<P> During the 1940s and ' 50s , 7 - foot center and Olympic Gold Medalist Bob Kurland was dunking regularly during games . Yet defenders viewed the execution of a slam dunk as a personal affront that deserved retribution ; thus defenders often intimidated offensive players and thwarted the move . Satch Sanders , a career Boston Celtic from 1960 to 1973 , said : </P>
<P> During the 1940s and ' 50s , 7 - foot center and Olympic Gold Medalist Bob Kurland was dunking regularly during games . Yet defenders viewed the execution of a slam dunk as a personal affront that deserved retribution ; thus defenders often intimidated offensive players and thwarted the move . Satch Sanders , a career Boston Celtic from 1960 to 1973 , said : </P>
who had the first dunk in nba history
who had the first dunk in nba history
center and Olympic Gold Medalist Bob Kurland
center and Olympic Gold Medalist Bob Kurland