NBA Combine Vertical Jump Record: 13 Jaw-Dropping Feats Of Athletic Greatness
The NBA Draft Combine serves as a pivotal event where aspiring basketball players showcase their athletic prowess to scouts and team executives. Among the various drills conducted, the vertical jump test stands out, measuring a player’s explosive leaping ability—a skill highly coveted in basketball.
Since 2001, several athletes have etched their names into combine history with remarkable vertical jump measurements. This article delves into the NBA Combine vertical jump record holder and the other 12 top leapers from the NBA Draft Combine since 2001, examining their NBA careers and accomplishments.
#1. KEON JOHNSON – 48.0 INCHES (2021-22) – THE NBA COMBINE VERTICAL JUMP RECORD HOLDER
Keon Johnson set the NBA Combine Vertical Jump Record in 2021 with an astounding 48-inch vertical. Drafted 21st overall by the New York Knicks and subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, Johnson’s rookie season saw limited action, appearing in 15 games.
In February 2022, he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he appeared in 22 games and at the time recorded a career-high 20 points against the San Antonio Spurs on April 1, 2022. Despite showing flashes of potential, Johnson’s career has been hampered by injuries, including a broken finger in March 2023.
In September 2023, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns but was waived before the season commenced. Undeterred, Johnson signed a two-way contract with the Brooklyn Nets in November 2023 and secured a multi-year deal in July 2024. As of March 2025, he has been striving to solidify his position in the Nets’ rotation, earning consistent minutes for the first time in his 3-year NBA career.
#2. KENNY GREGORY – 45.5 INCHES (2001-02)
Prior to Keon Johnson, Kenny Gregory held the NBA Combine vertical jump record for 20 years. Gregory’s impressive 45.5-inch vertical jump in 2001 showcased his exceptional athleticism. Despite this feat, Gregory went undrafted in the 2001 NBA Draft.
Gregory embarked on a professional career overseas, playing in various European leagues, including stints in France, Greece, and Italy. Gregory became a notable figure in European basketball, earning accolades for his scoring ability and athleticism. Although he never played in the NBA, his international career was marked by consistent performances and professional success.
#3. HAMIDOU DIALLO – 44.5 INCHES (2017-18)
Hamidou Diallo recorded a 44.5-inch vertical jump during the 2018 NBA Draft Combine. Selected 45th overall by the Brooklyn Nets, his rights were traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Diallo made an immediate impact by winning the 2019 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, notably leaping over Shaquille O’Neal and performing the “honey dip” dunk.
Diallo was traded to the Detroit Pistons in March 2021, where he signed a two-year extension in August 2021. Diallo’s tenure with the Pistons showcased his athleticism and defensive capabilities.
In October 2023, he signed with the Washington Wizards but was waived the same day, subsequently joining their G League affiliate, the Capital City Go-Go. In January 2024, Diallo signed a 10-day contract with the Wizards before returning to the Go-Go. By September 2024, he took his talents overseas, signing with the Shanxi Loongs of the Chinese Basketball Association.
#4. JERICHO SIMS – 44.5 INCHES (2021-22)
Jericho Sims showcased a 44.5-inch vertical leap during the 2021 NBA Draft Combine. Drafted 58th overall by the New York Knicks, Sims has been working to establish himself as a reliable center. Known for his athleticism and 7′ 3″ inches of wingspan, he has split time between the Knicks and their G League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks.
Sims was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in February of 2025. He continues to develop his skills, aiming to secure a more prominent role providing versatility and depth to the Milwaukee Bucks’ roster.
#5. CASSIUS STANLEY – 44.0 INCHES (2020-21)
Cassius Stanley recorded a 44-inch vertical jump in the 2020 NBA Draft Combine. Selected 54th overall by the Indiana Pacers, Stanley participated in the 2021 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, finishing as the 2nd runner-up. His NBA tenure has been brief, with limited playing time on the Pacers and subsequent short stints with the Detroit Pistons. Stanley has also spent time in the G League, aiming to refine his game and make a return to the NBA.
