Watch CBS News

Top 5 NBA Dunk Contest Performances [VIDEO]

By: Evan Jankens
@kingofthekc

In 1990, when basketball really took over my life, the dunk is what attracted me. Obviously Michael Jordan was the main guy, but people like Dominique Wilkins, Dee Brown and Cedric Ceballos brought it, too.

Then it happened: Harold Minor took the court and was nicknamed "baby Jordan." He never lived up to the hype, but that nickname is something I will always remember.

Below are my top 5 NBA dunk contest performances.

5. Isaiah Rider in the 1994 dunk contest. He debuted the "The East Bay Funk Dunk."

Isaiah Rider 1994 slam dunk contest by CharlieColeysAfro on YouTube

4. Michigan State's own Jason Richardson's 2002 and 2003 performances will be something I never forget. Michigan State fans knew he could leap with the best of them but what he showed during the dunk contest was something else.

Jason Richardson - 2002 NBA Slam Dunk Contest (Champion) by Ryan Van Dusen on YouTube
Jason Richardson - 2003 NBA Slam Dunk Contest (Champion) by Ryan Van Dusen on YouTube

3. Dee Brown in the 1991 dunk contest. It wasn't exactly the best show all around but Dee Brown really did change the dunk contest game with his "no-look" dunk.

Dee Brown - 1991 NBA Slam Dunk Contest (Champion) by Ryan Van Dusen on YouTube

2. Michael Jordan in the 1988 dunk contest. You probably thought I would choose Jordan as number one but there was still one better in my opinion.

Michael Jordan - 1988 NBA Slam Dunk Contest (Champion) by Ryan Van Dusen on YouTube

1. Vince Carter in the 2000 dunk contest. No explanation needed. Watch the video and you will understand.

Vince Carter • 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest by vincecarter on YouTube

Those are my top five. Who did I miss?

My favorite for the 2015 edition of the dunk contest is Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Zach LaVine.

Here is a preview of what we may see this upcoming weekend.

Zach LaVine Windmills From FREETHROW Line at Seattle Pro Am!! Head OVER RIM!! by Ballislife on YouTube

Who do you have winning?

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.