Kristian Ferrell
In basketball, a poster is a term used to describe a play in which an offensive player dunks the ball over or in front of a defending player. The term originates from the idea that the impressive and athletic move warrants reproduction in a printed poster. The defending player, who is being dunked on, is considered to be posterized. This term was popularized by Julius Erving, whose high-flying style of play inspired the term. One of the most famous examples of a player being posterized is Vince Carter, playing for Team USA during the 2000 Summer Olympics, dunking over Frédéric Weis of France, which was dubbed the dunk of death.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A "poster" in basketball refers to a play in which an offensive player dunks the ball over or in front of a defending player in a spectacular and athletic manner, warranting reproduction in a printed poster. |
| Origin of Term | The term was derived from Julius Erving, whose high-flying style of play inspired the term. |
| Necessary Conditions | The play must be visually impressive and worthy of being reproduced on a poster. It should involve a dunk or a similar athletic move. |
| Sufficient Conditions | There is some debate on whether the defender must be actively contesting the dunk for it to be considered a "poster." Some argue that the defender should be directly blocking the path to the basket, while others suggest that a defender simply being in the vicinity is sufficient. |
| Examples | Vince Carter dunking over Frédéric Weis during the 2000 Summer Olympics, dubbed the "dunk of death." Michael Jordan dunking with Shaquille O'Neal in the background. |
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What You'll Learn
The origin of the term 'poster' in basketball
The term "poster" in basketball refers to an offensive player performing a slam dunk over a defending player in a play that is impressive enough to be reproduced in a printed poster. The term is considered North American slang and is derived from the idea of a basketball player's high-flying style of play being worthy of reproduction in a poster.
The origin of the term "poster" in basketball can be traced back to Julius Erving, a basketball player known for his high-flying style of play. The term "posterized" was first used to describe Erving's athletic and spectacular moves on the court, which were so impressive that they warranted being turned into posters. This play, where an offensive player dunks over a defender, became known as "posterizing" or "getting posterized".
Over time, the term "posterized" evolved to encompass not just the physical posters that were created but also the act of dominating or embarrassing a defender during a dunk. It became a way to describe the defensive player's inability to stop the dunk, regardless of their efforts or the circumstances of the game. The term suggests that the offensive player has made the defensive player look weak or foolish, to the extent that their defeat deserves to be immortalized in a poster.
One of the most famous examples of "posterizing" occurred during the 2000 Summer Olympics when Vince Carter of Team USA dunked over Frédéric Weis of France. This particular play was dubbed the "dunk of death", showcasing the impressive and memorable nature of such moves that gave rise to the term "poster" in basketball.
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The criteria for a 'poster dunk'
The criteria for a poster dunk in basketball are subjective and have evolved over the years. However, here are some general criteria that are often associated with a poster dunk:
Athleticism and Spectacle
A poster dunk should be a spectacular and athletic display. The term "posterizing" is said to have originated from Julius Erving, whose high-flying style of play inspired the term. A poster dunk should be a highlight play that is visually impressive and showcases the player's athleticism.
Dominance Over a Defender
Many people associate a poster dunk with a dominant dunk over a defending player. This could involve body-to-body contact in the air, with the offensive player towering over the defender as they perform the slam dunk. The defender should be actively trying to block the dunk, not simply in the background or out of position.
Visual Appeal
A poster dunk should look impressive in a still image or photograph. The moment should be one that could be reproduced in a printed poster, with the offensive player dominating the defender in a visually striking way. The image should capture the embarrassment of the defender and the power of the offensive player.
Impact and Memorability
A true poster dunk should be a memorable moment that stands out in people's minds. It should be a highlight-worthy play that people want to see again and again. The impact of the dunk might be such that it becomes a famous image, reproduced on actual posters or merchandise.
Controversy and Debate
The criteria for a poster dunk can be subjective and open to debate. Some people may have stricter definitions, requiring significant body contact or a fully contested dunk. Others may focus more on the visual appeal and overall impact of the play. This subjectivity adds to the ongoing discussion and debate around what constitutes a true poster dunk.
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Examples of poster dunks
In basketball, a poster dunk refers to an offensive player performing a slam dunk over a defending player in a spectacular and athletic manner, warranting reproduction on a printed poster. The term is believed to have originated from Julius Erving, whose high-flying style of play inspired the term.
