Every NBA Team's Best Slam Dunk Artist

As anticipation builds for the official release of Blake Griffin's new Super.Fly 4 sneakers, we thought it prescient to delve into the NBA's greatest slam dunk artists. While Griffin prepares to battle Marvin the Martian in a dunk contest for the ages, we're taking a look at humanity's finest.

The important question is this: What makes a great dunker?

Does finesse count more than power, or is efficacy all that matters? And what about those who shine in dunk contests as opposed to those who thrive in live-game situations? Surely, the latter is more important than the former?

The truth is there are no guidelines. Every dunker has a unique style, and each player is judged solely on the quality of dunk that style produces.

Dunking, as the title implies, is an art form. Just as it would be foolish to judge Monet by surrealist measures, so too would it be foolish to judge Andre Drummond on the merits of his acrobatic abilities.

The only rule is that the player must be a current member of the team's roster.

Without further delay, click ahead to find out who is the best dunker on each NBA team. Some names you can guess, but others will surprise you. 

Atlanta Hawks: Jeff Teague

Jeff Teague is an underappreciated point guard on an underappreciated basketball team, so it naturally follows that he is an underappreciated dunker.

Teague fits into the Russell Westbrook category of practical in-game dunkers. He's more than quick enough to get into the lane, and he's fearless once he gets there. Teague doesn't let his 6'2" frame deter him from throwing down a vicious dunk over bigger defenders.

Teague's understudy, Dennis Schroder, isn't afraid to show off his own dunking ability, but the student has yet to usurp the teacher.

Boston Celtics: Avery Bradley

Truth be told, the Boston Celtics may not have anyone capable of competing in a dunk contest on their roster. And of that group, rookie Jordan Mickey may be the most impressive to watch during pregame warm-ups. 

Still, Avery Bradley has earned this nomination with an impressive resume that includes dunks over Ed Davis (above) and Kevin Durant. What Bradley lacks in variety he more than makes up for with eyebrow-raising, "I didn't expect that" moments. 

Where Bradley earns the most points is his ability to put himself in positions to throw one down, be it through his superb defense or all-around court sense. 

Brooklyn Nets: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is the first rookie to appear on this list, which is both an indictment of the Brooklyn Nets roster as well as a testament to the wing's dunking ability. 

The above dunk over 7'6" center Mamadou Ndiaye is a fair snapshot of what Hollis-Jefferson brings to the court. Stylistically, he might not be the prettiest player, but through a combination of athleticism, strength and intensity, he finds a way to get the job done.

Second-year guard Markel Brown is the more explosive player, but Hollis-Jefferson's dogged determination to get to the rim edges this one. 

Charlotte Hornets: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

There ought to be a sign posted in the visitors' locker room at the Time Warner Cable Arena bearing the maxim of Shakespeare's Falstaff: "The better part of valor is discretion." Only a foolishly courageous man stands between Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and the rim.

Via NBA.com/Stats, Kidd-Gilchrist has converted 55 of 56 dunk attempts over the past two seasons, good for a tidy 98.2 shooting percentage on such shots. For comparison, NBA superstar LeBron James has only made 96.9 percent of his own dunk opportunities over the last two years.

Kidd-Gilchrist has good size and athleticism for a wing, but his strength as a dunker is that he finishes what he starts.

Chicago Bulls: Taj Gibson

A few years, ago it would've been inconceivable that anyone but Derrick Rose could be the best dunker on the Chicago Bulls roster. Rose can still get up, but his dunks just seem to lack that extra little bit of "oomph" that made them special before his injuries.

"Oomph," as it so happens, is one of Taj Gibson's specialties, generating enough force on his slams to deter any rim protectors in the area. Add in the length and athleticism to dunk from a variety of positions on the floor (an underrated aspect in the Art of the Jam), and Gibson manages to usurp Rose.

As for the one-handed rim hang? It's a nice touch. 

Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron James

J.R. Smith, should he re-sign with Cleveland, is the more creative and acrobatic dunker, but that's almost immaterial when compared to the spectacle of a LeBron James dunk.

A 6'8", 250-pound individual should on no account be able to get his head above the rim, yet James does that with stunning ease. And when he's up there, he cocks his right arm all the way back, exposing the full width and depth of his torso, before unleashing a powerful slam.

There are more flexible dunkers, and there may even be more forceful dunkers. But only LeBron James can make the argument that his dunks are the pinnacle of human athleticism. 

Dallas Mavericks: Jeremy Evans

It's a good thing Jeremy Evans agreed to sign with the Mavericks at the start of free agency, otherwise Dallas' dunk game would be in a sorry state. Devin Harris will have his moments, but he can't compete with the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest champion. Few can.

