Top 20 Highest Verticals in NBA History

11. David Thompson – 44″

Prior to playing professionally, David Thompson had a great collegiate career at NC State in which he won a National Championship and showcased his athleticism. Following his time in college, Thompson was the first overall pick in both the ABA and the NBA Draft.

Known by the nickname “Skywalker”, Thompson was one of the top high-flying scorers in the NBA for nearly a decade. Thompson averaged 22.7 points across his nine-year career and is one six players to ever eclipse 70 points in a single NBA game.

Thompson was a finalist in the first-ever Slam Dunk Contest in 1976 but lost to Julius Erving.