In less than a month, Vince Carter will be officially inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Known for his incredible versatility, prolific dunking, and long-lasting durability, Carter left a permanent mark on the NBA. The highlight reel of Vince Carter’s 2000 Dunk Contest will certainly be featured, as it was the event that cemented his reputation as one of the greatest dunkers of all time.
Dominique Wilkins, another Hall-of-Fame dunker and current Atlanta Hawks analyst, recently shared his thoughts on Carter’s Dunk Contest legacy, noting how it compares to his own experiences. Having competed in the NBA Dunk Contests in 1985, 1988, and 1990, Wilkins holds a unique perspective on the evolution of the event and the athletes who have defined it.
“It definitely ranks with [Michael] Jordan and me,” Wilkins stated when asked about Vince Carter’s 2000 Dunk Contest. “I have to give the young fella credit for that performance. His dunks blew everyone away; it wasn’t even close.”
Wilkins was quick to emphasize that Carter’s Hall of Fame recognition extends far beyond his prowess in dunk contests. Like Wilkins, Carter was more than just a high-flying showman. Both players had well-rounded games that included solid midrange shooting, post moves, and three-point capabilities. Despite their dunking abilities often taking center stage, their careers were defined by much more.
“When people see us, they immediately think about dunking, but they miss the rest of our game,” Wilkins explained. “You don’t become a Hall-of-Famer just because you can dunk. Vince was a complete player, and that’s why he’s in the Hall of Fame.”
One of the most remarkable aspects of Vince Carter’s career was his longevity. Carter played an astonishing 22 seasons in the NBA, something Wilkins views as a testament to his dedication and work ethic.
“Vince always took care of himself,” said Wilkins. “He stayed in shape, worked out, and never stopped playing. To play 22 years, especially at his size, is incredible. Usually, only bigger guys—6’10”, 6’11”, or 7-footers—last that long. Vince was one of the few exceptions, along with someone like LeBron [James].”
Wilkins had the privilege of calling the game when Carter scored his 25,000th point—fittingly, on a dunk. For Wilkins, that moment was a full-circle experience.
“I was probably happier than he was,” Wilkins joked. “I rarely ever stand up during broadcasts, but when he hit 25,000 points with that dunk, I stood up and cheered. For him to get that milestone on a dunk at his age? It was breathtaking.
When asked to pick his favorite dunk of Vince Carter’s 2000 Dunk Contest and beyond, Wilkins was almost at a loss for words, citing the countless jaw-dropping moments Carter produced throughout his career. One standout, however, was Carter’s dunk over a 7-footer during the 2000 Olympics.
“He jumps over a 7-footer? That’s crazy in itself,” Wilkins said, laughing. “That’s probably one of my favorites, but there are so many to choose from. He had one on Alonzo Mourning that was also pretty impressive. Vince always brought energy and excitement to the court, which made his dunks even more special.”
Both Wilkins and Carter are known for their fearless approach to dunking in traffic, often throwing down against taller defenders. For both players, this wasn’t just about athleticism—it was a mental edge.
“It’s all about going to the basket with confidence,” Wilkins said. “Vince wanted to dunk on bigger guys as hard as he could, which would make them hesitate the next time. That’s how we both thought. If I could get a foul or two early on a big man, it gave me an advantage for the rest of the game.”
While Vince Carter’s 2000 Dunk Contest is widely regarded as one of the best in NBA history, Wilkins still places it among the top three, alongside the contests he competed in during the 1980s.
“I’ll put it this way: that contest Vince won is definitely in the top two or three,” Wilkins noted. “It wasn’t just the contest itself, but his dunks. He had a unique ability to create in the air, which not many players can do. His size made it look even more dramatic. After his second or third dunk, it was pretty much over.”
Vince Carter and Dominique Wilkins share more than just a connection as elite dunkers—they’ve developed a genuine friendship. When Carter played for the Atlanta Hawks during his final two seasons, Wilkins saw firsthand the respect younger players had for Carter.
“They respected him not just for what he did, but for what he continued to do,” Wilkins said. “He was still contributing on the court, but more importantly, he was a great presence in the locker room. We developed a friendship that still exists to this day. Vince is just a great guy—cool, funny, and always fun to be around.”
As Vince Carter’s 2000 Dunk Contest continues to be a benchmark in NBA history, his legacy extends far beyond that night. Carter was a complete player, a fierce competitor, and a beloved figure both on and off the court. As Dominique Wilkins put it, “Vince’s career wasn’t just about dunking; it was about everything he brought to the game.”
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