This year's NBA Slam Dunk Contest might not be hitting all the high notes, but the season has been anything but dull when it comes to jaw-dropping dunks and aerial artistry. One standout moment was Anthony Black's explosive dunk in Berlin, but Shaedon Sharpe of the Portland Trail Blazers has truly stolen the spotlight. With his remarkable vertical leaps, the Canadian guard is redefining what it means to take flight in the NBA.
A recent video compilation showcasing the season's top 10 highest vertical leaps has been making waves across social media, and it's no surprise that Sharpe is a dominant presence on this list. Kicking things off at number 10, Tre Mann impressed with a 38.9-inch leap.
Trey Murphy III followed with a 39.2-inch vertical on a dazzling alley-oop. Then came Sharpe, capturing the 8th spot with a 39.3-inch leap on an incredible alley-oop, and he didn't stop there-he soared to 39.7 inches for the 7th spot with another spectacular dunk.
Gary Payton II claimed the 6th position with a breathtaking one-handed dunk at 39.9 inches. Sharpe continued his aerial assault, landing in both the 5th and 4th spots with back-to-back dunks at 40.2 inches-one a jaw-dropping alley-oop over the Utah Jazz and another against the Lakers.
Ja Morant took the 3rd spot with a 41.1-inch vertical against the Washington Wizards, while Derrick Jones Jr. secured the 2nd spot with a stunning 42-inch leap. But the ultimate highlight belongs to Sharpe, who tops the list with a mind-blowing 47.2-inch leap during an unforgettable single-hand dunk.
However, it's not all smooth sailing for Sharpe and the Blazers. After suffering a left calf strain during a 135-115 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, Sharpe has missed four consecutive games.
Despite his absence, the Blazers have managed to stay competitive, winning three out of those four games. Yet, Sharpe's presence is undeniably vital for their continued success this season.
As it stands, the Blazers are navigating a challenging 2025-26 NBA season, currently holding the 9th spot in the Western Conference with a 27-29 record. Up next, they face a tough matchup against the Denver Nuggets at Moda Center. Sharpe's return could be the spark they need to climb the standings.