Among the countless debates that dominate NBA discourse—ranging from the greatest player to the best shooter or the top performer at each position—one topic rarely gets the attention it deserves: the greatest dunkers in league history. Former teammate of Lebron James in Los Angeles Lakers, center and NBA champion Dwight Howard recently weighed in on the discussion by naming his top five dunkers of all time.

Appearing on the PBD Podcast, Howard didn’t shy away from adding himself to the list, placing third overall. “I’d put myself three,” said the eight-time All-Star. “Before at No. 1 is Vince Carter… Now, then you got to go with [Michael Jordan]. Then you got Dominique Wilkins and nobody’s putting him in here, but I got to put him in here—Darryl Dawkins.”

There’s little controversy at the top. Vince Carter remains widely recognized as the greatest dunker in NBA history, thanks in part to his unforgettable performance in the 2000 Dunk Contest, which he won with ease. His aerial artistry redefined what was possible above the rim.

Notable omissions from Howard’s list

Despite his confidence in the list, Howard left out several iconic names who arguably deserve a spot. Julius Erving, a pioneer of above-the-rim play, delivered one of the earliest memorable performances in dunk contest history. More recently, Blake Griffin turned heads in 2011 with his emphatic jams, including his famous dunk over a car.

Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Chase Center on April 07, 2022 in San Francisco, California.

Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Chase Center on April 07, 2022 in San Francisco, California.

Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon also come to mind as two of the most electrifying dunkers of the modern era. Their legendary showdown in the 2016 Dunk Contest is widely viewed as one of the most iconic battles in NBA All-Star Weekend history, filled with creativity, power, and flawless execution.

Howard’s choices appear to lean heavily on players from the 1980s and 1990s, suggesting a generational preference. While he certainly earned the right to include himself, fans may wonder why no post-2000 dunkers outside of himself made the cut—especially considering the evolution of athleticism and showmanship in the modern game.

In the end, Howard’s list highlights how subjective these rankings can be. But one thing is clear: when it comes to dunking, NBA history is full of unforgettable moments—and even more unforgettable names.