Top Five Slam Dunks of the Season so Far

The NBA is well underway and so are the dunks.  Already, the world's best ballers have shown why they deserve the extra seven percent of basketball related income (outlined in the new collective bargaining agreement).  Something is excited in everyone when players such as Blake Griffin and Dwight Howard dance through the air, reach their destination in form and finally stuff Wilson into the net for two points.  

What separates some dunks from the rest?  Although subjective, there are universal things that we basketball enthusiasts look for.  The slideshow ahead features the best dunks of the NBA so far and shows why some dunks transcend just plain scoring and reach a level of artistic beauty.  

Form

The player's form is a big part of what makes a great dunk.  DeAndre Jordan has perfect form taking this lob from CP3.  He times his jump perfectly, and stretches his body to reach the ball before slamming it through the net with one hand over the seven-foot Pau Gasol.    

Creativity

The only reason this isn't No. 1 is because it was in the open court.  Gerald Wallace is a high-flyer who also has the power to throw down nasty slams like this one.  The windmill dunk not only demonstrates excellent athletic ability, it also has an artistic quality that has been popular since the days of Julius "Dr. J" Irving.   

Attitude

Blake Griffin is the mayor of Lob City.  Chris Paul is the city planner.  The two should enjoy many top 10 highlights together.  

Blake Griffin is probably the most exciting player to watch in the NBA today because of his incredible athleticism and his dedication to getting to the rim.  He throws down this tomahawk jam with emphasis, echoing the familiar thunk through Staples Center.  It is apparent that Griffin enjoys this scoring method, and so do we.     

Elevation

Corey Maggette soars through the air and reaches slightly behind him, arching his back to grab the ball, then jackknifes his body forward again for the throwdown.  This alley-oop has all the qualities you look for in a great slam.  

Just Plain Nasty

Deandre Jordan parts the Gasol-Bynum sea in this preseason dunk.  

This is the reason we watch the NBA .  

Jordan takes off at the dotted line and splits the Laker's best shot blockers and emphatically stuffs the ball for two.  I don't usually like a celebration after plays, but his reaction was warranted.  Makes you think of another player who shares his last name.