By Brian Whitehead
Daily Titan Sports Columnist

There they were. Two all-time greats sitting  inches apart, faces frozen with intensity. Words couldn’t tell the whole story – not even close. These guys genuinely despised each other, yet they respected each other. Neither would budge when it came time to throw down. They’d give everything they had, for they knew the other would do the same. They expected nothing less.

That, of course, is the set-up for the famous “Heat” diner face-off between Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. You couldn’t dream up a better 10 minutes. Two actors during their respective primes throwing tomahawks and windmills, 360s and double pumps at each other – priceless.

The NBA Slam Dunk contest is based on the same head-to-head premise. Unfortunately, not since Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady shared the spotlight in 2000 has there been a marquee dunk-off. So to fill the void, here are the De Niro/Pacino dream match-ups I’d love to see.

Reigning NBA Slam Dunk champion Nate Robinson of the New York Knicks attempts a dunk against the Orlando Magic. Robinson will also be in this year’s competition/ Photo Courtesy MCT

5. Spud Webb (1986) v. Nate Robinson (2009)

Key Stats: Webb: 5’6”, 42” vertical; Robinson: 5’9”, 43” vertical.

Why?: Neither is taller than your little sister, but they’ll both jump over her and all of her gossiping friends.

Defining Dunk(s): For Webb, it’s the lobbed 180-degree slam that dethroned teammate and then-reigning slam dunk champion, Dominique Wilkins. For Robinson, it’s the Kryptno-Nate leap over Superman 2.0, Dwight Howard.

Winner: Webb. Have you ever tried dunking in low-top Pony’s?

4. Larry Nance (1984) v. Kevin Durant (2010)

Key Stats: Nance: 6’10”; Durant: 6’9”

Why?: Two of the lengthiest players in NBA history. If you combined their respective wingspans, you could probably stretch from Phoenix to Oklahoma City.

Defining Dunk(s): For Nance, it’s the 180-degree, two-basketballs-in-one-basket dunk. For Durant, it’s a dunk that led to these exact words: “Cockin’ the hammer and pullin’ the trigger!”

Winner: Nance. Anytime you beat Julius Erving in a dunk contest, you’re doing something right.

3. Taurian Fontenette a.k.a. The Air Up There (2006) v. Kobe Bryant (1997)

Key Stats: Fontenetter: 6’2”, 45-55” vertical; Bryant: 6′6”, 38” vertical.

Why?: Two of the most natural dunkers, the And1 flavor would definitely bring out the best in a high-school Kobe.

Defining Dunk(s): For Fontenette, it’s the unforgettable 720-degree slam. For Bryant, it’s The Yao Ming Special.

Winner: Bryant. Put it this way, And1 isn’t necessarily known for their stingy defense.

2. Shawn Kemp (1992) v. Vince Carter (2000)

Key Stats: Kemp: 6’10”, 40” vertical; Carter: 6‘6”, 43” vertical.

Why?: The Reignman and Vincanity not only own two of the greatest dunks of all-time, they also own two of the all-time greatest nicknames.

Defining Dunk(s): For Kemp, it’s the “Finger Point” (if you don’t know about the finger point, type “Shawn Kemp Alton Lister” into YouTube and watch the first clip). For Carter, it’s the Olympic elevator ride over the 7’2” French dude.

Winner: Kemp, by inches. Anytime a guy you just posterized gets up and gives you props, you belong on the Mount Rushmore of Dunkers.

1. Michael Jordan (1988) v. LeBron James (2007)

Key Stats: Jordan: 6’6”, 43-48” vertical; James: 6’8”, 40” vertical.

Why?: Do you even need to ask?

Defining Dunk(s): For Jordan, well, you can’t conceivably narrow it down to one. For arguments sake, we’ll go with The Emblem. For LeBron, it’s the dunk on Damon Jones. If you listen closely, halfway into Jones’ jump you can actually hear him say, “Yep, this is definitely going on a poster.”

Winner: MJ. The De Niro of dunking, if you will.