Highest Vertical Jumps in NBA History: Complete Rankings

The NBA Combine vertical jump test is where hype meets hard numbers. Every year, the best athletes in college basketball get measured, and every year, someone puts up a number that makes scouts lose their minds. But the all-time records? Those belong to a different breed entirely.

The NBA Combine measures both standing vertical jump and maximum vertical jump (with an approach), giving us concrete data on just how high these elite athletes can fly. Here is our ranking of the highest vertical jumps in NBA history, along with context about what makes each athlete extraordinary.

Understanding Vertical Jump Measurements

First, a quick note on how these are actually measured. It helps to understand the two types of vertical jump measurements used at the NBA Combine:

• Standing vertical jump: Measured from a flat-footed standing position. This tests raw explosive power without the benefit of a running start.
• Maximum vertical jump (approach): Measured with a running approach. This typically adds 4 to 8 inches to an athlete’s standing vertical and reflects game-situation jumping ability.

The NBA Combine has been recording these measurements since the early 2000s, though some historical figures are based on other verified testing.

The Top Vertical Leapers in NBA History

1. Michael Jordan: 48-Inch Vertical

No list of the greatest leapers in basketball history can start anywhere else. Michael Jordan’s 48-inch maximum vertical jump is legendary, and it was backed up by some of the most iconic in-game dunks and plays ever recorded.

Jordan reportedly measured a 46-inch vertical at the pre-draft combine in 1984 and was measured at 48 inches during his peak years with the Chicago Bulls. At 6 feet 6 inches with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, his combination of size, leaping ability, and body control in the air was unprecedented.

What made Jordan special was not just how high he jumped but how long he appeared to stay in the air. His ability to hang and adjust mid-flight made his jumping ability even more dominant in game situations.

2. Zach LaVine: 46-Inch Vertical

Zach LaVine came into the NBA as one of the most explosive athletes ever measured at the combine. His 46-inch maximum vertical was among the highest ever recorded, and he immediately proved it translated to real-world performance by winning back-to-back Slam Dunk Contest titles in 2015 and 2016.

At 6 feet 5 inches, LaVine combines elite leaping ability with fluid athleticism that makes his aerial feats look effortless. His between-the-legs and windmill dunks in competition remain some of the most impressive dunk contest performances in NBA history.

3. Vince Carter: 43-Inch Vertical

Vince Carter is widely regarded as the greatest in-game dunker of all time. While his measured vertical of 43 inches is not the absolute highest on this list, the way Carter used his leaping ability in games was unmatched. His dunk over 7-foot-2 Frederic Weis in the 2000 Olympics is considered by many to be the greatest dunk ever performed.

Carter’s combination of power, creativity, and fearlessness in the air made him “Half Man, Half Amazing.” His 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest performance is still the gold standard for dunk competitions.

4. Jason Richardson: 46.5-Inch Vertical

Jason Richardson posted one of the highest verticals ever recorded, combining his 46.5-inch leap with a muscular, powerful frame. He won back-to-back Dunk Contest titles in 2002 and 2003, showcasing his incredible explosive ability.

Richardson’s leaping ability was all the more impressive given his more muscular build compared to some of the leaner athletes on this list. His power-to-weight ratio was exceptional.

5. Zion Williamson: 45-Inch Vertical

Zion Williamson defies physics. At 6 feet 6 inches and 284 pounds, he posted a 45-inch maximum vertical at the NBA Draft Combine in 2019. To put that in perspective, he is generating enough force to launch nearly 300 pounds of body weight 45 inches into the air.

Williamson’s combination of mass and explosiveness is historically unprecedented. No player his size has ever been this explosive. His in-game dunks with the New Orleans Pelicans showcase a freight-train style of athleticism that defenders simply cannot match.

6. Derrick Jones Jr.: 46-Inch Vertical

Derrick Jones Jr. measured a 46-inch maximum vertical and has been one of the most explosive in-game dunkers of his era. He won the 2020 NBA Slam Dunk Contest and regularly produces highlight-reel dunks during games.

At 6 feet 6 inches with long arms, Jones combines his vertical with a frame that allows him to play well above the rim on both ends of the floor.

