Top 10 Highest Vertical Jumps in NBA History: Basketball’s Greatest Leapers Ranked

By Edcel Panganiban June 04, 2025 09:42

The NBA has long been a showcase for extraordinary athleticism, and among the most awe-inspiring feats are the vertical jumps that allow players to soar above the rim. Vertical leap is a key measure of explosiveness and has often been a defining trait of basketball’s greatest stars. Here, we rank the top 10 highest vertical jumps in NBA history players whose leaping ability set them apart and left fans breathless.

1. Michael Jordan – 48 Inches

Michael Jordan’s legendary 48-inch vertical leap is often cited as the highest in NBA history. This explosive jump helped him earn the nickname “His Airness,” epitomized by his iconic free-throw line dunk during the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest. Jordan’s hang time of 0.92 seconds allowed him to seemingly defy gravity. His vertical was a product of natural athleticism combined with rigorous training focused on leg strength and flexibility. As Jordan himself said, “I just wanted to fly.” His six NBA championships and five MVP awards underscore how his leaping ability translated into dominance on the court.

2. Wilt Chamberlain – 48 Inches

Standing 7’1”, Wilt Chamberlain’s 48-inch vertical jump is astonishing given his size. Known for his dominance he famously scored 100 points in a single game Wilt’s leaping ability was aided by his track and field background, including high jumping. His athleticism redefined what was possible for big men in basketball and remains legendary decades after his passing.

3. Darrell Griffith – 48 Inches

Nicknamed “Dr. Dunkenstein,” Griffith’s 48-inch vertical was a key part of his highlight-reel dunks during his career with the Utah Jazz. Though he never won a dunk contest, his athleticism was undeniable, and his jersey retirement by the Jazz cements his legacy as one of the game’s great leapers.

4. Jason Richardson – 46.5 Inches

Jason Richardson’s vertical leap measured at 46.5 inches during his prime. Known for his flashy dunks, including a between-the-legs reverse 360 that won him the 2003 Slam Dunk Contest, Richardson’s explosive jumping ability helped him become one of the most exciting players of his era.

5. James White – 46 Inches

James White’s 46-inch vertical allowed him to rise five inches above the rim at 6’7”. While his NBA career was relatively modest, his leaping ability was elite, earning him recognition as one of the top vertical jumpers in league history.

6. Anthony Webb – 46 Inches

At just 5’7”, Anthony Webb stunned the basketball world with a 46-inch vertical. His performance in the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest, where he defeated teammate Dominique Wilkins, showcased his incredible athleticism despite his diminutive stature.

7. Spud Webb – 46 Inches

Another undersized marvel, Spud Webb’s 46-inch vertical jump helped him win the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest. Standing only 5’7”, Webb’s ability to rise above taller competitors remains one of the most inspirational stories in NBA history.

8. DJ Stephens – 46 Inches

DJ Stephens holds the NBA Combine record with a verified 46-inch vertical jump in 2013. Known for his acrobatic dunks in college and the NBA Summer League, Stephens’ leap is the highest officially recorded in a testing environment.

9. Zion Williamson – 45 Inches

Zion’s 45-inch vertical at Duke University stunned scouts and fans alike, especially given his nearly 300-pound frame. His combination of size and explosiveness is rare, making him one of the most physically gifted players in recent memory.

10. Keon Johnson – 48 Inches

Keon Johnson set a modern benchmark with a 48-inch vertical at the 2021 NBA Draft Combine, matching legends like Jordan and Chamberlain. His explosive athleticism has made him a standout prospect and a player to watch in the coming years.

Vertical leap remains one of the most thrilling measures of NBA athleticism. From Michael Jordan’s iconic dunks to Keon Johnson’s record-setting combine performance, these players have pushed the boundaries of human capability. As ESPN analyst Jay Williams once said, “The ability to jump is what separates the good from the great.” These greatest leapers not only elevated the ball but elevated the game itself.