While Evans has yet to prove himself as a capable rotation player in the NBA, he has earned his reputation as one of the league's best dunkers. Long, athletic and creative, there's little Evans can't do, provided all that is required of him is slamming the ball home. What more could you want?

Well, Mavs fans will be hoping for some defense, and maybe for some improved shooting, but for this list, Evans has it all. 

Denver Nuggets: Nick Johnson

The shock is reverberating around and through the Rocky Mountains. Doesn't this spot belong to Kenneth Faried?

Faried is a capable and, at times, impressive dunker. According to CBSSports.com, he threw down 99 dunks last season, good for 12th in the league. 

But Faried is too much of a one-note dunker. He's a good athlete for his size, but his repertoire is limited, and although powerful, he pales in comparison to the Andre Drummonds of the world. It's all a bit meh.

Nick Johnson, on the other hand, is a different proposition. A 6'3" guard with a big vertical leap, not only can Johnson get up, he's fearless with the ball in his hands. He's not afraid to dunk or outright jump over an opponent to get the ball to the rim. 

It may be unfair, but little guys who hunt for dunk opportunities will always trump their bigger counterparts. 

Detroit Pistons: Andre Drummond

If we're being honest, artistry isn't at play when it comes to Drummond. He's really big, really athletic and as such, he dunks a lot. According to CBSSports.com, his 167 dunks last season placed third in the league. 

There's not much invention involved in Drummond's dunking. He's bigger, stronger and more athletic than the guys guarding him, and he knows how to get into position for the one shot he's confident he can make. And that's Drummond's greatness as a dunker—everyone knows what he wants to do and they're still powerless to stop it. 

Rookie teammate Stanley Johnson will give Drummond a run for his money, but it's tough to top a man who can move that well at that size. 

Golden State Warriors: Andre Iguodala

At 31-years of age, Andre Iguodala's legs might not be what they once were, but that doesn't mean he can't still rock the rim.

In his prime, Iguodala had the length, athleticism, strength and flexibility to be one of the game's best dunkers. Though he's no longer a threat to win a dunk contest, Iguodala will still put the opposition on notice with a forceful jam.

What separates him from teammate Harrison Barnes? Whereas Barnes struggled badly in the 2014 Slam Dunk Contest, Iguodala provided the showmanship and ingenuity in 2006 to get the crowd on its feet. If you want to be a great dunker, you've got to bring it to the biggest stage. 

Houston Rockets: K.J McDaniels

Age and a nagging back problem have slowed Dwight Howard down, and although still formidable as a center, Superman can't keep up with the NBA's younger dunkers.

K.J. McDaniels has yet to make a significant impression in Houston—he's scored a grand total of 11 points for the Rockets—but the athleticism he displayed in Philadelphia has left an indelible mark on the NBA. 

With a competitive streak to match his physical tools, McDaniels has a knack for forcing his way onto highlight reels with in-game dunks. In fact, the above alley-oop might not have been the best slam of his rookie season. This one was pretty fancy as well. 

Indiana Pacers: Paul George

The real question here is whether Paul George can still do it. A two-time Slam Dunk Contest participant, more than a few NBA fans will be hoping George is able to return to his full powers after a nasty broken leg suffered in 2014.

Long, explosive and agile, George was one of the game's best dunkers prior to his injury. He had all kinds of tricks in his bag, and the great thing was that he was able to utilize those tricks in games (see above).

Here's hoping we see those same remarkable flashes from George going forward.

Los Angeles Clippers: Blake Griffin

We've seen Blake dunk over a car, we've seen Blake dunk over humans, but now his greatest challenge has arrived in the form of intergalactic space criminal Marvin the Martian.

There aren't many players in the history of the game who have dunked quite like Griffin. He has all the power you'd expect from a player of his physical stature, but he also has the the fluidity and dunk-contest creativity of a guard. It's a potent combination.

Check out the video above to see how he fairs against the notorious Martian while rocking his new Super.Fly 4s.

Los Angeles Lakers: Jordan Clarkson

Kobe Bryant showed flashes of his younger self as recently as 2013, but it's hard to count on him pulling too many more of those dunks out of his bag. Clarkson, then, holds the torch for the Los Angeles Lakers roster. 

A big point guard with good athleticism, Clarkson has proved unafraid to attack the rim—and to do so with authority. It may be a far cry from the Showtime era Lakers, but Clarkson has even hinted at a creative repertoire in dead-ball situations. 

Clarkson may not be the dunker Lakers fans want, but he's the dunker they need: aggressive, fearless and capable.

