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10 Greatest Player Performances In NBA Slam Dunk Contest History

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By @BrianKalchik

10 Greatest Player Performances In NBA Slam Dunk Contest History

Sprite Slam Dunk Contest 2014
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Since 2011, the NBA Slam Dunk Contest has lost a bit of its luster, but there is still a rich history to this event. From tiny point guards, to the greatest players who ever played, these 10 players were the best performers in the history of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

10. Andre Iguodala: Philadelphia 76ers (2006)

Andre Iguodala 76ers
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10. Andre Iguodala: Philadelphia 76ers (2006)

Andre Iguodala 76ers
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As a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, Andre Iguodala finished second to Nate Robinson in 2006. Some have argued that Iguodala deserved to win more than Robinson. His behind-the-backboard dunk was certainly good enough to win the contest, but was overshadowed by Robinson dunking over Spud Webb.

9. Nate Robinson: New York Knicks (2009)

Nate Robinson Knicks
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9. Nate Robinson: New York Knicks (2009)

Nate Robinson Knicks
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While with the New York Knicks, Nate Robinson was able to outlast Dwight Howard in a battle of two previous Slam Dunk contest winners (Robinson in 2005, Howard in 2008). Robinson had a performance worthy of Spud Webb back in 1986, winning this one for the little guys. He capped off his victory by jumping over Howard.

8. Javale McGee: Washington Wizards (2011)

Javale McGee Wizards
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8. Javale McGee: Washington Wizards (2011)

Javale McGee Wizards
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Mostly known for making the Sportscenter Not Top-10 while with the Washington Wizards, Javale McGee was the most impressive dunker in the 2011 contest and was ultimately robbed of the title. McGee's willingness to try dunks that seemed to be impossible, and to ultimately complete them, warrants his selection here.

7. Dwight Howard: Orlando Magic (2008)

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7. Dwight Howard: Orlando Magic (2008)

Dwight Howard Magic
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Dwight Howard stole the show in the 2008 dunk contest. The tallest player to compete in the contest at the time, Howard won the contest on the first dunk with a windmill after starting behind the backboard. The superman cape dunk also didn't hurt, although it was a "throw" rather than a dunk.

6. Kenny "Sky" Walker: New York Knicks (1989)

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6. Kenny "Sky" Walker: New York Knicks (1989)

New York Knicks Jersey
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Kenny "Sky" Walker from the New York Knicks didn't put on a superstar performance like the 1988 duel between Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins, but put on an impressive showing nonetheless in beating out fellow dunking great Clyde Drexler in the final round. Walker was a last-minute replacement and competed just three days after the passing of his father.

5. Jason Richardson: Golden State Warriors (2003)

Jason Richardson Warriors
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5. Jason Richardson: Golden State Warriors (2003)

Jason Richardson Warriors
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Jason Richardson from the Golden State Warriors prevailed against Desmond Mason from the then Seattle Supersonics in one of the more underrated duels in Slam Dunk Contest history. Richardson defended his title with a perfect 50 in the final dunk of the final round.

4. Spud Webb: Atlanta Hawks (1986)

Spud Webb Hawks
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4. Spud Webb: Atlanta Hawks (1986)

Spud Webb Hawks
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The perennial fan favorite and perfect underdog to root for, Spud Webb won the 1986 contest, defeating Dominique Wilkins in the final round. Webb gave hope not just to other NBA players lacking height, but underdogs everywhere, that anything is indeed possible.

3. Dominique Wilkins: Atlanta Hawks (1985)

Dominique Wilkins Hawks
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3. Dominique Wilkins: Atlanta Hawks (1985)

Dominique Wilkins Hawks
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Dominique Wilkins won the first of his two slam dunk championships with a win over Michael Jordan in the finals. Wilkins beat an All-Star lineup that included Clyde Drexler, Terence Stansbury and his "Statue of Liberty" dunk, the reigning champ Larry Nance, as well as Darrell Griffith and Julius Erving.

2. Michael Jordan: Chicago Bulls (1988)

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2. Michael Jordan: Chicago Bulls (1988)

Michael Jordan Bulls
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Michael Jordan avenged his 1985 loss to Dominique Wilkins with a victory in the greatest duel in slam dunk history, winning with the "best" free throw line dunk of all time. Jordan defeated Wilkins by a mere two points, although there might have been some form of home cooking with the contest being in Chicago.

1. Vince Carter: Toronto Raptors (2000)

Vince Carter Raptors
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1. Vince Carter: Toronto Raptors (2000)

Vince Carter Raptors
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Vince Carter of the Toronto Raptors won the 2000 slam dunk contest on his first attempt of the night, a reverse 360. Carter gave the best performance out of all the contests with a show that few have seen and others have failed to duplicate. Carter sealed his place as one of the greatest dunkers of all time with other great dunks, including putting his elbow in the rim.

Brian Kalchik is a Houston Texans writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.

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