Darvin Ham were in Cleveland's finals of the 1997 NBA Dunk Contest when Bryant won memorably. The Lakers rookie chose the route of finesse when he chose to dunk through the legs, earning him a solid 49 points in the final to win the overall NBA Dunk Contest.