#6. PAT CONNAUGHTON – 44.0 INCHES (2015-16)
Pat Connaughton’s 44-inch vertical leap in 2015 highlighted his athletic versatility. Drafted 41st overall by the Brooklyn Nets and traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, Connaughton contributed as a reliable role player. In 2018, he signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, where his three-point shooting and defensive skills became instrumental. Connaughton played a pivotal role in the Bucks’ 2021 NBA Championship run, providing crucial minutes off the bench and showcasing his athleticism on both ends of the court.
#7. SHANE LARKIN – 44.0 INCHES (2013-14)
Shane Larkin’s 44-inch vertical jump in 2013 underscored his explosive athleticism as a point guard. Drafted 18th overall by the Atlanta Hawks and traded to the Dallas Mavericks, Larkin had stints with the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, and Boston Celtics.
Despite his athletic gifts, Larkin struggled to find a consistent role in the NBA. He later transitioned to European basketball, achieving significant success with Anadolu Efes in Turkey, where he became a EuroLeague champion and MVP.
#8. KAY FELDER – 44.0 INCHES (2016-17)
Kay Felder’s 44-inch vertical leap in 2016 showcased his remarkable athleticism for a player standing 5’9″. Drafted 54th overall by the Atlanta Hawks and traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Felder faced challenges securing a lasting role in the NBA. He had short stints with multiple teams before continuing his career in the G League and China.
#9. TYLER BEY – 43.5 INCHES (2020-21)
Tyler Bey showcased impressive leaping ability at the 2020 NBA Draft Combine with a 43.5-inch vertical jump. Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round and immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks, he played limited NBA minutes in 18 games before being waived. Bey later spent time in the G League, working on his defensive versatility and perimeter game. He is currently playing in the Israeli Basketball League. Bey has yet to solidify a permanent NBA role.
#9 Tied. Demetrius Jackson – 43.5 inches (2016-17)
Demetrius Jackson impressed scouts with his quickness and 43.5-inch vertical at the 2016 NBA Draft Combine. A second-round pick by the Boston Celtics, Jackson struggled to find consistent playing time in the NBA, bouncing between various teams and the G League. He eventually pursued a career overseas, where his athleticism continued to shine.
#9 Tied. MARKEL BROWN – 43.5 INCHES (2014-15)
Markel Brown was known for his dunking prowess at Oklahoma State, and his 43.5-inch vertical jump confirmed his athleticism at the 2014 NBA Draft Combine. He was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets and played a few seasons in the NBA before continuing his career in international leagues. His leaping ability made him a highlight-reel player, but he never became a consistent NBA contributor.
#9 Tied. TIM BOWERS – 43.5 INCHES (2004-05)
Tim Bowers, a lesser-known name on this list, recorded a 43.5-inch vertical at the 2004 NBA Draft Combine. He went undrafted and never played in the NBA but built a solid professional career overseas. His leaping ability helped him become a reliable scorer in international basketball.
#9 Tied. NATE ROBINSON – 43.5 INCHES (2004-05)
Nate Robinson, despite standing at just 5’9″, possessed one of the highest vertical jumps in NBA history at 43.5 inches. Drafted by the Phoenix Suns and traded to the New York Knicks, Robinson became a fan favorite due to his electrifying dunks and fearless play. He won three NBA Slam Dunk Contests (2006, 2009, and 2010), cementing his status as one of the greatest dunkers of all time. Throughout his NBA career, he played for multiple teams and had memorable performances, particularly as a spark plug scorer off the bench.
The NBA Combine vertical jump record is just one piece of the puzzle
While the NBA Combine vertical jump record is an exciting achievement, it does not guarantee NBA success. Some of the highest jumpers, like Keon Johnson and Jericho Sims, are still developing their games, while others like Nate Robinson and Pat Connaughton have carved out meaningful NBA careers. Athleticism is just one piece of the puzzle, but it can provide players with an edge when paired with skill and determination. The NBA Draft Combine continues to showcase elite leapers, but ultimately, only a select few turn their vertical jump into sustained NBA success.
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