Memphis Grizzlies: Jeff Green

Flashy dunks are not a byproduct of Memphis' "Grit and Grind" culture, but Jeff Green is there to inject an element of flair when the opportunity calls for it.

In an odd way, Green's dunking mirrors his all-around basketball game. It can be easy to forget how talented Green is until he comes out of nowhere with an unforgettable performance. 

Green may not show off his dunking ability all the time, but when he does, someone (like Kevin Seraphin) usually pays a hefty price for sleeping on him. 

Miami Heat: Gerald Green

The real question here isn't whether Gerald Green is the best dunker on Miami's roster, it's if Gerald Green the best dunker in the history of the Heat organization.

Miami has boasted both LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in their primes, as well as two-time dunk champion Harold Miner. Green, however, might top them all.

Green has rare height for someone possessing such an ungodly vertical leap, and he's both fluid and acrobatic enough to truly turn dunking into an art form. Watching him race down the court on a fast break is one of the best "Oh boy, here we go!" moments for all NBA fans.

Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo presents a fundamental problem for opposing coaches. He's a long and lanky 6'11" forward who moves like a guard. According to CBSSports.com, he finished 13th in the NBA with 95 dunks last season, and he still hasn't entirely figured out what he's supposed to be doing on the floor.

He's long enough to dunk without much effort and athletic enough to move around any defenders who try to impede his path. How do you deal with that?

Antetokounmpo finished a disappointing last in the 2015 Slam Dunk Contest, but that won't count as a strike against him here. He's much better as an in-game dunker, where he's afforded the opportunity to show off his otherworldly ability in a more restrictive, and therefore more impressive forum. 

It's a sad commentary, but dunk-contest judges just would not appreciate this kind of Eurostep slam. 

Minnesota Timberwolves: Zach LaVine

It's difficult to avoid slipping into hyperbole when talking about Zach LaVine's dunking ability. After all, not only did he single-handedly revive the dunk contest with a jaw-dropping performance at last year's All-Star Weekend, but teammate Andrew Wiggins claimed he "almost fainted" watching LaVine practice, according to Pro Basketball Talk's Brett Pollakoff. 

As a dunker, LaVine is the perfect package. He's explosive, inventive and a consummate showman. You can tell he wants to be great. 

The only question left for LaVine—besides the small matter of whether he can develop into a starting guard in Minnesota—is can anyone even compete with him in a dunk contest?

As the saying goes, a 23-year old Vince Carter is not walking through that door.

New Orleans Pelicans: Anthony Davis

New teammate Alonzo Gee would probably beat Anthony Davis in a traditional dunk contest, but that's only because the phrase "dunk radius" doesn't exist yet. 

What is a dunk radius? A dunk radius is the general area around the basket the ball must be within for a player to dunk it. Thanks to his outrageous length and athleticism, Davis' dunk radius might get confused for Steph Curry's shooting range.

Davis' teammates only need to throw the ball in the general vicinity of the Gulf Coast and he can go up and slam it home. It's incredibly useful on putbacks and drives too.

New York Knicks: Derrick Williams

It may seem counterintuitive, but it would appear slam dunk artistry is not a tenant of Zen basketball. Knicks president Phil Jackson has opted not to fill New York's roster with players known for head-above-the-rim antics.

Derrick Williams is the Knicks' outlier in this regard, having competed in the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest. He's not a particularly creative dunker, nor is he particularly athletic. Williams can instead be referred to as a "surprise" dunker.

Every once in a while Williams will explode for a dunk you didn't think he had in him. It's almost as if there's a hint of aggression that slowly builds inside of him that is ultimately released on some unsuspecting team. 

Oklahoma City Thunder: Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook is the perfect example of a player who is not merely athletic, but is capable of playing athletically. 

The 6'3" point guard plays fast and aggressive, a mixture that lends itself to both recklessness and extraordinary dunks. Whether in transition or a half-court set, Westbrook has no trouble getting into the paint and throwing one down over bigger defenders.

A special shoutout to Serge Ibaka is deserved for this dunk contest effort, but Westbrook is on another level. He'll never win a dunk contest, but few players can match his in-game dunking ability. 

Orlando Magic: Aaron Gordon

Aaron Gordon is the best dunker in the NBA no one talks about. 

First, the particulars. According to DraftExpress, Gordon stands 6'9" and checked in with a 39" vertical at the NBA combine. Only a handful of players taller than Gordon have ever posted a better vertical. 

Gordon accentuates his athleticism with power and the kind of acrobatics you don't often see from bigger players, frequently evoking comparisons to Blake Griffin.

Injuries were a problem for Gordon as a rookie. Hopefully we'll see some moments like this from him during his second season. 

