5 NBA players who could win a 35-and-older dunk contest
By John Buhler
![Nov 26, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) reacts in the game against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Memphis Grizzlies defeat the Miami Heat 110-107. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports Nov 26, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) reacts in the game against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Memphis Grizzlies defeat the Miami Heat 110-107. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/70e460ade145660f4aa9aed2b9d932c4625a0cbef5a4511dd260ac4d977ae5d0.jpg)
. Small Forward. Memphis Grizzlies. Vince Carter. 1. player. 211
You can’t have a 35-and-older slam dunk contest without Vince Carter! It doesn’t matter that he turns 40 on January 26, Carter has to be the overwhelming favorite to win this must-see television event.
Carter is the only Basketball Hall of Famer of the quintet of participants. He built his reputation as one of the best above-the-rim players in NBA history in the early 2000s with the Toronto Raptors. Carter carried that into the latter years of his prime with the Nets.
In slam dunk contest lore, Carter’s performance in the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest will go down as one of the greatest showings in the history of the event. If you didn’t know what a windmill dunk was, Carter showed the world one of the most powerful versions of all time.
Next: NBA: 2000s All-Decade First Team
Let’s put this 35-and-older dunk contest in the Air Canada Centre just to see what happens. Carter just has to attempt a windmill dunk to win, really. For the Toronto faithful, Carter will use every last bit of legs he has to throw down another all-time slam to win this All-Star Weekend extravaganza. With Carter still in the NBA, it’s over for every other 35-and-older player.