For those who’re below the impression that NBA dunk contest fields are getting worse over time, you’re most likely proper – no less than by way of the on-court influence of the individuals. (We’ll go away the controversy about their dunking prowess for one more day.)
A contest that has traditionally seen its justifiable share of All-Star energy is now largely diminished to younger rank-and-file gamers (at finest). For instance, the 2025 dunk contest this yr options up-and-coming Spurs guard Stephon Fortress together with defending champion Mac McClung (on a two-way contract with Orlando) and seldom-used rookies Matas Buzelis and Andre Jackson. Their common scoring output this season is 7.53 ppg, the fourth-worst mark for any dunk contest subject in NBA historical past.
The worst half is that this isn’t actually an aberration in comparison with different latest dunk contests. Most of the lowest-scoring fields have come within the final 15 years, with the 2021 contest rating lifeless final in a yr when the league seemingly may solely persuade three gamers (none of them massive names) to take part.
For the all-time rating, have a look under.
![Terence Stansbury](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2021/02/stansbury.jpg?w=1000)
![Terence Stansbury](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2021/02/stansbury.jpg?w=1000)
Ron Koch/NBAE by way of Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: Clyde Drexler, Darrell Griffith, Dominique Wilkins, Julius Erving, Larry Nance, Michael Jordan, Orlando Woolridge, Terence Stansbury
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2018/04/gettyimages-492645439.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2018/04/gettyimages-492645439.jpg?w=1000)
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE by way of Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: Clyde Drexler, Dominique Wilkins, Greg Anderson, Jerome Kersey, Michael Jordan, Otis Smith, Spud Webb
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2018/04/gettyimages-451908796.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2018/04/gettyimages-451908796.jpg?w=1000)
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE by way of Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: Clyde Drexler, Gerald Wilkins, Jerome Kersey, Johnny Dawkins, Michael Jordan, Ron Harper, Terence Stansbury, Tom Chambers
![Vince Carter, Toronto Raptors](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2021/02/GettyImages-51960389.jpg?w=805)
![Vince Carter, Toronto Raptors](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2021/02/GettyImages-51960389.jpg?w=805)
JOHN MABANGLO/AFP by way of Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: Jerry Stackhouse, Larry Hughes, Ricky Davis, Steve Francis, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2022/02/USATSI_10625834_168386701_lowres.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2022/02/USATSI_10625834_168386701_lowres.jpg?w=1000)
Chris Pizzello/Pool Photograph by way of USA TODAY Sports activities
Dunk contest individuals: Dennis Smith, Donovan Mitchell, Larry Nance Jr, Victor Oladipo
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/USATSI_17087189_168386701_lowres.jpg?w=537)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/USATSI_17087189_168386701_lowres.jpg?w=537)
Porter Binks-USA TODAY
Dunk contest individuals: Clyde Drexler, Darrell Griffith, Dominique Wilkins, Edgar Jones, Julius Erving, Larry Nance, Michael Cooper, Orlando Woolridge, Ralph Sampson
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2021/02/GettyImages-84808296.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2021/02/GettyImages-84808296.jpg?w=1000)
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: Dwight Howard, JR Smith, Nate Robinson, Rudy Fernandez, Rudy Homosexual
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2024/02/USATSI_22552419.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2024/02/USATSI_22552419.jpg?w=1000)
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports activities
Dunk contest individuals: Jacob Toppin, Jaime Jaquez, Jaylen Brown, Mac McClung
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2022/02/882826866.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2022/02/882826866.jpg?w=1000)
TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP by way of Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: Dwight Howard, Gerald Inexperienced, Jamario Moon, Rudy Homosexual
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2022/02/USATSI_7744266_168386701_lowres.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2022/02/USATSI_7744266_168386701_lowres.jpg?w=1000)
Ronald Martinez/Pool Photograph by way of USA TODAY Sports activities
Dunk contest individuals: Ben McLemore, Damian Lillard, Harrison Barnes, John Wall, Paul George, Terrence Ross
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2022/02/109309936-1.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2022/02/109309936-1.jpg?w=1000)
ROBYN BECK/AFP by way of Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: Blake Griffin, DeMar DeRozan, JaVale McGee, Serge Ibaka
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2018/04/amarestoudemiredunk2.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2018/04/amarestoudemiredunk2.jpg?w=1000)
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: Amare Stoudemire, Desmond Mason, Jason Richardson, Richard Jefferson
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/fztddxbvakx1qz52mapp-3425825533.jpg?w=641)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/fztddxbvakx1qz52mapp-3425825533.jpg?w=641)
Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: Cedric Ceballos, Doug West, John Starks, Larry Johnson (1969), Nick Anderson, Shawn Kemp, Stacey Augmon
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2021/02/GettyImages-52219740.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2021/02/GettyImages-52219740.jpg?w=1000)
Ezra Shaw/Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: Amare Stoudemire, Chris Andersen, Josh Smith, JR Smith
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/spud_webb_1986.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/spud_webb_1986.jpg?w=1000)
The Atlanta Journal-Structure
Dunk contest individuals: Dominique Wilkins, Gerald Wilkins, Jerome Kersey, Paul Pressey, Roy Hinson, Spud Webb, Terence Stansbury, Terry Tyler
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2023/02/9114926.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2023/02/9114926.jpg?w=1000)
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports activities
Dunk contest individuals: Aaron Gordon, Andre Drummond, Will Barton, Zach LaVine
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/51705229.jpg?w=867)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/51705229.jpg?w=867)
PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP by way of Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: Desmond Mason, Gerald Wallace, Jason Richardson, Steve Francis
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/dominique_wilkins.jpg?w=287)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/dominique_wilkins.jpg?w=287)
SI.com