7. LeBron James: 44-Inch Vertical

LeBron James at his peak combined a 44-inch vertical with a 6-foot-9, 250-pound frame, making him one of the most physically imposing athletes in basketball history. While LeBron is known more for his all-around game than his dunking, his chase-down blocks and fast-break dunks demonstrated just how explosive he was.

What makes LeBron’s vertical particularly impressive is the longevity of his athleticism. He was still throwing down powerful dunks and making highlight-reel athletic plays well into his late thirties.

8. Dwight Howard: 39.5-Inch Standing Vertical

Dwight Howard’s standing vertical of 39.5 inches is one of the highest standing verticals ever recorded at the NBA Combine. Standing vertical is arguably a purer measure of explosive power because it eliminates the momentum advantage of a running approach.

At 6 feet 10 inches and 265 pounds, Howard’s ability to elevate from a standing position was freakish. His Superman dunk in the 2008 Slam Dunk Contest perfectly captured his combination of size and leaping ability.

9. Spud Webb: 42-Inch Vertical

At just 5 feet 7 inches, Spud Webb possessed a 42-inch vertical that allowed him to compete against players a full foot taller than him. His victory in the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest remains one of the most memorable moments in NBA history.

Webb is proof that vertical jump ability is not limited by height. His 42-inch leap from a 5-foot-7 frame meant he could touch approximately 10 feet 1 inch, which is above the rim despite being one of the shortest players in NBA history. If you are a shorter athlete looking for inspiration, Webb’s story is a reminder that dedication to training can overcome physical limitations.

10. Nate Robinson: 43.5-Inch Vertical

Another undersized leaper, Nate Robinson stood 5 feet 9 inches but packed a 43.5-inch vertical that made him a three-time Slam Dunk Contest champion (2006, 2009, 2010). His most iconic moment was jumping over 5-foot-9 former champion Spud Webb in the 2006 contest and then leaping over 6-foot-11 Dwight Howard in 2009.

Robinson’s combination of vertical, competitive fire, and fearlessness made him one of the most entertaining players of his era.

Honorable Mentions

Several other NBA athletes deserve recognition for their extraordinary leaping ability:

• Ja Morant. Known for jaw-dropping in-game dunks that generate viral highlights. His combination of body control and vertical makes him one of the most exciting leapers in the current NBA.
• Dominique Wilkins. “The Human Highlight Film” had a reported 42-inch vertical and was one of the most prolific in-game dunkers of the 1980s.
• Julius Erving (Dr. J). A pioneer of above-the-rim play, Dr. J’s artistry in the air changed what fans thought was possible on a basketball court.
• Darryl Dawkins. Famous for literally shattering backboards with his powerful dunks, Dawkins possessed both incredible vertical and unmatched power.

What Can We Learn From These Athletes?

While genetics plays a significant role in elite vertical jump ability, these athletes also share common traits that any aspiring jumper can develop:

Relative strength. The best leapers tend to have exceptional strength relative to their body weight. Whether it is Zion Williamson’s raw power or Spud Webb’s lightweight explosiveness, the power-to-weight ratio is what matters.

Fast-twitch muscle fiber dominance. This is partly genetic, but plyometric training can improve the recruitment and firing rate of the fast-twitch fibers you do have.

Technique and coordination. Watch how these athletes use their arms, their approach, and their timing. The technical aspect of jumping is often underappreciated. A coordinated arm swing can add 10-15 percent to your jump height.

Consistent training. Even the most genetically gifted athletes train relentlessly. Their natural ability provides a higher ceiling, but reaching that ceiling still requires dedicated work.

For a deeper look at the muscle science behind these explosive jumps, read our article on the science behind vertical jump training. If you want to start building the same type of explosive power, our guide to plyometric exercises for vertical jump covers the foundational drills used by athletes at every level.

How High Can You Jump?

You may never reach 46 inches like Michael Jordan, but you can absolutely increase your vertical jump significantly with proper training. The same principles that make these NBA athletes explosive (strength, plyometric power, technique, and body composition) can be developed by anyone willing to put in the work.

For a full guide to jump training, check out our article on how to increase your vertical jump. If you are ready for a structured training program, our best vertical jump programs of 2026 guide covers the top options available today.

The rim is waiting. How high will you go?