4. Otis Smith
Otis Smith had already participated in the 1988 dunk contest as a member of the Golden State Warriors, and his first performance held enough highlights he felt he could win it in 1991 while playing for the Orlando Magic.
Those new to the Magic may remember Smith’s biggest contribution may have come later in constructing Orlando’s second team to make it to the Finals.
But Smith could get off the floor in his playing days.
Smith was perfect for the dunk contest since he found ways to make his dunks look so impressive.
He was after all just a 6-foot-5 shooting guard with a lot of explosion when he went to the basket. Smith had an exceptional windmill dunk and a lot of power. He did not try any dunks that would qualify as difficult, but he did throw it down hard and he got off the floor.
Smith was a worthy candidate. We have included his 1988 performance (Michael Jordan won that year), both because footage of the 1991 contest was sparser and because it was Smith’s best performance in a dunk contest that was sure to go to Dominique Wilkins or Michael Jordan.
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