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Basketball has seen a lot of change in its time and one area of the game that has evolved dramatically is the dunk.
What was once considered merely a means to score two points has become a spectacle on its own. Now, some of the most memorable moments in basketball history feature gravity-defying slams.
The NBA, in particular, has become a breeding ground for the most creative and athletic dunkers. The All-Star weekend showcases the best of the best in slam dunk contests. Let's look at the evolution of the NBA dunk, from the early days of George Mikan to the high-flying Vince Carter and beyond.
George Mikan was the original dunker
In the late 1940s, the NBA was just starting to establish itself as the premier professional basketball league in the world. It would be a few years, however, before the first big-time dunker made his mark on the league under the name of George Mikan.
Standing at 6-foot-10, Mikan was truly the first dominant big man in NBA history. He paved the way for future bigs, showcasing an array of post moves, hook shots, and dunks that would be copied by generations of players after him.
But compared to today’s dunkers, Mikan’s slams were relatively simple – straight up and down, with little flair or creativity. Nonetheless, he was the first to really showcase the art of dunking in professional basketball, and for that, he deserves recognition.
"Dr. J" made the dunk an airborn artistry
The first high-flyer in the NBA was Julius Erving, better known as “Dr. J”. Erving had a unique combo of athleticism, creativity and flair that made his dunks must-see material. He would glide through the air, contort his body, and throw down some of the most artful slams ever seen on a basketball court.
His most famous dunk, known as “The Baseline Move,” came in the 1980 NBA Finals. He took off from the left baseline, flew past the rim, and came down with a reverse layup off the other side of the hoop. It’s a moment that basketball fans will never forget and one that would be replicated by many future dunk contest participants.
Michael Jordan made the dunk his brand
It’s impossible to talk about the evolution of the NBA dunk without mentioning the impact of Michael Jordan. Jordan’s aerial prowess was instrumental in his brand’s ascension to the top of the sneaker world. Every kid who wanted to be like him would try to emulate his dunking ability, sporting the iconic Air Jordans in the process.
Jordan had his signature dunk – the free-throw line slam – which he showcased in the 1988 dunk contest. From there, he would innovate the dunk, for example, by jumping off two feet, and it became one of his main tools as a scorer throughout his career.
Vince Carter used the dunk as entertainment
Perhaps the most influential dunker of all time, Vince Carter took the art of dunking to new heights in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
With his gravity-defying hops, Carter put on one of the most memorable performances in NBA history in the 2000 dunk contest. With just a few dunks, he displayed an array of twists, turns, and dunks that would be remembered for years to come.
Carter’s dunks were more than just basketball moves – they were entertainment. His ability to captivate audiences with his acrobatic feats of athleticism set the stage for future dunk contests to be more than just showcases of talent; they became shows in themselves.
The future of the NBA dunk
As the game continues to evolve, and new players come along, the dunk will undoubtedly continue to evolve with it. However, players like LeBron James and Zion Williamson have already shown what’s possible when it comes to dunking, and the sky seems to be the limit for future generations of dunkers.
From the simple “slams” of George Mikan to the awe-inspiring feats of Vince Carter, the evolution of the NBA dunk has been a journey to behold. And as we look to the future, one can only imagine what kind of dunks we’ll see in the years to come.
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