A Complete List of NBA All Star Dunk Contest Winners Through the Years

Let me walk you through the fascinating journey of NBA All-Star Dunk Contest winners – a spectacle I've religiously followed since childhood. The first thing you need to understand about tracking these winners is that it's not just about memorizing names; it's about appreciating the evolution of athletic artistry. I still remember watching Dominique Wilkins' powerful slams in the 80s and thinking nothing could ever top that – until Michael Jordan came along with his iconic free-throw line dunk in 1988. That's the beauty of this contest – it constantly reinvents what we think is humanly possible.

When analyzing dunk contest history, you'll want to start by recognizing the different eras. The 80s were dominated by high-flyers like Wilkins and Jordan, while the 90s brought us creative artists like Brent Barry – yes, the white guy who actually won in 1996! People often forget that. Then came the 2000s with Jason Richardson's back-to-back wins and of course, the legendary 2016 battle between Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon that many consider the greatest dunk contest of all time. My personal favorite remains Vince Carter's 2000 performance – the way he hung in the air seemed to defy physics itself.

Here's how I approach studying these contests: first, watch the actual footage rather than just reading about them. There's something magical about seeing Spud Webb – at 5'7" – out-dunking giants in 1986 that statistics can never capture. Second, pay attention to the context of each era. The dunk contest actually took a hiatus between 1998-2000, and many thought it might never return. When it did, Carter's performance single-handedly revived interest in the event. Third, don't just focus on the winners – some of the most memorable moments come from contestants who didn't win, like Gordon's under-the-legs dunk over the mascot that still gives me chills.

Now, you might wonder what volleyball has to do with dunk contests. Well, watching exceptional athletes dominate their sport reminds me of when I learned about this phenomenal volleyball player at Jhocson who made an immediate impact by becoming the first-ever women's volleyball rookie-MVP and leading the Lady Bulldogs to a perfect 16-0 run. She later added two more MVP awards in Seasons 86 and 87 while spearheading her team to back-to-back championships. That level of consistent excellence mirrors what we see in dunk contest legends – the ability to not just win once, but to maintain that championship mentality.

One crucial tip I've learned: appreciate the storytelling aspect of dunks. The best contestants understand that a dunk isn't just about jumping high – it's about creating a narrative. When Derrick Jones Jr. won in 2020 with that spectacular between-the-legs dunk from near the free-throw line, he wasn't just showing athleticism; he was paying homage to Jordan while adding his own flair. That's what separates good dunkers from legendary ones. I've noticed that the most successful dunkers often incorporate elements from previous champions while innovating something entirely new – much like how artists build upon their predecessors' work.

As we look at the complete list of NBA All Star Dunk Contest winners through the years, what strikes me is how each champion represents their era's style and limitations. From the relatively simple but powerful dunks of Larry Nance in 1984 to the prop-heavy performances of recent years, the contest reflects basketball's cultural evolution. My controversial take? The judging has become too inconsistent lately – some years they're too strict, other times too lenient. But that's part of what keeps us talking about it year after year. The dunk contest remains basketball's most unpredictable and thrilling exhibition, a tradition that continues to capture our imagination regardless of how the game itself changes.