The NBA has been dominated by tall players over the years. However, many short-heightened players have proved their mettle with unbelievable athleticism. For instance, 5’9” Nate Robinson blocked 7’6” Yao Ming in 2006, while 5-foot-7 Spud Webb shocked the world in the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest by beating Dominik Wilkins.
Some cases are subject to the statistics available in various reports as the NBA didn’t list the draft combined stats before 2000-01. Read below to learn the eight NBA players with the highest vertical jumps.
8. Zion Williamson – 45 Inches
The New Orleans Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson has quickly made his name in the NBA despite missing an entire season due to an injury. The 24-year-old has been a dominating force in the NBA with his 6’6” tall structure and 285 pounds weight. However, his athleticism is the standout feature of Zion’s dominance on the court. The two-time All-Star has a vertical jump of 45 inches.
7. Zach LaVine – 46 Inches
Chicago Bulls star guard Zach LaVine made the headlines after winning the 2016 Slam Dunk Contest against Anthony Gordon. Both athletes put on a tremendous show, and their vertical jumps shocked everyone watching. The 29-year-old, drafted 13th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2014, has a bounce of 46 inches.
6. James White – 46 Inches
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James White was selected 31st overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2006 NBA Draft. However, he was traded to the Indiana Pacers, who waived him after eight preseason games. He signed a two-year contract with the San Antonio Spurs and debuted against the Golden State Warriors in March 2007. He spent more years playing overseason than in the NBA. However, his 46-inch vertical jump grabbed him a spot on this list.
5. Anthony “Spud” Webb – 46 Inches
As mentioned, the NBA draft combine statistics are unavailable for the players selected before 2000-01. Anthony Webb (Spud Webb) reported a vertical jump of 46 inches. The 5’7” former NBA guard was known for his huge leap in the air, evident from his historical dunt contest victory in 1986.
4. Jason Richardson – 46.5 Inches
Jason Richardson, the Golden State Warriors’ 5th overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft, had a bounce of 39.5” during the draft combine. However, he went on to win back-to-back slam dunt contests in 2002 and 2003. Later, his vertical jump was measured at 46.5 inches.
3. Keon Johnson – 48 Inches
Brooklyn Nets youngster Keon Johnson set a new draft combine record with a 48” vertical jump in 2021. The New York Knicks drafted Johnson, who was later traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. The 22-year-old is the active NBA player with the highest vertical jump in the league.
2. Darrell Griffith – 48 Inches
Former Utah Jazz star Darrell Griffith played 11 years in the NBA from 1980 to 1991 and earned the moniker Dr. Dunkenstein for his massive bounce. Although he never won a slam dunk contest, Donovan Mitchell wore his jersey to honor him during the 2018 Slam Dunk contest. Griffith’s vertical jump was reported to be 48 inches.
1. Michael Jordan – 48 Inches
One of the greatest ever to play the game, Michael Jordan, used to fly in the air with his massive hang time of 0.92 seconds. It was combined with a 48 inch vertical jump, making his every layup and jump shot a treat for your eye. Jordan’s free throw line iconic dunk in the 1998 Slam Dunk contest inspired the popular Jumpman logo.
NBA fans might also like to know about the vertical jumps of their favorite stars, including LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. The all-time leading point-scorer in the NBA has a maximum vertical jump of 44 inches, while the Black Mamba had a 38” bounce.
Also Read: Basketball Court Dimensions: What Are The Different Sizes In NBA, Olympics, NCAA, And More?