Philadelphia 76ers: Jerami Grant

The Philadelphia 76ers roster is loaded with raw, athletic wings who are nearly indistinguishable from each other from a basketball standpoint. On that basis alone, it would be easy to give this nomination to Nerlens Noel, the team's most prolific dunker, but no, Jerami Grant has earned this win.

Grant's dunks feature an extra hint of derision that his teammates just can't match. Not only is Grant trying to make a statement when he throws one down, he's also trying to make it clear that he's trying to make a statement. 

Look at that extra bit of hang time he gets in the above video. It's subtle, but it's the little things that separate a great dunker from the rest of the crowd. 

Phoenix Suns: Eric Bledsoe

Eric Bledsoe is the shortest player to represent his team in this slideshow, standing at 6'1", but he is by no means a lesser dunker than any of his counterparts. 

A freak athlete, Bledsoe loves showing off his leaping ability by crashing the offensive glass for putback dunks. Not only does he get up quickly, he has the hang time to throw in a touch of flair when the situation allows.

Bledsoe finished third in the 2013 dunk contest, although it's possible he would've finished higher had the contest featured defensive players who were ill-inclined to box out. 

Portland Trail Blazers: Gerald Henderson

"Solid" is a word that seems to follow Gerald Henderson around. He's a solid basketball player. Solid defensively, solid on offense. He's even built solidly.

As a dunker, Henderson has proved to be a bit more than just solid.

Henderson is powerful for a wing, and he knows how to get up quickly. He's a climber, and as Dwight Howard (and many others have discovered), Henderson has enough juice to get over even the league's best shot-blockers.

He might not be the prettiest dunker, but it's impossible to argue he's not effective, even in traffic. 

Sacramento Kings: Rudy Gay

Blessed with uncommon length and athleticism, it would be a disappointment if Rudy Gay wasn't the best dunker in Sacramento—although it's possible the city's mayor, three-time All-Star Kevin Johnson, could still give him a run for his money.

Gay has the all-around game to dunk in any situation: transition, off the dribble, putbacks, you name it. We haven't quite seen him pull out the kind of slam that wins dunk contests, but he has nonetheless shown a variety of finishes.

With his tools, Gay should fast become one of Rajon Rondo's favorite alley-oop targets. 

San Antonio Spurs: Ray McCallum

Dunk artistry is a concept that sounds like it should clash badly with San Antonio's team-oriented ethos, but the Spurs aren't afraid to throw it down, too, even if their slams tend to be more reserved than most.

Kawhi Leonard has all the tools to own this spot, but he rarely goes beyond what is necessary when slamming one home. So it falls to Ray McCallum, Tony Parker's new backup, to wear the Spurs' dunking crown.

More known for his steady play than flair, McCallum has underrated hops, something that was on full display during the 2010 McDonald's High School All-American Dunk Contest. While he may not get too many chances to show off his ability, we know he's got a few tricks in his locker.

Toronto Raptors: Terrence Ross

No team boasts better dunk-contest options than Toronto's duo of Terrence Ross and DeMar DeRozan. Ross gets the nod by virtue of winning the 2013 contest, while DeRozan failed in his two attempts.

A lithe, 6'7" wing, Ross' rare flexibility allows for more acrobatic attempts than we normally get to see on a nightly basis. Ross also earns high marks for style, getting his legs involved in the midflight action, a point of emphasis too many dunkers are guilty of forgetting. 

Incidentally, for a team that's only been around since 1995, the Raptors have collected an insane amount of dunking talent. Can any organization top Toronto's quartet of Ross, DeRozan, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady?

Utah Jazz: Derrick Favors

Derrick Favors is a quiet man who plays in a quiet city, so he's easy to overlook. As a dunker, however, Favors can be quite loud.

Via DraftExpress, Favors combines a nearly 36" vertical leap with a 6'10" frame, which are rare measurables even by NBA standards. As shown above, he puts his gifts to good use, going toe-to-toe with the likes of Blake Griffin in the dunk department.

An emerging offensive threat, Favors combines his size, strength and leaping ability to be a devastating finisher off the pick-and-roll. His dunk radius is as extensive as it gets in the non-Anthony Davis category. 

Washington Wizards: John Wall

It's a pity that John Wall got caught up in the debacle of the 2014 Slam Dunk Contest, because it would've been fun to see him compete within the confines of the contest's more traditional structure.

Wall has everything you like to see from a dunker. He gets off the floor quickly, and he's capable of finishing with style or power depending on the situation.

The big bonus points come from Wall's ability to get to the rim both in transition and in the half court, allowing him to display the full versatility of his dunking arsenal.