Welcome to the NBA 75, The Athletic’s countdown of the 75 best players in NBA history, in honor of the league’s diamond anniversary. We also will run features such as this one to complement certain players and moments throughout our series.
Dominique Wilkins, one of the greatest in-game dunkers in NBA history nicknamed “The Human Highlight Film,” told The Athletic that dunking was used “as a tool for intimidation.” It’s arguably the most charismatic play in basketball. And even that charisma has levels.
A fan’s scream of excitement is noticeably different when watching a basic breakaway dunk off a steal than when watching a player get postered, becoming a top highlight on every TV station. In cataloging a dunk metaphorically: If simply scoring two points is a nice painting by a starving artist, then a good dunk can elevate two points to Michelangelo or Basquiat status. They all have value, but one has that unexplainable pop.
Basketball traditionalists will say two points is just that, two points. But in the game’s modern ages, particularly on an NBA level, style points matter to most fans. When All-Star Weekend is on, the Slam Dunk Contest normally is the featured attraction — no disrespect to the All-Star Celebrity Game, the 3-Point Contest and the Skills Challenge. When it’s time to see the high-flyers, all eyes are glued to the TV.
