During the 1986 NBA All-Star weekend, 5-foot-7 Spud Webb of the Atlanta Hawks shocked the world by winning the slam dunk contest. The shortest NBA player to win the slam dunk contest, Webb captivated the crowd with his double-clutch and 360 dunks. Reported to have a vertical between 42-46 inches, the judges awarded Webb two perfect scores of 50. Webb won the contest over Atlanta Hawks teammate Dominique Wilkins, who stood at 6’8. The 87th pick in the 1985 NBA Draft, Webb led a successful career spanning 12 NBA seasons. Webb recorded career totals of 8,072 points, 1,742 rebounds, and 4,342 assists. Webb embodied heart over height and paved the way for NBA players like Muggsy Bogues and Earl Boykins.
Today in Sports History: February 8