Vince Carter's "Dunk of Death": During the 2000 Summer Olympics, Vince Carter of Team USA performed a dunk over Frédéric Weis of France. This play is considered one of the most famous examples of a player being "posterized" and was dubbed the "dunk of death".
John Starks' "The Dunk": Standing at only 6'3", John Starks created one of the greatest posters of the 90s as he dunked over Michael Jordan and Horace Grant. This play is considered one of the best poster dunks of all time, despite the Bulls winning the series and the finals.
Kobe Bryant over Yao Ming: Yao Ming, standing at 7'6", was one of the most intimidating post presences in the NBA. However, Kobe Bryant was known for not shying away from contact, and his slam dunk over Ming is considered another example of a great poster dunk.
Tom Chambers over Mark Jackson: Tom Chambers, a four-time NBA All-Star, glided through the air and dunked over an unsuspecting Mark Jackson. Chambers' knees hit Jackson in the chest, allowing him to get even higher for this impressive dunk.
Tracy McGrady over Shawn Bradley: Tracy McGrady of the Houston Rockets performed a slam dunk over the 7'6" Shawn Bradley during the 2005 NBA Playoffs. This dunk is considered one of the best photo ops of McGrady's career, as he dribbled past NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki before sitting on Bradley after the dunk.
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The role of the defender in a poster dunk
The defender is, therefore, the foil in this scenario, the one who is figuratively (and sometimes literally) jumped over. However, this doesn't mean that the defender is necessarily at fault or could have done anything differently. Some sources state that a poster dunk only counts if the defender is actively trying to block the dunk and is in the dunker's path. In this case, the defender is playing their role perfectly well and is simply overpowered by the dunker.
Other sources suggest that a poster dunk can occur when the defender is not actively blocking the dunker's path, such as when they are chasing the dunker or are in the background of the image. In these cases, the defender may be considered to have failed or been "weak". However, this is a more liberal interpretation of the term.
Ultimately, the defender in a poster dunk is often simply doing their job, reacting to the unpredictable actions of the offense. While a poster dunk may be embarrassing for the defender, it is often a spectacular display of athleticism by the dunker that warrants celebration.
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Variations of the term 'poster'
The term "poster" in basketball has evolved over the years, with various interpretations and variations in usage. Here are some of the common variations of the term:
Posterized or Posterizing
"Posterized" is a North American slang term derived from the action of an offensive player dunking over a defending player in a spectacular and athletic manner, resembling a moment that could be captured on a printed poster. This term is often associated with Julius Erving, whose high-flying style of play inspired its usage. It is considered an embarrassing moment for the defender, as they are unable to stop the dunk. Some players even have their own variations, such as Greg Ostertag of the Sacramento Kings, where being "posterized" by him is referred to as being "Osterized."
Interpretations of "Posterizing"
There are differing opinions on what constitutes "posterizing." Some purists believe that a true "poster" moment involves a defender attempting to block the dunk, creating a more intense and competitive image. Others have a broader interpretation, considering any defender in the vicinity of the dunk, even if they are not directly involved in the play, as being "posterized." This evolution in the term's usage can be attributed to the influence of highlight reels and the desire to showcase impressive dunks, regardless of the specific defensive context.
Expansion to Other Sports and Domains
While primarily associated with basketball, the term "posterized" has also found its way into the vocabulary of other sports and even business writing. It is used infrequently to describe similar actions in other athletic endeavors, showcasing the impact of this basketball-specific slang on the broader sports world. Additionally, the term has taken on a life of its own, with people using it to describe moments of dominance or impressive feats outside of sports, further expanding its usage beyond its original context.
Regional and Player-Specific Variations
The usage of the term "poster" can vary regionally, with different interpretations in different parts of the world. Additionally, certain players may have their own unique variations, such as the previously mentioned "Osterized." These player-specific terms often emerge when a particular player is known for their dominant posterizing dunks, creating a sort of nickname for their signature move.
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Frequently asked questions
Posterizing is North American slang for when an offensive player performs a slam dunk over a defending player in a way that is spectacular and athletic enough to reproduce in a printed poster.
A poster dunk is a slam dunk that is so visually impressive that it could be reproduced in a poster.
The term was originated by Julius Erving, whose high-flying style of play inspired the term.
One of the most famous examples of a player being "posterized" occurred during the 2000 Summer Olympics. Vince Carter, who is 6 feet 6 inches tall and was playing for Team USA, dunked over Frédéric Weis of France, who is 7 feet 2 inches tall. The play was dubbed the "dunk of death".
