7 Secrets Behind The Most Insane Dunks In Basketball History (And The Current NBA King Of Vertical)

Every basketball fan knows a dunk is more than just two points; it is a seismic event, a declaration of athletic dominance, and the ultimate highlight reel moment. As of today, December 11, 2025, the art of the slam dunk continues its explosive evolution, moving beyond simple power jams to physics-defying aerial acrobatics that redefine what a human body can achieve mid-air. The current NBA landscape is filled with high-flyers pushing the limits, from in-game posterizations to innovative Slam Dunk Contest entries, all built on a foundation of raw power, perfect timing, and a secret weapon: the vertical leap.

The journey of the dunk—from a move once banned in collegiate play to the spectacle it is today—is a fascinating study in athletic progress. This article dives deep into the science, the history, and the current kings of the air who are defining the next generation of basketball excellence, revealing the seven secrets that separate a good dunker from a legendary one.

The Evolution of Aerial Dominance: From Ban to Breakthrough

The slam dunk was not always the celebrated move it is today. In a shocking twist of basketball history, the dunk was actually outlawed in high school and college basketball from 1967 to 1976. This nine-year ban, often dubbed the "Lew Alcindor Rule" (referencing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), was ostensibly implemented to prevent injury and rim damage, though many believed it was an attempt to limit the dominance of taller players.

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Once reinstated, the move rapidly transformed. Early dunks were often simple, two-handed power jams. The 1980s and 90s saw the rise of innovators like Michael Jordan, who brought style and hangtime to the forefront, popularizing moves like the free-throw line take-off. The late 90s and 2000s were owned by Vince Carter, whose spectacular dunks in the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest—including the iconic "elbow dunk"—set a new, seemingly unreachable standard for creativity and athleticism.

Today, the focus has shifted again, emphasizing sheer verticality and in-game ferocity. This modern era demands a combination of the old-school power of a Tomahawk dunk with the mid-air finesse of a Double Pump or a 360-Degree rotation, often executed over a helpless defender, resulting in the coveted "Poster Dunk."

The Physics of Flight: Unpacking the Vertical Leap Secret

At the core of every jaw-dropping dunk is an elite vertical leap, the engine that powers a player's flight. While many legends like Michael Jordan and Vince Carter are renowned for their incredible hangtime, the modern NBA continues to push the limits of measurable verticality. The current gold standard belongs to a new generation of high-flyers.

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• The Current Vertical King: Brooklyn Nets guard Keon Johnson is widely believed to hold the current best vertical jump in the league, measured at a staggering 48 inches. This number represents the peak of human explosive power in the sport, allowing him to elevate far above the rim with ease.
• The NBA's Dunk Score: To quantify the spectacle, the NBA now uses an official "Dunk Score." This metric evaluates each slam based on a combination of factors, including vertical leap, power, style, and hangtime, providing an objective measure for the most impressive dunks of the 2024-25 season and beyond. Players like Shaedon Sharpe and Ja Morant are consistently ranked high by this score.

Achieving this level of verticality is no accident. It involves specialized training focusing on plyometrics, strength training for the posterior chain (glutes and hamstrings), and perfecting the penultimate step—the final stride before takeoff that converts horizontal speed into maximum vertical momentum.

7 Secrets That Define A Legendary Dunker

A legendary dunker does more than just jump high; they possess a unique combination of physical traits, mental fortitude, and technical skill. These seven secrets are the ingredients for an unforgettable slam.

1. Explosive Verticality (The Keon Johnson Factor)

As noted, a massive vertical jump is the foundation. It provides the necessary clearance to execute complex maneuvers and ensures the ball is slammed with authority. The ability to generate force quickly, known as rate of force development, is what separates a 40-inch jumper from a 48-inch jumper.

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2. Mid-Air Body Control

This is the ability to adjust the body and the ball while airborne. A Windmill dunk or a Reverse dunk requires exceptional core strength and spatial awareness to maintain balance and avoid traveling or fouling. Vince Carter remains the benchmark for this skill.

3. The "Poster" Mindset

Great in-game dunkers, like Zion Williamson and Ja Morant, possess an aggressive, fearless mentality. They are not deterred by a defender in the paint; instead, they view a defender as a challenge to be conquered, resulting in the most memorable and momentum-shifting "Poster Dunks" of the season.

4. Creativity and Innovation (The Slam Dunk Contest Legacy)

The NBA Slam Dunk Contest is the laboratory for new techniques. Back-to-back winners like Zach LaVine and Mac McClung are constantly inventing. Recent innovations often involve props, jumping over people, or complex aerial passes before the finish, pushing the boundaries of the 360-Degree and Under the Leg dunks.

5. Perfect Timing and Rhythm

Whether it's an Alley-Oop or a fast-break solo dunk, the timing of the penultimate step, the gather of the ball, and the jump must be perfectly synchronized. This rhythm is often what makes a one-foot take-off dunk look so effortless and graceful.

6. The Power of the Two-Hand Finish

While one-handed dunks are often flashier, the two-hand dunk—or Tomahawk—is the ultimate display of raw, undeniable authority. It minimizes the chance of a block, maximizes the force, and is a staple for players looking to send a message to the opposing team.

7. Consistency and Longevity

The true legends, such as Michael Jordan and Jason Richardson, maintained their elite athleticism for years. Their ability to consistently deliver highlight dunks throughout their careers, not just in a single season or contest, cements their legacy as all-time great dunkers.

The Future of the Slam Dunk: New Heights and New Names

The slam dunk is a living, breathing part of basketball culture. As training science improves and athletes become faster and more explosive, the standards for what constitutes an "amazing dunk" are continually being raised. Looking at the Top 100 Dunks of the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season, the trend is clear: dunks are becoming higher, more powerful, and executed with greater impunity over defenders.

The next generation of high-flyers will likely blend the explosive verticality of Keon Johnson with the creative flair of past champions. They will continue to leverage the one-foot technique for maximum height and the two-foot stance for maximum power, constantly seeking new ways to defy gravity and thrill the global audience. The next great dunk is always just one jump away.