5 best big men in NBA Slam Dunk Contest history
By Amaar Burton
3. Blake Griffin (2011)
The hype leading into Blake Griffin‘s 2011 rookie-year NBA Slam Dunk Contest appearance was the most the event had experienced in a long time.
Given the highlight package Griffin had put together in his college days at Oklahoma and in his first half-season as a pro, anticipation had built for the 6’9″ Los Angeles Clippers power forward to put on the most spectacular dunk show since Vince Carter in 2000.
Griffin may not have lived up to expectations that were probably unrealistic in the first place, but he was undeniably impressive on his way to winning the contest against a loaded field that included super athletes DeMar DeRozan and JaVale McGee.
Griffin missed a few attempts before sticking his first two dunks. His third dunk was a big-man version of a Vince Carter classic.
And then, Blake Griffin jumped over a car.
The church choir was a little extra and the whole thing was a tad over-produced, while Kenny Smith took away from the moment a bit with his whole annoying hype-man routine.
But still, the man jumped over a car. That cannot be overlooked and won’t be forgotten.