The NBA is packed with freakish athletes, but the true showstoppers are the ones who make the rim look too low. The highest jumpers in the league turn fast breaks into fireworks and chase-downs into viral moments. Think Ja Morant’s head-at-the-rim posters, Anthony Edwards detonating in traffic, Derrick Jones Jr. floating across the paint, and Aaron Gordon turning impossible angles into dunks that live forever. Add Shaedon Sharpe’s trampoline bounce, Jalen Green’s glide, and Zion Williamson’s explosive first step, and today’s skywalkers feel every bit as electric as the legends who came before them.
That’s why NBA players with the highest vertical leap aren’t just fun to watch; they become icons. Their bounce isn’t just athleticism; it’s art, attitude, and unforgettable moments rolled into one.
How Is a Vertical Leap Measured?
The vertical leap is one of the most exciting athletic measurements, showcasing an athlete’s ability to explode off the ground. In professional sports like the NBA, it’s an essential indicator of athleticism, often tied to success in dunking, rebounding, and shot-blocking.
Methods of Measurement
- Standing Vertical Leap
- This measures how high a player can jump from a standstill, without taking any steps or a running start.
- Athletes usually stand under a device like a Vertec, which has adjustable horizontal vanes. They jump straight up and hit the highest vane they can reach with one hand.
- Running Vertical Leap
- This measures how high a player can jump with a running start, incorporating momentum into the jump.
- It’s typically measured using the same Vertec system, but players are allowed to take a few steps before jumping.
- Force Plates and Advanced Technology
- Modern methods involve using force plates that calculate the vertical leap by measuring the force exerted during the jump. This method is extremely precise and is used in high-tech training facilities.
- NBA Combine Vertical Test
- At the NBA Draft Combine, vertical leap is tested using both the standing and running methods. Measurements are critical for scouts to evaluate a player’s explosive athleticism.
Key Components of a Great Vertical Leap
- Leg Power: Strong quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves generate the force needed to propel upward.
- Core Strength: Stability in the core helps maintain balance and optimize the power transfer from the legs.
- Technique: Proper jumping mechanics, such as bending the knees and swinging the arms, maximize lift.
Top 10 NBA Players With the Highest Vertical Leap?
1. Keon Johnson — 48 Inches (NBA Combine Record, 2021)
Keon Johnson sits at the top of the verified charts: a 48-inch max vertical at the 2021 NBA Draft Combine, the highest officially measured jump on record. It was not just a number on a spreadsheet. The leap looked different in real time, an explosive two-foot takeoff with so much headroom that the gym stopped to watch the replay. For a 6’4″ guard, that kind of elevation turns routine transition chances into must-see posters and gives him chase-down block range most players never touch.
What makes the bounce play in games is how little runway he needs. Johnson can load from a quick hop, rise through contact, and still adjust the ball in the air. His jumps come from crisp mechanics: a powerful penultimate step, stiff but springy ankles, violent arm swing, and a strong core that keeps him upright as he elevates. Add fast-twitch hips and a second jump that fires almost as quickly as the first, and you get elite vertical repeatability, not just a one-time test feat.
Careers evolve, roles change, but the record is the record. When you are ranking the highest jumpers by verified measurement, Keon Johnson’s 48 inches is the modern benchmark—and the cleanest answer to the “Who’s number one?” question.
2. Wilt Chamberlain – Estimated Vertical Leap: 46 Inches (Disputed)
Wilt Chamberlain wasn’t just one of the most dominant big men in NBA history—he was also one of the most athletically gifted players the sport has ever seen. Standing 7’1” and weighing over 275 pounds, Chamberlain moved with the agility and explosiveness of a guard, and it’s widely believed he had a vertical leap of up to 46 inches—though some legendary claims place it even higher.
While those extreme numbers are debated due to a lack of official testing during his era, there’s no denying that Wilt could elevate in ways that were unprecedented for a man of his size. Stories of him touching the top of the backboard or dunking without a running start only add to the mythos.
Career Highlights: Chamberlain famously scored 100 points in a single game, won two NBA championships, and holds career averages of 30.1 points and 22.9 rebounds per game—statistics that still boggle the mind.
Why He Could Jump So High: Wilt had a track and field background, excelling in high jump, long jump, and shot put. That early foundation built the strength and explosiveness that made him so unique.
Legacy: Chamberlain passed away in 1999, but his records remain untouched and his legend continues to grow. Whether or not his vertical leap reached mythical proportions, there’s no question he was one of the most physically dominant athletes to ever play professional basketball.
