Who was the first NBA player to dunk?
Although Kurland is often credited with inventing the first dunk in organized basketball, it was NBA star Joe Fortenberry who did so. He dunked the ball into the net like someone “dunking their roll into a cup of coffee” during preparation for the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Big men like Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlin made…
Although Kurland is often credited with inventing the first dunk in organized basketball, it was NBA star Joe Fortenberry who did so. He dunked the ball into the net like someone “dunking their roll into a cup of coffee” during preparation for the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
Big men like Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlin made an impact on the NBA in the 1960s. They could dunk, but it took more power than skill. The NBA did not invent the modern dunk until the late 1960s, and it did not invent it until the late 1970s.
This record is unlikely to be broken anytime soon, as Dwight Howard has held the NBA record for most dunks since 1996. If he averages 90 points or more in the 2021-22 season, he might become the first player to achieve the 3,000-dunk mark.
Who was the first NBA player to dunk?
In 1944, the Aggies played at Temple, and Kurland was their coach. When Kurland picked up the ball and dunked it, Oklahoma A&M was attacking the hoop.
