Spud Webb

The NBA is widely accepted as a big man’s game, an assertion Anthony “Spud” Webb fought against his entire career. Webb stood just 5’7, but his dedication and persistence led him to enjoy a 12-year professional career and one of the best underdog moments in NBA history. The All-Star Game was held in Webb’s hometown of Dallas in 1986, and he elected to participate by entering into the slam dunk contest. The participants included seven other players, one of whom was Hawks teammate and defending slam dunk champion Dominique Wilkins. Webb stunned the crowd (and his teammate) with a vast array of jaw-dropping dunks en route to winning the slam dunk title in front of his hometown fans.