The 2006 NBA Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles was a fun one with a bunch of youngsters in the field showcasing the incredible athleticism and wild creativity of some of the league’s most talented players. Over the years, legends have emerged. Let’s take a walk — no, huge jumps and dunks — down memory lane.
Mac McClung: 3 Slam Dunk Contest Wins (2023, 2024, 2025)
Feb 15, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Osceola Magic guard Mac McClung competes in the slam dunk competition during All Star Saturday Night ahead of the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
He’s the only player in NBA history to win the Slam Dunk Contest three consecutive years. Nobody expected him to crush it in 2025. He scored perfect 50s on all four dunks, including an impressive leap over a Kia. McClung joined Nate Robinson as one of the only three-time winners. Fans were perplexed as to why McClugg sat this one out. He could have four. So why didn’t he? If this is true, how petty.
RELATED: A year-by-year look at the NBA slam dunk contest winners since the event’s inception in 1984
Year | Winner (Team) | Location
2026 | Keshad Johnson (Heat) | Los Angeles
2025 | Mac McClung (Magic) | San Francisco
2024 | Mac McClung (Magic) | Indianapolis
2023 | Mac McClung (76ers) | Utah
2022 | Obi Toppin (Knicks) | Cleveland
2021 | Anfernee Simons (Trail Blazers) | Atlanta
2020 | Derrick Jones Jr. (Heat) | Chicago
2019 | Hamidou Diallo (Thunder) | Charlotte
2018 | Donovan Mitchell (Jazz) | Los Angeles
2017 | Glenn Robinson III (Pacers) | New Orleans
2016 | Zach LaVine (Timberwolves) | Toronto
2015 | Zach LaVine (Timberwolves) | New York City
2014 | John Wall (Wizards) | New Orleans
2013 | Terrence Ross (Raptors) | Houston
2012 | Jeremy Evans (Jazz) | Orlando
2011 | Blake Griffin (Clippers) | Los Angeles
2010 | Nate Robinson (Knicks) | Dallas
2009 | Nate Robinson (Knicks) | Phoenix
2008 | Dwight Howard (Magic) | New Orleans
2007 | Gerald Green (Celtics) | Las Vegas
2006 | Nate Robinson (Knicks) | Houston
2005 | Josh Smith (Hawks) | Denver
2004 | Fred Jones (Pacers) | Los Angeles
2003 | Jason Richardson (Warriors) | Atlanta
2002 | Jason Richardson (Warriors) | Philadelphia
2001 | Desmond Mason (Sonics) | Washington, D.C.
2000 | Vince Carter (Raptors) | Oakland
1997 | Kobe Bryant (Lakers) | Cleveland
1996 | Brent Barry (Clippers) | San Antonio
1995 | Harold Miner (Heat) | Phoenix
1994 | Isiah Rider (Timberwolves) | Minnesota
1993 | Harold Miner (Heat) | Salt Lake City
1992 | Cedric Ceballos (Suns) | Orlando
1991 | Dee Brown (Celtics) | Charlotte
1990 | Dominique Wilkins (Hawks) | Miami
1989 | Kenny Walker (Knicks) | Houston
1988 | Michael Jordan (Bulls) | Chicago
1987 | Michael Jordan (Bulls) | Seattle
1986 | Spud Webb (Hawks) | Dallas
1985 | Dominique Wilkins (Hawks) | Indianapolis
1984 | Larry Nance (Suns) | Denver
Nate Robinson: 3 Slam Dunk Contest Wins (2006, 2009, 2010)
January 15, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Nuggets point guard Nate Robinson (10) celebrates after a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Warriors 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The 5-foot-9 point guard became the first three-time Slam Dunk champion in NBA history. Robinson’s 2009 victory featured a memorable dunk over 6-foot-11 Dwight Howard. He won two more Slam titles after that. He became one of pro basketball’s most electrifying undersized players despite his height. Amazing.
Larry Nance: 2 Slam Dunk Contest Wins (1984, 1994)
Unknown date; Dallas, TX, USA; FILE PHOTO; Phoenix Suns forward Larry Nance (22) in action against the Dallas Mavericks at Reunion Arena. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Larry Nance made history by winning the inaugural NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1984 in Denver, edging out Julius Erving in the finals with scores of 49 and 48 in round two. Wow. Beating Dr. J in a dunk contest. That’s somethiingA decade later, at age 35 with the Cavaliers, he triumphed again in 1994 over Isiah Rider.
