The world of basketball is all about competition, and in the NBA, the competitive nature of these players tends to come out at any time — especially in interviews and podcast appearances.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon is the latest player to express his competitive nature in an interview. He spoke to “Run It Back,” gave his thoughts on the NBA Dunk Contest, and called out a legendary dunker.
Aaron Gordon Thinks the 2016 NBA Dunk Contest Was the Greatest
Many fans regard the 2016 NBA Dunk Contest as the greatest of them all, citing the intense competition between Gordon and Zach Lavine as the reason why. Gordon shared this sentiment and took aim at the 2000 competition that Michelle Beadle references.
Aaron Gordon says his 2016 dunks were better than Vince Carter's in the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest 👀
"If you put my 4 dunks up against Vince Carter's 4 dunks, objectively I think my 4 dunks were better."@Double0AG | @MichelleDBeadle pic.twitter.com/WOjRN1a6ZN
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) February 19, 2025
“Personally, I think that was the best one. I think there is a bit of nostalgia that plays into that 2000 dunk contest, respectfully.”
Gordon believing his 2016 dunk contest was the greatest should come as no surprise, but he would get a little more direct as he continued on with the interview.
Gordon Thinks His Dunks Were Better Than Vince Carter
Following his statement that the 2016 NBA Dunk Contest was better than the 2000 competition, Gordon took slight aim at legend Vince Carter, stating his dunks were better than Carter’s.
“Don’t get me wrong, Vince Carter is the GOAT. If you put my four dunks up against Vince Carter’s four dunks, objectively, I think my four dunks were better.”
Beadle agreed with Gordon about the nostalgia factor, but one could argue that prisoners of the moment could also be elevating the more recent contests.
The 2016 competition remains the last time the dunk contest garnered such a polarizing reaction from NBA fans, as Lavine and Gordon’s display has been debated for years since.
Gordon does have one of the greatest dunks of all time. He was able to soar over the Orlando Magic mascot in a seated position before dunking the ball to an intense ovation from the sold-out crowd.
Lavine also would put on a show as his dunks inspired fans to get out of their seat every time, entertaining the capacity crowd and those watching at home.
While Lavine would walk away with the trophy as the 2016 NBA Dunk Contest winner, several people believe that Gordon was robbed because of the aforementioned dunk where he managed to fly over the mascot.
Whether or not you agree with Gordon that his dunks are better than Carter’s, you’d have to admit, regardless, that he ranks high on the dunk contest list.
