The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has showcased some of the most electrifying moments in basketball history. But some of the game’s greatest dunkers never took part, leaving fans wondering what could have been. Whether due to injuries, lack of interest, or concerns over judging, these high-flyers kept their dunks strictly in-game. From LeBron James to Zion Williamson, here are 10 stars who never entered the contest despite their insane dunking ability.

4. Who Has Suffered the Most?

The Best 10 NBA Dunkers Who Deliberately Skipped the Slam Dunk Contest

LeBron James’ name has been thrown around the Slam Dunk Contest for years, but he never once participated. The four-time NBA champ was a dominant dunker in transition, often leaving defenders helpless as he soared for a rim-rattling finish. In 2004, he nearly joined the event, but an ankle injury ended that possibility.   Now at 40, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer has kept his dunking legacy strictly to in-game destruction.

1. LeBron James – 41,871 Points

1. LeBron James

At his peak, Derrick Rose had some of the most jaw-dropping dunks ever seen from a point guard. The youngest MVP in league history turned defenders into poster material with his explosive first step and insane hops.   Despite this, Rose never showed interest in the dunk contest, once admitting he wasn’t into the flashy dunks the competition demands. Fans were left wondering what could have been.

Derrick Rose Enters $50.04 Million Industry, Testing Uncharted Waters That No NBA Player Has Ever Done

2. Derrick Rose

Ja Morant is a human highlight reel, dunking over seven-footers like it’s nothing. With his ridiculous leaping ability, he could have easily been the star of any Slam Dunk Contest. But the Grizzlies guard has made it clear—he’s not stepping in unless there’s a million-dollar prize.   Plus, he’s been vocal about his distrust in the contest’s judging. Looks like the dunk contest will have to settle for watching Morant’s in-game slams instead.

4. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

3. Ja Morant

Wilt Chamberlain’s athleticism was otherworldly. Some even claim he could dunk from the free-throw line. Unfortunately, the first-ever NBA Slam Dunk Contest happened three years after he retired. If it had existed in his era, there’s little doubt the 7’1” legend would have dominated the event like he did everything else on the court.

15. Wilt Chamberlain – 10,816 Missed Shots

4. Wilt Chamberlain

Shaq was a rim-destroying force, breaking backboards and shattering entire hoop structures. At 7’1” with a 36-inch vertical, the thought of him in a dunk contest is terrifying. But instead of competing, he was always courtside, filming the action with his camcorder like a proud dad. Given his size and power, he might have needed reinforced rims just to make it fair.

Kenny Smith’s TNT Return Turns Sour as Fans Call Him Out for Mocking Shaquille O’Neal’s Moment

5. Shaquille O’Neal

Dwyane Wade’s in-game dunks were legendary—just ask Anderson Varejao, who got viciously posterized. But despite his leaping ability, Wade never entered the contest. Ironically, his biggest dunk contest moment came as a judge in 2020, where he controversially gave Derrick Jones Jr. the edge over Aaron Gordon. Fans still haven’t let that one go.

Dwyane Wade of Miami Heat

6. Dwyane Wade

Westbrook plays every game like he’s angry at the rim. His fast-break dunks are pure violence, punishing rims like they owe him money. As a rookie, he pushed to get into the 2009 dunk contest, but it never happened.   Since then, he’s made sure to remind everyone that he didn’t need a contest to prove his dunking dominance.

Russell Westbrook

7. Russell Westbrook

Anthony Edwards is built for the dunk contest—power, finesse, and an ability to make defenders regret jumping. He’s thrown down windmills and poster dunks that get the crowd on their feet. But when asked if he’d compete, Ant shut it down, saying he’s strictly an in-game dunker.   A missed opportunity for fans, but at least he keeps delivering highlight-reel jams in actual games.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves

8. Anthony Edwards

Kevin Garnett dunked with authority, often screaming afterward like he just won a championship. As one of the most intense competitors in NBA history, he had the skills and energy to put on a show. Instead, he stayed on the sidelines during the 2000 contest, recording Vince Carter’s historic performance. Imagine if he had jumped in himself.

7. Kevin Garnett: From the Court to Hollywood

9. Kevin Garnett

Zion was a dunking machine before he even entered the NBA. His high school highlights were pure dominance, and fans have been waiting for him to bring that to the dunk contest. He once said he’d consider it if he became an All-Star, but injuries have constantly derailed that dream. If he ever does enter, expect a show.