NBA legend Vince Carter is known for being arguably the best dunker in league history. His aerial skills are so skilled that he believes he can defeat the greatest player of all time in a hypothetical slam dunk contest.
In an interview with Taylor Rooks, Carter stated that he would defeat Michael Jordan if they participated in a slam dunk contest where both players were in their prime.
“I’m winning,” Carter said. “I don’t know how I’m winning, but, see, I appreciate that because that’s what the era was like. MJ is going to put up a fight and I knew I would’ve had to bring it. Just like with Kobe [Bryant], Dr. J [Julius Erving], the greats of the game in dunking. I would love to have had the opportunity to dunk against those guys.”
Vinsanity vs. MJ… Who are you taking? 👀🍿
(via @TaylorRooks)
pic.twitter.com/y7TMqFok9g— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 29, 2024
Carter’s performance in the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest has never been replicated. The moments he created are imprinted on the brains of NBA fans. Carter didn’t require props or hijinks; he only needed pure dunking ability and skill.
The question from Rooks was prompted by Jordan facing a similar question back in 2001. In that interview with John Thompson, Jordan didn’t declare that he would beat Carter.
“I think it would be fun,” Jordan told Thompson. “The fans would get entertained. It doesn’t matter who wins.”
It is a shame we won’t get to witness this hypothetical contest. While Jordan is a far superior player to Carter, it is hard to imagine the Chicago Bulls icon besting the 2000 slam dunk contest winner.
While Carter won’t get to join Jordan on the hardwood for this contest, he will join Jordan in the Basketball Hall of Fame this year. It is a worthy honor for a player who has made lifelong memories for basketball fans.
