Ron Lee - 1977 NBA Slam Dunk Contest

While the NBA's modern slam dunk contest format didn't debut until 1984, the league's first foray into organized slam dunkery actually occurred in 1976, just after the ABA debuted their own contest months prior. Contrary to the modern, single-event format, the NBA's inaugural dunk contest took place over the course of the 1976-77 season with players from various regions battling head-to-head for the right to advance. Rounds were generally televised during halftime of NBA on CBS broadcasts.

Known for his nonstop motor, 6-foot-4 Ron Lee was the first dunk contestant in Phoenix Suns history, eventually followed by dunk contest champions Larry Nance ('84) and Cedric Ceballos ('92) as well as the likes of Tim Perry, Michael Finley, Kenny Battle, Amar'e Stoudemire, and Derrick Jones Jr.

The final round of the 1977 dunk contest was broadcast at halftime of the NBA Finals. There, Darnell Hillman defeated Larry McNeil with an array of dunks that featured significantly more flair than what Dawkins and Hayes offered in their own rounds. In 2017, Hillman was finally gifted an official NBA Slam Dunk contest trophy in a surprise presentation in Indiana: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RU1Qs-5IvtI&ab_channel=BallySportsIndiana

Hillman's winning round: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJSoCPN2zt4&ab_channel=RyanVanDusen

Видео Ron Lee - 1977 NBA Slam Dunk Contest канала Ryan Van Dusen