Shaquille O’Neal can wreck any defense with raw power alone, but strength isn’t the only tool at the legendary big man’s disposal. The Miami Heat center showcases his staggering mobility swatting a Richard Hamilton pass attempt aside on one end of the floor, chasing down the loose ball and then taking the rock coast-to-coast for a fastbreak. O’Neal would finish with 21 points in the May 29, 2006 Eastern Conference Finals win over the Detroit Pistons.

Shaquille O'Neal

Shaquille O'Neal works both ends of the floor in 2006 Conference Finals

With a virtually untouchable wingspan, Tyson Chandler can put one past any defender he comes across. After setting a high screen for Chicago Bulls teammate Ben Gordon out on the perimeter, the high flying center rolls straight to the bucket, collects a bounce pass and plants one firmly on top of the Portland Trail Blazers on March 14, 2006.

Tyson Chandler

Tyson Chandler soars above defender for towering slam

When Ray Allen says it’s time to head home, it’s time to head home. After battling with the Phoenix Suns for an entire ball game and almost two full overtimes, Seattle SuperSonics guard Ray Allen calls for the ball in the final seconds of a tied contest and buries a 30-foot game winner. Allen finished the January 22, 2006 marathon with 42 points and the W.

Ray Allen

Ray Allen buries double-OT game-winner from way beyond the arc

Win alongside the same personnel season after season and the chemistry builds itself. San Antonio Spurs big man Tim Duncan creeps into the high post as teammate Tony Parker works his man off the dribble in the corner, then re-emerges to give the point guard a pass target resulting in a powerful one-handed slam against the New Orleans Hornets on March 14, 2006.

Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan connects with Tony Parker for one-two punch slam

When LeBron James hits the open court, the world stops and watches. In a December 23, 2005 matchup against the Indiana Pacers, the third-year Cleveland Cavaliers forward chases down a stolen ball, crosses halfcourt all alone and explodes for a two-handed, windmill reverse slam. James logged 14 points, eight rebounds and nine assists in the win.

LeBron James

LeBron James soars through paint for picturesque reverse slam

There’s no better stage for adding to one’s legacy than in the NBA postseason. Knotted in a Western Conference Finals battle against the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki pulls up and drains a triple to give himself 50 points and a 3-2 series lead on June 1, 2006.

Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki pops off for 50 points in pivotal 2006 Conference Finals match

Carmelo Anthony can put points on the board from anywhere on the floor but there’s nothing quite like taking it straight to the rim. The Denver Nuggets forward flies past his defender with an explosive first step, then rises straight up to crown renowned Portland Trail Blazers shot blocker Theo Ratliff on February 4, 2006.  Anthony put up 33 points and eight dimes in the win.

Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony soars through paint for poster dunk on Theo Ratliff

Dwight Howard doesn’t need a cape to fly horizontally. Trailing some Orlando Magic teammates in transition, the second-year big man calls for a pass at the free-throw line then launches up, over and through his Atlanta Hawks defender for an epic slam on March 26, 2006. Howard logged 15 points and 13 boards in the win.

Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard trails in transition, throws down poster dunk on Royal Ivey

Elite floor generals don’t just make the right passes, they manufacture the existence of those opportunities in the first place. Sprinting down the floor with one defender between himself and the basket, Jason Kidd pretends to drop the ball back to a trailer, baits his man into thinking he’s taking it himself, then lays up an alley-oop pass for a Richard Jefferson dunk. Kidd finished the March 19, 2006 win over the Dallas Mavericks with 15 points and nine assists.

Jason Kidd

Jason Kidd toys with defender, flips lob pass to trailer for alley-oop

When Chris Bosh is cleared for takeoff, look out. The Toronto Raptors forward catches a pass with a defender draped over his back, then spins seamlessly toward the baseline to hit the paint and throw down a powerful one-handed dunk. Bosh finished with 23 points in the January 15, 2006 win over the New York Knicks.

Chris Bosh

Chris Bosh spins past defender for emphatic baseline dunk

There are few tougher tasks in sport than having to check Allen Iverson out on the perimeter. The Philadelphia 76ers legend wastes no time flashing his explosive first step against his Washington Wizards defender before drawing him off balance with a crossover in the opposite direction and making him touch earth with one final blow on March 3, 2006. Iverson finished the game with 47 points, 12 assists and a W.

Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson drops defender not once but twice with iconic crossovers

What Tracy McGrady is capable of with the ball in his hands is outright historic but he makes it look so easy. The Houston Rockets swingman slices through a pair of Philadelphia 76ers defenders out at the perimeter before seamlessly transitioning into a soaring, one-handed slam in the paint. McGrady dropped 25 points and seven boards in the March 10, 2006 matchup.

Tracy McGrady

Tracy McGrady slashes through the paint for towering slam

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