Highest Vertical Jump NBA: The Most Jaw-Dropping Slam Dunks

NBA players do not have to be exceptionally tall to reach great heights on the court. Since David Thompson brought a 42-inch vertical leap to North Carolina State and the Denver Nuggets there has been a fascination with how high players can jump. The highest vertical jump in NBA history is reported to be shared by Darrell Griffth and Michael Jordan. They each had a vertical leap at 48 inches. That would be soaring four feet off the ground.

Griffith was known as Dr. Dunkenstein at Louisville and he could slam with the best of them. The teams he played on were known as the Doctors of Dunk in the ‘80s. Jordan was dubbed “His Airness” for astounding feats that took place when he had the ball and began to head toward the hoop. 

Other Hoopsters Who Could Fly

Now this probably was early in his career in the NBA – and college – before Wilt Chamberlain bulked up and became more of a physical force. Reports from the ‘60s had The Stilt’s victory leap at 48 inches. If this were true, he probably could have leaped out of buildings (kidding).  However, what was no joke was how agile and athletic Chamberlain was in his formative years. You don’t score 100 points in a game and average better than 50 points per contest in a season if you don’t have remarkable athleticism.

One of the greatest dunkers of all time Julius Erving – Dr. J – did his work with a vertical jump of “only” 41 inches. Attribute the basketball skills the former Philadelphia 76er had as well as incredible agility to how he wowed crowds.

Clyde Drexler was part of Phi Slamma Jama at the University of Houston with Hakeem Olajuwon and other incredible players. Drexler’s 43-inch vertical translated well into a Hall of Fame NBA career.

Speaking of Hall of Famers, who can forget the Human Highlight Reel, Dominique Wilkins of the Atlanta Hawks. Wilkins left people – and opponents – gasping for air with his 42-inch vertical leap.

Vince Carter created Vinsanity with a career of dunks and slams, most memorable was his slam over France’s Frederic Weis in the Olympics. You know you have hopes when you create a brand off your legs.

Players With Remarkable Leaping Ability

As we wrote you don’t need to be a giant to leap. Look at 5-foot-7 Spud Webb. He had a long NBA career in part because of a 46-inch vertical leap. Muggsy Bogues is 5-foot-3 but in his heyday, he could spring 44 inches.

One player who has not made a dent in the NBA but has become a fixture in the dunk contest on All-Star weekend is Mac McClung, who can rise 43.5 inches.

And if you are wondering what LeBron James could do in his prime, the Lakers star once had legs that could propel him 44 inches in the air.

Who Has the Highest Vertical Jump in the NBA?

Forty-eight inches is a common number when it comes to players with uncommon leaping ability. For example, Brooklyn Nets guard Keon Johnson is believed to have the current best vertical jump at 48 inches. To see how these incredible athletes perform and for the latest insights on upcoming games, check out the latest NBA odds.

How Many Inches Is Michael Jordan’s Vertical Jump?

Michael Jordan’s vertical jump was reported to be 48 inches as mentioned above. Arguably the greatest player to take to an NBA court, Jordan wowed fans all around the NBA with his exploits. Jordan was a threat to rise above everyone whether it was to shoot a jumper, corral a rebound, or deliver a gravity-defying dunk. Spectacular was an understatement for what the six-time champion could do.

What Is the Average Vertical Jump in the NBA?

This will be somewhat humorous to people who follow the NBA religiously. While players like Jordan and Griffith were known for their incredible leaping ability, the average vertical jump in the NBA is far lower than what those two achieved.

The average NBA’s vertical leap is 28 inches. A player like Steph Curry can leap 35.5 inches. However, one must remember the taller the player, the larger the player, the less likely they are to fly through the air with the greatest of ease. You can see plenty of small forwards and guards who have incredible leaping ability. However, when you get to the power forwards and centers their leaping ability is not as great but the ability to throw down dunks with force is what you never forget.