Top 12 Highest Vertical Jump in NBA Basketball History!

Last Updated on: 6th March 2024, 01:43 am

The Highest Vertical Jump NBA

Who Has the Highest Vertical in NBA History?

The highest vertical jump in NBA history is held by four players: Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Darrell Griffith, and Keon Johnson – all with a record of 48 inches.

These extraordinary athletes have achieved heights far beyond the average NBA player’s vertical jump of 28 inches.

Highest Vertical Jump NBA Records

The NBA is loaded with high flyers and has been for years. Vertical jumping is one of the primary skills that every basketball player wants.

Some players seem to be born with it, and others are not so much.

Top 12 Highest Vertical Jumps In The NBA Ever

1. Wilt Chamberlain Vertical (48″ Inches)

Wilt Chamberlain, “The Big Dipper,” was 7’1 with a vertical of 48 inches; Wilt has a career average of 22.9 rebounds per game.

There have been many stories about Wilt not being human, and with his career stats and vertical being 48″ inches, I can almost believe it…

Wilt has many NBA records, 72 to be exact; some will likely never be broken, or at least any time soon…

Some of these records include his famous 100-point game, which he averaged 50.4 points per game in the 1961-1962 season.

Wilt’s height and astonishing vertical made him a monster in scoring, rebounding, and blocking.

2. Darrell Griffith Vertical (48” Inches)

Most likely, the least-known player known on the list, Darrell Griffith, played his entire career with the Utah Jazz.

Donovan Mitchell even paid tribute to him in the 2018 Slam Dunk Contest when he donned Griffith’s Jazz uniform while making his second dunk…

Griffith was nicknamed Dr. Dunkenstein, and with a name like that, you better be able to fly through the air and dunk the ball…

Darrell Griffith’s vertical leap is 48″ inches, and he made a career with his unique jumping ability; after all, he is tied with Wilt Chamberlain for the Highest NBA vertical jump.

He was only 6’4, and Darrell could get his head 4 inches above the rim with his hops.

Griffith retired in 1991, and the Utah Jazz retired his uniform in 1993. He was introduced into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2014.

Enjoy the video of Darrell Griffith’s highlights against the Bulls in 1985.

3. Michael Jordan Vertical (48” Inches)

Jordan is one of the best players who laced up their shoes and stepped onto an NBA court.

Micheal Jordan 48” vertical jump gave him nicknames like “Air Jordan” and “His Airiness.” Some people claim that he only had a 46″ vertical, but we are giving him the benefit of the doubt with 48″.

Jordan seems uniquely able to float through the air and stay there.

This ability led Jordan to shock the world when he took off from the free-throw line and dunked the ball…

Besides that, Jordans has multiple highlights of him flying through the air and dunking on anyone who got in the way; even Dikembe Mutombo was a victim.

Jordan never cared who was in the way; if you were at the rim, you were getting dunked on.

4. Keon Johnson (48 Inches)

Keon Johnson, also known as Jumping Jack, has an astounding 48-inch vertical, a record in the NBA combine, which is extraordinary for his explosive style of play.

Johnson has been pursuing recognition as one of the best-rising stars in basketball, and some believe he has the potential to achieve that goal.

Johnson is like a rocket blasting off when he charges down the court, and anyone in his path is either bypassed or dunked on.

Few other players in NBA history have exhibited Johnson’s speed, power, and jumping capability.

Jumping Jack’s potential to make headlines on any night with high-flying dunks is unparalleled…

A part of this is due to his world-record vertical leap.

Johnson may not have the highest vertical in-game, but he is one of the most exciting players to follow in the NBA.

5. Jason Richardson Vertical (46.5″ Inches)

Jason Richardson may not have the highest vertical jump on this list, but he is still one of the most exciting dunkers in the NBA’s history. Richardson was known for his high-flying acrobatics and his ability to put on a show for the fans.

Richardson’s vertical jump was measured at 46.5 inches, which is still impressive.

One of Richardson’s most memorable dunks came in the 2003 Slam Dunk Contest. He bounced the ball off the backboard, caught it with one hand, and threw a reverse dunk, leaving the crowd in awe.

Richardson was also a solid all-around player. He averaged 17.1 points per game during his NBA career and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2002.

His high-flying dunks and flashy style of play made him a fan favorite and helped to bring excitement to the sport.

6. Zach Lavine Vertical (46” Inches)

LaVine won back-to-back NBA dunk contests in 2015 and 2016…

Part of the reason he won back-to-back dunk contests is that he is a freak of nature; Zach LaVine’s vertical is 46 inches…

This puts him in the same company as Jordan regarding jumping ability.

LaVine has given us some of the best dunks during the NBA dunk contest with windmills, between-the-legs reverse dunks, and a free-throw line dunk.

Besides the dunk contest, LaVine is known for putting down some highlight dunks in-game.

7. D.J. Stephens Vertical (46″ Inches)

Stevens made history in the NBA pre-draft combine in 2013…

One of the key factors that etched his name in the annals of NBA history is his extraordinary leaping ability; D.J. Stevens’ vertical leap is a staggering 46 inches.

This places him in an elite league, surpassing the legendary Jordan in jump height.

Stevens has showcased some of the most breathtaking leaps during the NBA pre-draft combine, with his head almost reaching the rim, a feat that left spectators and fellow athletes in awe.

