From its controversial beginnings to its status as a beloved highlight in basketball, the slam dunk has a storied history filled with iconic moments and innovators. The first-ever dunk in organized basketball took place in 1936 by Joe Fortenberry, but it wasn’t until the mid-1970s that the dunk truly began to capture the imagination of fans and players alike.
The Dunk Ban and the Rise of the Alley-Oop
For a time, the dunk was largely forbidden in high school and college basketball, with the NCAA banning the “stuff shot” in the mid-1960s. This ban, often cited as the “Lew Alcindor Rule” due to concerns about the dominance of players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, was eventually lifted in 1976. During this period, player David Thompson helped perfect the alley-oop in Denver, paving the way for the slam dunk’s resurgence.
Denver’s Iconic 1976 Slam Dunk Contest
In 1976, Denver hosted the first and most memorable slam dunk contest in professional basketball history. Held at halftime of the ABA All-Star Game, the contest featured David Thompson, Julius Erving, Artis Gilmore, and George Gervin. Julius Erving won the contest with his iconic free-throw line dunk, solidifying the slam dunk’s place in basketball history and popular culture.
The Evolution of the Dunk and its Innovators
Since the 1976 contest, dunk contests have become a popular feature of basketball games, with players like Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Shawn Kemp, and Vince Carter creating eye-popping highlights. The dunk has evolved from a sign of disrespect to opponents to a beloved and celebrated aspect of the game, thanks in part to the creativity and athleticism of these innovators.
3D-Printed Basketball Debuts in Slam Dunk Contest
As the slam dunk continues to captivate fans, innovations in basketball technology are also making headlines. In 2023, a 3D-printed airless basketball prototype made its debut during the first round of the Slam Dunk contest, used by Houston Rockets player Kenyon Martin Jr. While not yet ready for widespread use, this development showcases the ongoing evolution of both the slam dunk and the sport of basketball itself.
