Hoops Habit
Fansided

25 Greatest Poster Dunks in NBA History

By Maxwell Ogden

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 05: NBA Legend Julius Erving hugs Dominique Wilkins as the Atlanta Hawks honor Wilkins in the unveiling of a statue in his name at Philips Arena on March 5, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Bazemore-Pool/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 05: NBA Legend Julius Erving hugs Dominique Wilkins as the Atlanta Hawks honor Wilkins in the unveiling of a statue in his name at Philips Arena on March 5, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Bazemore-Pool/Getty Images) /
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22. Paying Respect

You know it was a great dunk when the player who was posterized can do nothing but give props to the man who posterized them. That’s exactly what happened when Shawn Kemp overpowered Chris Gatling for a ferocious finish in the paint.

After Kemp characteristically threw down a powerful dunk and went to taunt his disgraced opponent, Gatling extended his hand to offer his respect for the stunning play.

Shawn Kemp is one of the greatest dunk artists of all time, and this play embodies what made him such a popular player. It wasn’t just the power or explosiveness that Kemp provided the Seattle SuperSonics with, but the confidence that was exuded in his celebrations.

Kemp wouldn’t just dunk all over a player; he’d dunk on them, taunt them, and talk about it the next day.

Some would call that disrespectful, and that’s something that would be difficult to argue against. Fans ate that up, however, and helped Kemp become a player who was garnered both national fame and six All-Star Game appearances during his standout career.

Many great dunkers have come after Kemp, but no one could humiliate an opponent in the way he did.

Next: Rivalry Resumed