Beyond the pre-draft combine, Stevens is renowned for his high-flying dunks during games, providing some of the most memorable highlight reels.

8. Spud Webb (46″ Inches)

Spud Webb, known for his exceptional vertical leap in the NBA, stood 5 feet 6 inches tall. Despite his height, he was an incredible athlete with a vertical jump of 46 inches. This remarkable ability significantly influenced his victory in the 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Webb’s training regimen focused heavily on plyometrics, exercises that enhance explosive power and speed, contributing to his outstanding jumping capabilities.

His story remains an inspiration, demonstrating that determination and hard work can lead to extraordinary sports achievements, irrespective of physical limitations​​.

9. Zion Williamson (45″ Inches)

Zion Williamson, an NBA sensation, is renowned for his exceptional vertical jumping capability. He boasts a staggering 45-inch vertical leap, a feat central to his basketball identity since his college days at Duke University.

This impressive jumping ability enables him to execute powerful dunks and significantly enhances his defensive game through effective shot-blocking and rebounding.

Williamson’s athleticism, characterized by this remarkable leap, makes him a standout player. He offers a unique blend of strength and agility in the NBA.

10. Shannon Brown Vertical (44.5″ Inches)

Brown was known for his athleticism and ability to throw down thunderous dunks. His highlight reels are filled with impressive slams, many of which came during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers.

His jump was measured at 44.5 inches, which puts him in elite company when it comes to jumping ability.

One of Brown’s most memorable dunks came in Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals. With the Lakers leading by just one point in the fourth quarter, Brown rose and threw down a powerful dunk over the outstretched arm of Celtics center Kendrick Perkins.

Brown was also a solid defender and a valuable role player for several NBA teams.

11. LeBron James Vertical (44” inches”)

LeBron James, also known as King James, has an unbelievable 44-inch vertical, which is impressive for his size.

James has been chasing the crown for the best player ever to play basketball, and some say he already has it.

James is like a freight train when he comes down the lane, and anyone in front of him is being run over or dunked on.

No other player in NBA history has had James’s speed, strength, and jumping ability.

The King’s ability to be in the Top 10 on any night with monster dunks is unmatched…

Part of this is because of his vertical leaping ability.

James may not have the highest vertical on the list, but he is one of the most dominant players ever played.

12. Ja Morant Vertical (44 Inches)

Ja Morant, also known as Ja Raffe, boasts a staggering 44-inch vertical, which is extraordinary for his athleticism.

Morant has been competing for the title of best young basketball player, and some argue he’s well on his way.

Morant sprints down the court like a lightning bolt, sidestepping or posterizing anyone in his path.

Few other players in NBA history have possessed Morant’s speed, agility, and leaping prowess.

Ja Raffe’s potential to land in the Top 10 on any night with jaw-dropping dunks is unparalleled…

This is in part due to his exceptional ability to leap vertically.

Morant may not have the highest vertical on the list, but he is one of the most electrifying players.

Other Notable Players

In addition to these remarkable athletes, Mac McClung is a name that often comes up in discussions about vertical jumps in basketball. Although McClung is not on this list, his vertical leap is also noteworthy and has captured the attention of basketball fans and analysts alike.

FAQ

Who holds the record for the highest vertical jump in NBA history?

The record for the highest vertical jump in NBA history is a four-way tie between Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Darrell Griffith, and Keon Johnson, each boasting a leap of 48 inches.

How high is LeBron James’ vertical leap?

LeBron James’ vertical leap is an impressive 44 inches, contributing significantly to his court dominance.

Is achieving a 48-inch vertical jump possible in the NBA?

Yes, achieving a 48-inch vertical jump is possible in the NBA, as Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Darrell Griffith, and Keon Johnson demonstrated.

What is Zion Williamson’s vertical jump measurement?

Zion Williamson’s vertical jump is measured at 45 inches, showcasing his remarkable athleticism.

How much can Ja Morant jump vertically?

Ja Morant has an extraordinary vertical jump of 44 inches, highlighting his explosive athleticism.

Did Michael Jordan really have a 48-inch vertical?

Yes, Michael Jordan, also known as “Air Jordan,” is credited with a 48-inch vertical jump, part of his legendary basketball prowess.

What was Kobe Bryant’s vertical leap?

Bryant was renowned for his incredible athleticism and ability to perform electrifying dunks during his career. His vertical was estimated to be around 38 inches, showcasing his exceptional jumping ability.

Is a 60-inch vertical jump achievable?

Such a feat would significantly surpass the current known records and is considered beyond human capability in professional basketball settings.

How rare is a 50-inch vertical jump in the NBA?

A 50-inch vertical jump is exceptionally rare and not documented within NBA players.. The highest recorded in NBA history combined is 48 inches, making anything above this highly extraordinary.

How do you increase your vertical leap to an exceptional level?

Improving your vertical leap involves consistent and targeted exercises, such as plyometrics, strength training, and technique improvement, which were not specifically detailed in the content.

Can you dunk if you are 5’6″?

Yes, in basketball, players like Spud Webb, who stood at 5’7″ and had a 46-inch vertical leap, have proven that height is not the sole determinant of dunking ability.

Is it possible for a person who is 5ft 10 to dunk?

Yes, athletes with a vertical leap significantly exceeding their height can dunk. Training, technique, and physical conditioning are key factors.

Is jump height genetic?

It’s widely acknowledged that both genetics and dedicated training play crucial roles in an athlete’s jumping ability.