3. Michael Jordan – 46 Inches
Michael Jordan is synonymous with greatness, and his 48-inch vertical leap is yet another reason why he’s considered the GOAT. His ability to hang in the air, glide past defenders, and finish with authority earned him the nickname “His Airness.” That is why he is one of the top NBA players with the highest vertical leap.
- Career Highlights: Jordan’s six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and countless iconic moments cement his legacy as the best to ever play.
- Why He Could Jump So High: Jordan combined natural athleticism with relentless training, focusing on explosive leg strength and flexibility.
- What He’s Doing Now: Jordan is the owner of the Charlotte Hornets and remains one of the most influential figures in sports.
4. Zach LaVine – 46 Inches
Zach LaVine burst onto the scene as a two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, showcasing his 46-inch vertical leap with stunning creativity and power. That is why he is one of the top NBA players with the highest vertical leap.
- Career Highlights: LaVine is a two-time All-Star known for his scoring ability and spectacular dunks.
- Why He Can Jump So High: LaVine attributes his jumping ability to rigorous plyometric training and an exceptional work ethic.
- Current Status: LaVine is a star for the Chicago Bulls, where he continues to dazzle fans with his athleticism.
5. Spud Webb – 46 Inches
At just 5’7”, Spud Webb’s 46-inch vertical leap defied logic. He shocked the world by winning the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest against Dominique Wilkins. That is why he is one of the top NBA players with the highest vertical leap.
- Career Highlights: Webb had a solid NBA career, averaging 9.9 points and 5.3 assists per game.
- Why He Could Jump So High: Webb’s explosive leaping ability came from his lower body strength and incredible coordination.
- What He’s Doing Now: Webb works in basketball operations for the Dallas Mavericks, mentoring young players.
6. Mac McClung – Estimated Vertical Leap: 43–44 Inches
Mac McClung may not own the single highest recorded vertical in NBA history, but his 43–44 inch bounce puts him in rare air. At 6’2”, he turns fast-break space into a personal stage, pairing quick-twitch explosion with mid-air control that lets him twist, hang, and finish after contact. He is a showmaker who understands angles, timing, and how to sell the moment.
He made headlines in the NBA Dunk Contest this year by defending his crown in style and completing a three-peat. The arena stood, judges flashed 50s, and the clips went everywhere within minutes. What separated him was not a giant prop or stunt. It was clean execution, precise footwork, and a final-round closer that looked effortless at full speed and even better in slow motion. He turned the toughest attempts into repeatable art, which is why the reaction from players on the sideline matched the roar from the crowd.
Context matters here. The average NBA vertical sits roughly between 28 and 34 inches. McClung lives a tier above that, and it shows in the way he rises from a standstill, explodes off two feet, and still has room in the air to improvise. His path from viral high-school mixtapes to back-to-back-to-back Dunk Contest titles has cemented him as the most dependable big-stage dunker of this era. Even if his number does not top the all-time charts, his blend of creativity, body control, and consistent execution makes him one of the most entertaining above-the-rim performers in the league.
7. Vince Carter – 43 Inches
“Vinsanity” redefined what it meant to dunk with power and grace. Vince Carter’s 43-inch vertical leap made him one of the most electrifying players in NBA history.
- Career Highlights: Carter’s iconic 2000 Dunk Contest performance and 22-year NBA career are testaments to his longevity and skill.
- Why He Could Jump So High: His natural athleticism, combined with exceptional flexibility and balance, gave him a unique edge.
- What He’s Doing Now: Carter works as an analyst for ESPN and is involved in mentoring young athletes.
8. LeBron James – 40 Inches
LeBron James, often called “The King,” combines a 40-inch vertical leap with a 6’9”, 250-pound frame, making him a nightmare for opponents. That is why he is one of the top NBA players with the highest vertical leap.
- Career Highlights: Four NBA championships, four MVP awards, and a scoring title highlight his illustrious career.
- Why He Can Jump So High: LeBron’s rigorous training regimen focuses on explosive power and endurance, keeping him at the top for two decades.
- Current Status: LeBron continues to play for the Los Angeles Lakers and shows no signs of slowing down.
9. Jason Richardson – 46 Inches
Jason Richardson’s high-flying antics earned him two Slam Dunk Contest victories, showcasing his 46-inch vertical leap. That is why he is one of the top NBA players with the highest vertical leap.
- Career Highlights: Richardson was a reliable scorer and prolific dunker throughout his 13-year NBA career.
- Why He Could Jump So High: Richardson’s emphasis on lower body strength and core stability made him a dunking machine.
