A Rare Phenomenon in the NBA
Standing at 6’8” soaring above defenders yet never dunking in an actual NBA game. Sounds unbelievable right? Well that’s the reality for Orlando Magic’s Caleb Houstan. Despite his height and athletic ability he holds the title as the tallest player in the NBA who has yet to complete an in game dunk.
Dunking is one of the most electrifying moments in basketball. Fans expect tall players to dominate the rim with thunderous slams. But for Houstan that’s not how his game has played out so far.
This is not to say he can’t dunk. He has done it before in college, in practices and even in open gyms. But for some reason it just has not happened in an actual NBA game. So why is this the case? And will it ever change?
Let’s dive into Houstan journey his playing style and the lighthearted locker room debates about his elusive first dunk.
Who is Caleb Houstan?
Caleb Houstan is not your average NBA player. He was a five star recruit coming out of high school played college basketball at Michigan and later landed with the Orlando Magic. Known for his smooth shooting stroke he quickly built a reputation as a reliable three point shooter rather than a high flying dunker.
Houstan game is all about spacing the floor, hitting shots from beyond the arc and making smart plays. He is not the type to chase highlight reel moments. Instead he sticks to his fundamentals playing within the team’s system and taking high percentage shots.
But despite all his contributions the one thing that stands out is the missing dunk from his NBA stat sheet. His teammates particularly Cole Anthony and Wendell Carter Jr. love to tease him about it. There’s even a debate about whether he once dunked on Carter in practice though Carter firmly denies it.
The real question is will he ever break the streak?
Can Caleb Houstan Dunk?
Before you assume Houstan is incapable of dunking let’s clear one thing up that he absolutely can. He is thrown down dunks in college in open gym sessions and even during practice.
Cole Anthony, one of the most vocal players on the Magic, swears that Houstan once dunked on Wendell Carter Jr. during a scrimmage. According to Anthony Houstan soared in transition and hammered it down over Carter. But when pressed for details Houstan simply shrugged and said he doesn’t remember the moment. Carter on the other hand laughed it off calling it a lie.
Whether that dunk happened or not the fact remains Houstan has the ability. The real mystery is why it has not happened in a game yet.
Why Hasn’t He Dunked in the NBA Yet?
There are a few reasons Houstan dunkless streak continues.
For starters his playing style does not lead to many dunking opportunities. He is primarily a three point shooter with the majority of his shots coming from behind the arc. He is not the type of player who slashes to the rim or runs the fast break looking for highlight plays.
Another factor is his fundamental approach to the game. Instead of leaking out for transition dunks he focuses on boxing out and playing solid defense. He is more concerned with making the right play than chasing flashy moments.
Then there is the unlucky break he had during his rookie season. He once had a wide open chance to dunk but veteran big man Robin Lopez managed to get a fingertip on the ball knocking it loose before Houstan could complete the slam. That moment could have ended the streak but instead it added to the mystery.
While He is had chances they have either been too rare or just unlucky.
The NBA’s True Dunkless King: Steve Novak
If Houstan goes his entire career without dunking he would not be the first. The true record holder for the tallest dunkless NBA player is Steve Novak.
Novak, a 6’10” sharpshooter played over a decade in the league and logged more than 5600 minutes without ever dunking in a game. He was a pure three point specialist known for spacing the floor rather than attacking the rim.
Interestingly Novak could dunk. He did it in warm ups and practices but never got around to doing it when it counted. His closest opportunity came during a Knicks game but he got spooked by Milwaukee Bucks’ shot blocker Larry Sanders trailing him. Instead of dunking he laid it in off the glass.
After his career ended Novak embraced the title joking that it is a part of his legacy. But will Houstan follow the same path or will he finally throw one down?
Will Houstan Finally Dunk?
Houstan is not too concerned about his dunkless streak but his teammates are eager to see him finally pull it off.
Cole Anthony has made it his personal mission to set up Houstan for a dunk. If they find themselves on a fast break together Anthony has promised to pass him the ball. And if Houstan actually slams it home? Anthony swears he’ll celebrate by doing a backflip just like popular streamer “Speed” did during a live broadcast.
But will it happen anytime soon? When asked about it Houstan simply said he would “probably” dunk if the opportunity arises but he also joked that he might lay it in just to keep the streak alive.
One thing is for sure, if he finally dunks the reaction from the Orlando Magic bench will be just as entertaining as the dunk itself.
The Countdown to the Dunk Continues
Caleb Houstan is living proof that being tall does not automatically mean you are throwing down dunks every night. His playing style focuses on fundamentals and a little bit of bad luck have kept him off the dunking scoreboard so far.
But as long as He is in the league there is always a chance that changes. Fans and teammates alike are waiting for the moment he finally rises up and throws one down.
Will this be the season Houstan gets his first dunk? Keep watching and see if history is finally made.
