White Men Can Jump: Counting Down the Top 10 Best White Dunkers in NBA History

Let's be honest, we don't see it all that often: a white basketball player taking flight and going above the rim to deliver some highlight-reel material.

That is not to say it never happens, but rather when it does, we know that something special must be happening.

For years basketball has been considered a "black man's game." In the early days of the NBA, white players consumed the league because of discrimination and segregation. However, over time, the association has changed and so has the art of dunking.

Here is a tribute to the 10 best white dunkers in NBA history (with the exception of Blake Griffin, for obvious reasons). Enjoy.

10. Jordan Farmar

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 15: Jordan Farmar #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball in front of Kevin Garnett #5 of the Boston Celtics in Game Six of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 15, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User

At 6'2", Jordan Farmar is the shortest dunker in the countdown. Though he has only been in the league a short time, Farmar has already amassed a series of vicious throw-downs.

Victims of Farmar's antics include names such as Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett. Just saying.

9. Larry Bird

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Undated: Forward Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics looks on. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial use

Bird will always be remembered as one of the game's greatest shooters, but at 6'9", he was also one of sport's top "white" dunkers.

Larry Legend thrilled Boston fans for years with his talents and often used his lethal pump fake to open up easy dunk opportunities.

8. Rudy Fernandez

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - JANUARY 12: Rudy Fernandez #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers dunks the ball against Andres Nocioni #5 of the Chicago Bulls on January 12, 2009 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.The trail Blazers defeated the Bulls 109-95. NOTE TO USER: Us

The Spanish sensation Rudy Fernandez has been a jolt of energy off the bench for the Portland Trail Blazers for several seasons now.

Fernandez, a 6'6" swingman from Spain, was even featured in the 2009 Sprite Slam Dunk Competition at All-Star Weekend in Phoenix.

7. Rex Chapman

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26 Feb 1999: Rex Chapman #3 of the Phoenix Suns looking on during the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Warriors defeated the Suns 94-90. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport

Rex Chapman had a solid 12-year NBA career with four teams. Throughout much of the 1990s, however, Chapman thrilled fans with arena-rocking dunks like this one from his days at the University of Kentucky.

Let the record show that Chapman only stood 6'4" at his tallest.

6. Bob Sura

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20 Mar 1999: Bob Sura #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers jumps to shoot the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C. The Wizards defeated the Cavaliers 113-83. Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger /Allsport

Bob Sura was one of the league's most gifted leapers in his day, which was not all that long ago considering he retired in 2007 after a decent 12-year career.

Sura was your average NBA guard height of 6'5", but could throw down jams with anyone.

5. Dan Majerle

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INGLEWOOD, CA - 1989: Dan Majerle #9 of the Phoenix Suns shoots a free throw against the Los Angeles Lakers during the game at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Mike Powell/Getty Images)

"Thunder" Dan Majerle checks in at No. 5 on the countdown.

Majerle was a dead-eye shooter for Phoenix in the early 1990s, and at 6'6" found himself above the rim on plenty of occasions.

Majerle will always be remembered for his magnificent shooting touch, but let us not forget some of his elegant dunks.

4. Brent Barry

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 25: Brent Barry #17 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks in game two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Sacramento Kings during the 2006 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2006 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs

If you're beginning to sense a theme in this countdown, then congratulations, you are paying attention.

But yes, most of these high fliers are among the game's best shooters, be that because they are "white" or just because they practiced a lot.

Brent Barry floated around to six teams during his 14-year NBA career. But as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers in 1996, Barry stole the show at All-Star Weekend, claiming the Slam Dunk Contest crown.

Barry was 6'7" during his playing career and very likely still is.

3. Chris Andersen

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DENVER - MAY 23: Chris Andersen #11 of the Denver Nuggets hangs on the rim after he dunks the ball in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on May 23

Chris "Birdman" Andersen is quite possibly one of the most unique personalities to have ever dunked a basketball. At 6'10", dunking comes easy for him.

Andersen has found a home with the Denver Nuggets, providing energy off the bench for the team as well as serving up nasty facials like this one against Oklahoma City.

2. Manu Ginobili

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MAY 28: Manu Ginobili #20 of the San Antonio Spurs slam dunks against the Phoenix Suns in Game three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2005 NBA Playoffs at SBC Center on May 28, 2005 in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs won 102-9

San Antonio's Manu Ginobili is maybe the most creative "white" dunker of all time. Ginobili uses his patented "Euro step" move to slice through defenders on his way to the rim.

At 6'6", Manu's size and wingspan allow him to freeze defenders and get highlight-reel dunks in the half court. Check out this one against the Lakers a few years ago.

1. Tom Chambers

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

1988: Forward Tom Chambers of the Seattle SuperSonics looks to shoot the ball during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport

The greatest "white" dunker of all time, Tom Chambers. Chambers was an athletic freak at 6'10" and could often be seen gliding over defenders on a regular basis.

The Seattle Supersonic turned Phoenix Sun amassed a superb number of vicious dunks over his 16-year NBA career and takes home the honor as history's best "white" dunker.

Rightfully so.

Patrick Clarke is a student at Towson University and a writing intern for Bleacher Report.