- What He’s Doing Now: Richardson remains involved in basketball through various training programs and public appearances.
10. Ja Morant – 44 Inches
Ja Morant turns a 44-inch vertical into nightly fireworks. He rises in traffic, changes the ball mid-air, and finishes through contact as if gravity is a suggestion. The same spring that fuels his posters also shows up on defense in chase-down blocks and sudden contests at the rim. He gets off the floor fast, often off two feet, and still has time to hang, twist, and choose a finish.
The résumé already matches the sizzle. Multiple All-Star nods, playoff runs that put Memphis on prime time, and stretches where he bends defenses on every trip. What makes him jump so high is a blend of quick-twitch explosiveness, strong core control, and elite body awareness. He loads and goes without wasted motion, and his balance lets him elevate straight through contact.
Morant remains the Grizzlies’ engine. When he is rolling, their pace spikes, the half-court opens, and role players eat off his gravity. Health and focus will shape the next chapter, but the talent is clear. With his vertical and creativity, he is still one of the league’s most electric finishers and a franchise cornerstone in Memphis.
How High Did Players Jump in the 20th Century Compared to Now?
The evolution of vertical leap capabilities in basketball is fascinating. Players from the 20th century had impressive leaping abilities, but advancements in training, nutrition, and biomechanics have elevated the game in the modern era.
Vertical Leaps in the 20th Century
- 1950s–1970s:
- Players like Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell were ahead of their time with vertical leaps around 40–48 inches, which were considered exceptional for their era.
- Training methods were basic, relying on natural athleticism rather than specialized programs.
- 1980s–1990s:
- The 1980s saw athletes like Michael Jordan redefine the game with a 48-inch vertical leap.
- The introduction of strength training and plyometrics in the 1990s helped players like Dominique Wilkins and Shawn Kemp enhance their explosiveness.
Vertical Leaps in the 21st Century
- 2000s–2010s:
- Players like Vince Carter and LeBron James raised the bar, incorporating modern strength and conditioning techniques. Vertical leaps of 40–46 inches became more common among elite players.
- 2020s–2025:
- Advanced training tools like force plates, wearable tech, and sports science have allowed players like Zach LaVine and Ja Morant to push the limits of what’s possible. Today, vertical leaps exceeding 44 inches are no longer a rarity for the most athletic players.
Key Differences Between Then and Now
- Training Science: Modern athletes benefit from tailored programs focusing on explosive power, flexibility, and injury prevention.
- Nutrition: Improved dietary knowledge ensures players are fueled for peak performance.
- Technology: Tools like motion capture and advanced biomechanics provide insights into how players can optimize their jumps.
Rising Stars Who May Join the List of NBA Players With the Highest Vertical Leap
As new talent enters the league each season, the bar for athleticism continues to rise—literally. Several prospects from the 2025 NBA Draft Combine have already shown vertical leap numbers that rival all-time greats. While they haven’t had time to cement their legacies yet, their raw bounce and in-game explosiveness make them strong candidates to join the ranks of NBA players with the highest vertical leap shortly.
Drake Powell – Max Vertical: 43.0 Inches
A standout from North Carolina, Powell posted the highest vertical leap at the 2025 Combine. His spring-loaded legs and quick second jump make him a dangerous slasher and defensive disruptor. If he turns those measurables into highlight-reel plays in the league, he could earn his spot among elite leapers like Zach LaVine and Vince Carter.
Reed Sheppard – Max Vertical: 42.0 Inches
Kentucky’s Sheppard isn’t just a shooter—he’s a freak athlete. With a vertical that matches many Slam Dunk Contest champions, he has the tools to surprise fans with his aerial game. If he adds flair to his finishes, he could become one of the most entertaining dunkers in the league.
Devin Carter – Max Vertical: 42.0 Inches
Carter not only showed off his hops with a 42-inch vertical, but also set a record-breaking sprint time at the Combine (2.87 seconds in the three-quarter court dash). His explosive athleticism in both speed and elevation makes him a two-way threat with major highlight potential.
The Changing Standards of Vertical Leaps
While players in the 20th century like Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain set the standard for incredible vertical leaps, today’s athletes have taken it to another level thanks to advancements in science and technology. However, the legends of the past remain benchmarks for greatness, as their raw athleticism laid the groundwork for the evolution of the game.
Whether it’s a 48-inch leap from “His Airness” or Ja Morant’s latest highlight-reel dunk, the vertical leap continues to captivate fans and define athletic excellence in basketball.
