Hey everyone, I’ve been digging into this whole “top verticals in the NBA” thing, and let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride. I’ve always been fascinated by how these guys defy gravity, so I wanted to see who really jumps the highest and how they do it.
So, first, I started with the names that everyone throws around. Michael Jordan, right? The guy’s a legend, and they say he had a 48-inch vertical. I mean, 48 inches! That’s insane. I watched some old footage, and that free-throw line dunk from the ’88 Slam Dunk Contest – wow. It’s no wonder they called him “His Airness.”
Then I started looking at some more recent players. I saw that Dennis Smith Jr. supposedly matched Jordan’s 48 inches as a rookie. It’s hard to know for sure if these measurements are all done the same way, but still, it’s impressive.
But get this – I found out about this guy Keon Johnson. They say he’s got the highest vertical in the NBA right now, also at 48 inches, measured at the 2021/22 Draft Combine. I tried to find some videos of him, and yeah, the dude can fly.
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Michael Jordan – 48 inches
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Dennis Smith Jr. – 48 inches
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Keon Johnson – 48 inches
I also stumbled upon a Guinness World Record by a guy named Darius Clark, who hit a 50-inch vertical at a basketball camp! Not in the NBA, but that’s some serious hops.
Digging Deeper
After getting excited about these numbers, I wanted to know how these guys do it. I read that it’s all about that power-to-weight ratio and flexibility. Makes sense, right? You gotta be strong but also light and limber. They mentioned that there are tons of exercises and programs to help with this, but the key is sticking to one consistently.
Then I got curious about the history of jumping in the NBA. Apparently, back in the ’60s and ’70s, players like Julius Erving and Elvin Hayes started pushing the limits. It’s cool to think about how the game has evolved and how athletes keep getting better.
So, yeah, that’s my deep dive into NBA verticals. It’s been a fun exploration, and I’m still amazed by what these guys can do. It really makes you appreciate the athleticism involved in the sport. It makes me want to try out some jumping exercises, but I doubt I’ll be touching the rim anytime soon!
