Based on the field, this year’s NBA Slam Dunk Contest might not be the most exciting. However, it does provide the perfect opportunity to revisit the best contests in the event’s history since its inception in 1976 and permanent addition to All-Star weekend in 1984.
Here are the top five NBA Slam Dunk Contests of all time:
5. 2008
Winner: Dwight Howard
Howard stole Shaquille O’Neal’s “Superman” persona, but his leaping ability made him better suited for it. Even though Howard didn’t touch the rim on his best dunk, he soared above it. He launched the ball with immense power into the basket after taking off from inside the free-throw line.
Then-defending champion Gerald Green also had one of the more memorable dunks in contest history when he blew out a candle on a cupcake he placed on the rim.