Dunk contest individuals: Billy Thompson, Dominique Wilkins, Kenny Battle, Kenny Smith, Kenny Walker, Rex Chapman, Scottie Pippen, Shawn Kemp
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2018/03/gettyimages-688381350.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2018/03/gettyimages-688381350.jpg?w=1000)
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE by way of Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: Cedric Ceballos, Clarence Weatherspoon, David Benoit, Harold Miner, Kenny Smith, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, Tim Perry
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2021/02/webb.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2021/02/webb.jpg?w=1000)
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE by way of Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: Chris Morris, Clyde Drexler, Jerome Kersey, Kenny Walker, Ron Harper, Shelton Jones, Spud Webb, Tim Perry
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/463468670.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/463468670.jpg?w=1000)
Elsa/Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Mason Plumlee, Victor Oladipo, Zach LaVine
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/51584268.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/51584268.jpg?w=1000)
JEFF HAYNES/AFP by way of Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: Brent Barry, Darrell Armstrong, Doug Christie, Greg Minor, Jerry Stackhouse, Michael Finley
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2017/05/gettyimages-134444031.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2017/05/gettyimages-134444031.jpg?w=1000)
Nathaniel S. Butler-NBAE by way of Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: Blue Edwards, Dee Brown (1968), Kendall Gill, Kenny Smith, Kenny Williams, Otis Smith, Rex Chapman, Shawn Kemp
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2022/02/USATSI_17727447_168386701_lowres-e1645355014110.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2022/02/USATSI_17727447_168386701_lowres-e1645355014110.jpg?w=1000)
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports activities
Dunk contest individuals: Cole Anthony, Jalen Inexperienced, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Obi Toppin
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2024/02/96675745.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2024/02/96675745.jpg?w=1000)
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: DeMar DeRozan, Gerald Wallace, Nate Robinson, Shannon Brown
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/jr-rider-1.jpg?w=578)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/jr-rider-1.jpg?w=578)
ballislife.com
Dunk contest individuals: Allan Houston, Antonio Davis, Isaiah Rider, James Robinson, Robert Pack, Shawn Kemp
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2023/02/20031882-1.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2023/02/20031882-1.jpg?w=1000)
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports activities
Dunk contest individuals: Jericho Sims, KJ Martin, Mac McClung, Trey Murphy
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/73358826.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/73358826.jpg?w=1000)
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: Dwight Howard, Gerald Inexperienced, Nate Robinson, Tyrus Thomas
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2022/02/USATSI_12177422_168386701_lowres.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2022/02/USATSI_12177422_168386701_lowres.jpg?w=1000)
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports activities
Dunk contest individuals: Dennis Smith, Hamidou Diallo, John Collins, Miles Bridges
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/2984101.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/2984101.jpg?w=1000)
HECTOR MATA/AFP by way of Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: Chris Andersen, Fred Jones, Jason Richardson, Ricky Davis
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/USATSI_9886639_168386701_lowres.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/USATSI_9886639_168386701_lowres.jpg?w=1000)
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports activities
Dunk contest individuals: Aaron Gordon, DeAndre Jordan, Derrick Jones, Glenn Robinson III
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2018/05/gettyimages-822468652.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2018/05/gettyimages-822468652.jpg?w=1000)
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE by way of Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: Bob Sura, Chris Carr, Darvin Ham, Kobe Bryant, Michael Finley, Ray Allen
![Nate Robinson, New York Knicks](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2020/11/Nate-Robinson-dunk.jpg?w=1000)
![Nate Robinson, New York Knicks](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2020/11/Nate-Robinson-dunk.jpg?w=1000)
Ronald Martinez/Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: Andre Iguodala, Hakim Warrick, Josh Smith, Nate Robinson
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/USATSI_6028392_168386701_lowres.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/USATSI_6028392_168386701_lowres.jpg?w=1000)
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports activities
Dunk contest individuals: Chase Budinger, Derrick Williams, Jeremy Evans, Paul George
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2020/02/aaron-gordon-dunk-2020.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2020/02/aaron-gordon-dunk-2020.jpg?w=1000)
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports activities
Dunk contest individuals: Aaron Gordon, Derrick Jones, Dwight Howard, Pat Connaughton
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/haroldminer1995.jpg?w=700)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/haroldminer1995.jpg?w=700)
Vince Bucci/Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: Antonio Harvey, Harold Miner, Isaiah Rider, Jamie Watson, Tim Perry, Tony Dumas
Dunk contest individuals: Matas Buzelis, Mac McClung, Stephon Fortress, Andre Jackson
![DeShawn Stevenson, Utah Jazz](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2021/05/DeShawn-Stevenson.jpg?w=1000)
![DeShawn Stevenson, Utah Jazz](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2021/05/DeShawn-Stevenson.jpg?w=1000)
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE by way of Getty Photographs
Dunk contest individuals: Baron Davis, Corey Maggette, DeShawn Stevenson, Desmond Mason, Jonathan Bender, Stromile Swift
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/USATSI_7049732_168386701_lowres.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/USATSI_7049732_168386701_lowres.jpg?w=1000)
Jeff Haynes/Reuters by way of USA TODAY Sports activities
Dunk contest individuals: Eric Bledsoe, Gerald Inexperienced, Jeremy Evans, Terrence Ross
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/USATSI_15690611_168386701_lowres.jpg?w=1000)
![](https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2025/01/USATSI_15690611_168386701_lowres.jpg?w=1000)
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports activities
Dunk contest individuals: Anfernee Simons, Cassius Stanley, Obi Toppin