Zach LaVine: 2 Slam Dunk Contest Wins (2015, 2016)
Jan 5, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine (8) is guarded by Denver Nuggets guard Nate Robinson (5) during the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The high-flying Timberwolves guard was divine in Slam contests. In 2015 (won in New York City) and in 2016 (Toronto) he was mesmerizingly graceful. OK. You. His 2016 epic duel with Aaron Gordon featured free-throw line between-the-legs dunks and mascot assists. Some believe
Jason Richardson: 2 Slam Dunk Contest Wins (2002, 2003)
Feb 14, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson (11) competes in the slam dunk contest with his father Jason Richardson during the 2026 NBA All Star Saturday Night at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jason Richardson electrified All-Star weekends, winning back-to-back NBA Slam Dunk Contests in 2002 and 2003—the second player after Michael Jordan to repeat. His nifty between-the-legs reverse dunk was cool, and it sealed the title. Here’s something else that’s sweet: His father, Jason, coached him at the 2026All-Star Saturday Night. Like father, like son. Their names, their school (both went to Michigan State), and they both have serious hops. Maybe one day, Jase can join his dad as Slam Dunk Contest champ.
Harold Miner: Slam Dunk Contest Wins (1993, 1995)
Unknown date; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Miami Heat guard (32) Harold Miner during the 1994 season at the Miami Arena. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports © Copyright USA TODAY Sports
Harold Miner, the Miami Heat guard with the great nickname, “Baby Jordan,” lived up to the hype by winning back-to-back NBA Slam Dunk contests. During his rookie season, he won his first and his second one two years later. So he’s tied with “Daddy Jordan.” Knee injuries cut his career short, but he can always say he’s tied with the GOAT..
Dominique Wilkins: 2 Slam Dunk Contest Wins (1985, 1990)
Oct 28, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; NBA Hall of Fame player Dominique Wilkins on the court before the game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Washington Wizards at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Dominique Wilkins, the Atlanta Hawks’ “Human Highlight Film,” was a powerful, ferocious dunking machine. He won in back-to-back decades. At the 1985 Indianapolis event, Wilkins beat rookie Michael Jordan and Kenny “The Jet” Smith by 1.7 points in a controversial final. His signature two-handed windmill became his trademark move.
His legendary rematch
Michael Jordan: 2 Slam Dunk Contest Wins (1987, 1988)
Michael Jordan at Tyler Reddick on Victory Lane. The 2026 Daytona 500 held Feb.15 at Daytona International Speedway.
Air Jordan dominated the NBA Slam Dunk Contest with back-to-back wins in 1987 (Seattle) and 1988 (Chicago), defeating Jerome Kersey and rival Dominique Wilkins, respectively. Iconic free-throw line dunks, including perfect 50s, lifted MJ to the highest of rarefied air. Gotta see it to believe it.
Conclusion
Feb 14, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson (16) celebrates with the trophy after winning the slam dunk competition during the 2026 NBA All Star Saturday Night at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Well, that was fun, huh? I would not have guessed (remembered?) Nate Robinson was tied with Mac McClung for first all-time. Can’t wait to see what these guys create next year. Now, let’s look at the only sharpshooters who have each won the 3-Point Contest three times in NBA history.
First up, we’re delighted for this dude:
Damian Lillard: 3-Point Contest Wins (2023, 2024, 2006)
Feb 14, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Feb 14, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) holds the trophy after winning the three point contest during the 2026 NBA All Star Saturday Night at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dame hadn’t played a game since April 27 after rupturing his Achilles tendon. He still has a month of rehab to go. That wasn’t to stop him from participating in the event. He was as smooth as ever. Silky shot after silky shot was pure swish. He hit 10 straight, and at another point he was 20 of 21, a 3-point event record. Good on ya, man, but damn was that shocking.
Larry Bird: 3-Point Contest Wins (1986, 1987, 1988)
Larry Bird waves at the crowd gathered Thursday, May 30, 2024, for the grand opening ceremony of the Larry Bird Museum in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Three NBA MVPs, three Finals MVPs, and three 3-point awards. Ho hum. Not bad for a Hall of Famer who once nicknamed himself: “The Hick from French Lick (Indiana).”
Craig Hodges: 3-Point Contest Wins (1990, 1991, 1992)
May 1989; Detroit, MI, USA: FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bulls guard Craig Hodges (14) is defended by Detroit Pistons guard Isiah Thomas (11) during the 1988-89 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at The Palace. The Pistons defeated the Bulls 4 games to 2. Mandatory Credit: MPS-USA TODAY Sports
Hodges reeled off a trifecta when he was with the Chicago Bulls.ike Bird. Hodges was an absolute assassin on the court. His release was rapid-fire quick, but precise. Don’t let that smile fool you. Teams were afraid of him and rightfully so.
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