Vince Carter’s Legendary Dunk Contest Redefined NBA’s All-Star Weekend

OAKLAND, Calif. — Vince Carter’s performance at the 2000 NBA Dunk Contest remains one of the most unforgettable moments in basketball history. On February 12, 2000, Carter electrified Oracle Arena with a series of jaw-dropping dunks, showcasing his incredible athleticism and creativity that would solidify his status as a cultural icon.

The event unfolded before a raucous crowd, reminiscent of a sprawling coliseum. Hall of Fame names such as Shaquille O'Neal, Kevin Garnett, and Chris Webber were in attendance, their reactions mirroring the awe felt by fans around the world. Carter’s reverse 360-degree dunk became an instant classic, capturing the essence of the competition, which at the time was in its zenith of popularity.

“I approached the dunk contest like it was a basketball game,” Carter said in a recent interview. “I took a pregame nap. I got ready for it. That’s how much respect, the want-to. I wanted to go out there and give you a show.”

Carter was a first-time All-Star that season, having been drafted fifth overall by the Golden State Warriors before being traded to the Toronto Raptors. He had already made a name for himself as “Air Canada,” but the dunk contest would elevate his status to another level.

Competing against a strong field that included Jerry Stackhouse, Tracy McGrady, and Steve Francis, Carter’s creativity pushed the boundaries of what was possible. Each dunk was uniquely mesmerizing; he incorporated elements from street basketball and college-level flair that captivated audiences both in the arena and at home.

<p“Knowing Vince, I knew the dunk contest was for him, something that he wanted to do,” said Antawn Jamison, Carter’s former college teammate and one of the judges that night. “He had a pretty good start to the year, and his confidence was soaring.”

As Carter executed his first dunk — a windmill that defied gravity — the crowd erupted. He earned a perfect score of 50 from the judges, instantly establishing dominance. “After that first dunk, you kind of knew it was over with,” Jamison recalled. “It was something nobody had ever seen before.”

Following his opener, Carter continued to stun the crowd with a variety of complex dunks, including his iconic between-the-legs slam assisted by McGrady. The notion of competing against Carter felt insurmountable for the other contestants.

<p“It's like coming up to bat after Babe Ruth,” Stackhouse reflected. “I think it was almost shut down after that first one.”

Carter’s subsequent dunks included taking off closer to the free-throw line but adding an impressive two-handed finish, further sealing his legacy as the 2000 Dunk Champion. With each successful dunk, he raised the bar even higher, leaving spectators in absolute silence or explosive cheers.

<p“I wanted for you to be in awe and silent,” Carter explained about his memorable hangs on the rim. “That was my first time ever trying that, that night. So, it was just confidence.”

As twenty-five years pass since that unforgettable evening, fans continue to reminisce about Carter’s electrifying performance, which set a high standard for all future dunk contests. The event has seen both highs and lows since then, with many questioning its allure in recent years.

<p“This contest wasn’t just about winning; it was a showcase of artistry,” said basketball analyst Mike Fratello. “Vince Carter redefined what a dunk contest could be.”

Today, as Carter returns to the dunk contest as a commentator for TNT, he does so reflecting on a time when the event was a centerpiece of All-Star Weekend, showcasing the league’s brightest stars in their prime.