With the 2009-2010 NBA season in full swing, Ball or Nuthin’ will begin highlighting the best of the best in the league. First up, we’ll commence with the most exciting play in basketball – - the slam dunk.
The slam dunk always brings even the most casual basketball fans to his feet. But since almost every NBA player can throw it down, it takes a little more to be a special dunker in the Association.
So, just who are the NBA’s best dunkers?
1. LeBron James – Of course, the man-child has to top any list involving athleticism. While the variety of his dunks is rather lame (he mainly sticks to the one-hand tomahawk), the ferocity with which he attacks the rim makes the whole arena shake. He’s basically a football player with hops – so you know the damage that he can put on a rim.
2. Rudy Gay – Elevation? Check. Variety? Check. Ferocity? Check. The former UConn player has all of the elements of being a human highlight film, but two things are working against him. First, he plays for Memphis…so you won’t be seeing any of his dunks on network TV (you’ll have to watch SportsCenter or get the League Pass). Secondly, his last name keeps his jersey off of the top-seller’s list.
3. Andre Iguodala – He finished second in the 2006 Sprite Slam Dunk Competition – thanks to Nate Robinson getting 50 attempts to complete his final dunk. That was just ludicrous. But there’s no doubt that Iguodala is one the most athletic players in the NBA, and even flushed one on King James during a game.
4. Vince Carter – How could you talk about dunking without mentioning Vinsanity? Now, granted, he certainly hasn’t had as much highlight material in recent years, but the body of work that he has produced throughout his career might just be the greatest in NBA history. From 360-degree dunks in NBA games, to the legendary 2000 Slam Dunk Contest, to the dunk over a 7-footer in the Olympics – Carter has done it all when it comes to dunking.
So there you have it. These are my top dunkers in the NBA. There are definitely a few others who will make the occasional highlight – but as far as overall track record – it doesn’t get much better than these guys.
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T Lamont is an administator and author covering all sports for Ball or Nuthin'. Send T Lamont a question or comment for future discussion (tlamont@ballornuthin.com). 
What about Gerald Wallace? That guy can throw down.
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T Lamont Reply:
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:23 am
Wallace is one of my favorite guys and he can definitely throw down. If there was any one player out of these four that he could replace it would be LeBron. The other three have more style and variety when they go strong to the hole.
On another note, it is definitely good to see “Crash” going to the All-Star Game this year. He deserved it.
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