The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has long been one of the most electrifying events of All-Star Weekend, showcasing some of the greatest aerial displays in basketball history. Since Larry Nance’s victory in 1984, fans have witnessed legendary moments — from Michael Jordan’s iconic free-throw line dunk in 1988 to the unforgettable battle between Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon in 2016.
While the contest has featured many of the league’s top stars, the New York Knicks have built their own history of high-flying participants, with a few even taking home the crown.
Over the years, several Knicks players have put on a show, but only a select few have claimed the title:
History of Knicks in the Dunk Contest:
Year | Participants | Results |
---|---|---|
1985-1986 | Gerald Wilkins | N/A |
1986-1987 | Gerald Wilkins | N/A |
1988-1989 | Kenny Walker | Champion |
1989-1990 | Kenny Walker | N/A |
1991-1992 | John Starks | N/A |
1995-1996 | Doug Christie | N/A |
2005-2006 | Nate Robinson | Champion |
2006-2007 | Nate Robinson | N/A |
2008-2009 | Nate Robinson | Champion |
2009-2010 | Nate Robinson | Champion |
2012-2013 | James White | N/A |
2020-2021 | Obi Toppin | N/A |
2021-2022 | Obi Toppin | Champion |
2022-2023 | Jericho Sims | N/A |
2023-2024 | Jacob Toppin | N/A |
Nate Robinson made history in a Knicks uniform, becoming the only player in history to win the Dunk Contest three times. He's ahead of an impressive collection of players who managed to win it twice, including Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Jason Richardson and Zach LaVine. The only other player in that group is G League leaper Max McClung who has won the past two years and will be looking to match Robinson with a three-peat this season.
While the NBA Slam Dunk Contest has seen multiple Knicks champions, the same can’t be said for the NBA 3-Point Contest, which debuted in 1986 with Larry Bird taking home the inaugural trophy. Despite the league's evolution into a 3-point-heavy game, the Knicks have rarely been represented in the event — and even more notably, they remain one of 11 franchises that have never had a player win it.
Though the list is short, a few Knicks have stepped up to the line over the years:
History of Knicks in the 3-Point Contest
Year | Participants | Results |
---|---|---|
1985-1986 | Trent Tucker | N/A |
1987-1988 | Trent Tucker | N/A |
1995-1996 | Hubert Davis | N/A |
1997-1998 | Charlie Ward | N/A |
2000-2001 | Allan Houston | N/A |
2005-2006 | Quentin Richardson | N/A |
2009-2010 | Danilo Gallinari | N/A |
2012-2013 | Steve Novak | N/A |
2022-2023 | Julius Randle | N/A |
2023-2024 | Jalen Brunson | N/A |
Jalen Brunson did not advance out of the first round in last year's 3-point Contest, ultimately finishing sixth. But he'll be looking for redemption in a stacked field this year and could become the first Knicks player ever to win the title.