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Top 6 Players with the Highest Vertical Jumps in NBA History

· Mar 12 - 5 minutes read

There are players who jump, and then there are players who make you question the laws of physics. These 6 NBA stars are among the elite few who’ve taken leaping to a level most of us can only dream of. With the highest vertical jump in NBA history, they left defenders in the dust and fans speechless.

While the best international NBA players ever also bring plenty of athleticism to the game, the players on this list have taken vertical leaps to the extreme. So, let’s dive in and check out the top verticals in the NBA ever recorded and the players who took the game to literally new heights.</p>

Top 6 Players with the Highest Vertical Jumps in NBA History — Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls / Vincent Laforet/AFP

Top 6 Highest Vertical Jumps in NBA History

6. Spud Webb – 46 Inches

At 5’7″, Spud Webb wasn’t exactly built like a traditional dunker, but his 46-inch vertical leap—one of the highest record vertical jumps in NBA history—turned him into a dunk contest legend. Despite being one of the shortest players to ever play in the NBA, Webb’s leaping ability gave him the power to dunk like giants, winning the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest and leaving a lasting impact on the game.

Webb was never expected to impact as a player of his size, yet his vertical jump changed the narrative, much like how some NBA active players with the highest basketball IQ use their smarts to flip the script and make the game look easy.

5. Zach LaVine – 46 Inches

When discussing his athleticism, Zach LaVine’s 46-inch vertical jump is often the first thing people mention. A two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, LaVine’s leaping ability makes him one of the NBA’s most exciting players to watch. He’s mastered the art of dunking, and his hops make him a constant fast-break threat, proving he’s dangerous the moment he leaves the ground.

For a player of LaVine’s caliber, his vertical isn’t just for show – it’s a key part of his game, allowing him to finish in traffic, throw down massive dunks, and even pull off amazing layups like Ja Morant’s 360 layups that continue to leave fans shell-shocked.

4. Jason Richardson – 46.5 Inches

Jason Richardson’s 46.5-inch vertical made him one of the most exciting players in his prime. A two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, Richardson’s air show left defenders helpless and fans on their feet. His ability to leap that high made him a key figure in the league during his time. He still holds one of the highest NBA vertical leaps ever recorded.

Although his career didn’t last as long as some might have hoped, his combination of athleticism and leaping ability placed him among the elite when it came to dunking and finishing around the rim. While some basketball heads still debate that Richardson belongs in the conversation of the most underrated NBA players of all time, his contributions to the game can’t be overlooked.

3. James White – 46 Inches

This man earned his nickname, “Flight,” for a reason. With one of the highest vertical jumps in the NBA at 46 inches, James White took his leaping ability to new heights (literally). Although he didn’t have the longest NBA career, his explosive athleticism and ability to fly above the rim made him a standout in the dunk contest scene. White’s explosive hops put him in the conversation as one of the top leapers in NBA history. Showcasing his ability to control the ball mid-air and finish with authority.

The sky was the limit for a player like White, but his time in the league didn’t match his high-flying potential. While he’s far from the conversation of being considered one of the NBA’s best power forwards of all time, when it comes to throwing it down and taking flight, you have to mention his name. </p>

2. Darrell Griffith – 48 Inches

Known as “Dr. Dunkenstein,” Darrell Griffith’s 48-inch vertical jump helped him b

ecome one of the most feared leapers in NBA history. His leaping ability allowed him to dominate the court, especially during his early years with the Utah Jazz. Griffith’s iconic dunks and finishes helped him carve out a career as one of the most electrifying players of the 1980s.

Griffith’s vertical jump helped him stand out when many players relied on their size and skill. With one of his era’s highest NBA vertical leaps, he could outjump defenders and make his mark on the league.

1. Michael Jordan – 48 Inches

Unsurprisingly, Michael Jordan, the greatest of all time, tops this list. His 48-inch vertical jump was a key part of what made him such a dominant player. His hang time, ability to finish over defenders, and spectacular dunks were all made possible by his unmatched athleticism. Jordan’s 48-inch vertical not only helped him become the most feared player on the court, but it solidified his status as having the highest vertical jump in NBA history, setting the standard for greatness.

His bounce wasn’t just about getting airborne – it was about how he used it to take over games, soaring for dunks, and his signature moves. Combine that with being one of the NBA players with the biggest hands ever, and you get a player with the highest vertical leap in NBA history.