Every NBA team’s greatest dunker of all time

Dallas Mavericks: Michael Finley

Michael Finley was drafted 21st overall by the Phoenix Suns in 1995 out of the University of Wisconsin. But it was in Dallas where he shaped his NBA career. In nine seasons with the Mavericks, Finley averaged 19.8 points on 44.6 percent shooting, including 37.6 percent from long range and 81.5 percent from the foul line. The 6-foot-7 forward added 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals as well.

Finley had the best season of his career in 1999-00 with 22.6 points per game and 6.3 boards to lead the Mavericks to 40 wins. The 6-foot-7 forward weighed 215 pounds and didn’t have an extremely long wingspan. But he had an explosive first step and could dunk when defenders least expected it. Additionally, Finley loved to wind up and attempt to tear down the hoop.

However, Finley’s primary weakness was that he was only comfortable dunking with his right hand. So as impressive as his dunks were, he was limited with how creative he could be with his slams. But that didn’t stop him from embarrassing defenders on a night-to-night basis.

Finley was a consistent and durable player with the Mavericks as well.  He played at least 50 games in all nine seasons and 626 in total. Finley appeared in all 82 contests three times as well while averaging 39.7 minutes. The 6-foot-7 forward even logged 40 minutes per game five times and still averaged around 20 points.