Best Dunkers In NBA 2K26

TL;DR

  • Anthony Edwards leads with 97 Driving Dunk rating, followed by three players at 96
  • Driving Dunk stat determines success rate and animation quality for spectacular finishes
  • Proper timing and player selection crucial for maximizing dunk effectiveness in gameplay
  • Young talents like Amen Thompson and Jalen Johnson represent the next generation of elite dunkers
  • Strategic dunking can create momentum shifts and demoralize opponents in key moments


GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.

The highly anticipated NBA 2K26 continues to unveil player ratings, with the latest release spotlighting the game’s most explosive dunk artists. This comprehensive breakdown ranks the elite ten based specifically on their Driving Dunk attribute, which directly influences both success probability and animation quality when attempting highlight-reel finishes at the rim.

This dunk-focused analysis forms part of the extended ratings week for 2K26, building upon previously revealed rankings for three-point specialists, ball handlers, and incoming rookies. Understanding these ratings provides strategic advantages for building dominant offensive schemes.

Anthony Edwards - 97 (Driving Dunk)

Anthony Edwards commands the pinnacle position with his exceptional 97 Driving Dunk rating, reflecting his real-world dominance as last season’s most prolific highlight-reel dunker. His virtual counterpart delivers unparalleled athletic finishes that can single-handedly shift game momentum through spectacular aerial displays.

Ja Morant - 96 (Driving Dunk)

Ja Morant closely trails at 96 OVR, possessing near-identical dunking prowess that would undoubtedly claim the top spot had more of his ambitious attempts connected in recent seasons. Despite occasional real-world execution variances, Morant remains a virtual force capable of posterizing defenders with elite frequency.

Jalen Johnson - 96 (Driving Dunk)

Jalen Johnson represents one of basketball’s best-kept secrets, blossoming into a premier dunker over the past two campaigns while maintaining underrated status since his draft entry four years prior. His Hawks performances regularly feature breathtaking aerial displays that translate perfectly to 2K26’s animation system.

Amen Thompson - 96 (Driving Dunk)

Amen Thompson emerges as basketball’s next superstar, with raw athleticism that captivates audiences nightly. Since joining the Rockets, his dunk repertoire has expanded dramatically, making him a must-have for virtual squads seeking explosive wing production.

Shaedon Sharpe - 95 (Driving Dunk)

Shaedon Sharpe continues as Portland’s underappreciated aerial artist, evolving into a consistent scoring threat while maintaining elite dunk capabilities. Widespread fan demand for his Dunk Contest participation suggests potential 2026 inclusion, which would further elevate his virtual rating.

Jaylen Brown - 94 (Driving Dunk)

Jaylen Brown’s legacy shouldn’t be overshadowed by his disappointing 2025 Dunk Contest appearance, instead focusing on his decade-long consistency delivering miraculous regular season and playoff finishes. Annually, Brown produces some of basketball’s most memorable posterizing moments, justifying his placement among dunking royalty.

Derrick Jones Jr. - 94 (Driving Dunk)

Derrick Jones Jr. has crafted his professional identity around rim-rattling capabilities, complementing solid defensive skills with dunking as his primary offensive weapon. His 2020 Dunk Contest victory over fellow list member Aaron Gordon permanently established his place among NBA dunking legends.

Zach LaVine - 94 (Driving Dunk)

Zach LaVine brings championship pedigree to dunking discussions, having previously claimed dunk contest glory while maintaining in-game effectiveness. His rating reflects sustained aerial excellence rather than temporary peak performance.

Aaron Gordon - 94 (Driving Dunk)

Aaron Gordon’s dunking prowess remains undiminished years after his legendary contest performances. His ability to finish through contact and in traffic makes him particularly valuable in 2K26’s physical interior gameplay.

Zion Williamson - 93 (Driving Dunk)

Zion Williamson rounds out the elite with a formidable 93 rating, combining raw power with surprising agility for his frame. His durability concerns in recent seasons may have slightly impacted his rating, but he remains a devastating force when attacking the basket.

Mastering dunk timing represents the most critical skill for maximizing high-rated players’ effectiveness. The optimal approach involves initiating dunk animations just outside the restricted area, allowing for full extension while avoiding charge calls. Perfectly timed dunks not only increase success probability but also unlock special animations that can demoralize opposing defenses.

Avoid the common mistake of forcing dunks in heavily contested situations. Even elite dunkers with 90+ ratings will struggle against multiple defenders or well-positioned shot blockers. Instead, utilize proper spacing techniques to create isolation opportunities.

Strategic player selection should prioritize dunk specialists for specific roles within your offensive scheme. Consider pairing high-flying wings with floor-spacing bigs to maximize driving lanes, similar to strategies discussed in our complete gameplay guide. For MyTeam modes, target these elite dunkers to create unstoppable fast-break opportunities.

Advanced players should study each dunker’s unique animation packages. Some excel at rim-grabbing reverses while others dominate with powerful two-handed slams. Understanding these nuances allows for more strategic roster construction and in-game decision making.

Timing estimates for mastering dunk mechanics vary by player skill level. Beginners typically require 2-3 hours of practice to consistently execute basic dunks, while advanced techniques like posterizers and contact finishers may demand 5+ hours of dedicated gameplay. Reference our weapons unlock guide for additional offensive strategy insights.

Action Checklist

  • Practice dunk timing in 2KU mode for 30 minutes
  • Analyze each top dunker’s specific animation strengths
  • Create custom play sets emphasizing isolation for dunk specialists
  • Experiment with different dunk packages in Practice mode
  • Implement strategic substitutions to maintain fresh dunk threats

No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Best Dunkers In NBA 2K26 NBA 2K26's top dunkers revealed with ratings analysis, gameplay strategies, and player insights for virtual dominance