Valuetainment

“Jordan DIDN’T Have a 48-Inch Vertical” - Dwight Howard QUESTIONS MJ’s Vertical Leap

Jun 19, 2025
Former NBA superstar Dwight Howard joins the conversation, diving deep into the legend of Michael Jordan’s vertical leap. He humorously debates MJ’s rumored 48 inches and ranks the best dunkers in history, including a nostalgic recount of Kobe Bryant’s iconic dunk during his rookie season. Dwight shares wild stories behind dunk contest conspiracy theories and reflects on how media and sponsorships shaped basketball legacies. It’s a hilarious exploration of athleticism, myths, and unforgettable NBA moments!
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INSIGHT

Doubt on MJ's 48-inch Vertical

  • Dwight Howard doubts Michael Jordan truly had a 48-inch vertical leap, calling it exaggerated.
  • He argues a 48-inch vertical would mean touching or sitting on the rim, which he finds unlikely.
INSIGHT

Showmanship Matters in Dunking

  • Showmanship is crucial in dunk contests, sometimes more than pure ability.
  • Scottie Pippen's free throw line dunk was arguably better because of his extension and style.
INSIGHT

Realistic Estimate of MJ's Jump

  • Michael Jordan’s vertical leap is estimated around 42 inches by Dwight Howard, not the often-cited 48.
  • Forty-eight inches is considered unrealistically high given body measurements and physics.
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