Greatest Modern Big-Man Dunker: Kenyon Martin, Josh Smith, and Amare Stoudemire?

I was born, raised, and still live near Seattle in Vancouver, Canada. So I have a bias for nearly everything Pacific Northwest.

For example, I believe former Seahawk Brian Bosworth did solid work in Stone Cold. I love Sir Mix-A-Lot and not just during throwback hour on the FM dial or at weddings. And I’ll have words for anyone who thinks Gary Payton isn’t an all-time top-ten point guard.

I recognize this mindset can be presumptuous. Take last week’s post when I argued that former Sonic Shawn Kemp is the greatest big man dunker ever. Of course, readers could kybosh the ‘Reign Man’ by voting for Dwight Howard or Darryl Dawkins.

Other dunkers, from the modern era, may have been overlooked. What about Atlanta’s Josh Smith? Or Phoenix Sun Amare Stoudemire? One e-mailer thought Kenyon Martin, despite the injuries, still warranted consideration.

These players are amazing. I’m not sure if they’re at Kemp, Howard, or Dawkins’ level, though. Still, emails and comments forced me to push aside my love for Italy’s greatest import and open things up to you, the reader.

Below is a case and youtube clip for each player. Read each case, watch each clip, and get at us with votes on whether Martin, Smith, or Stoudemire can be considered in the conversation of greatest big man dunker ever.

Candidate #1: Kenyon Martin.

Nickname: K-Mart.

Best asset: Martin has power and aggression. He is known for attacking the rim, often catching seemingly impossible lob-passes.

Candidate #2: Josh Smith.

Nickname: J-Smoove or The Guilty Pleasure.

Best asset: High-flying athleticism. Smith, whatever his nickname is, soars through the air and defines playing above the rim.

Candidate #3: Amare Stoudemire.

Nickname: STAT.

Best asset: Athleticism, grace, and power. The Suns’ superstar has every characteristic of a great dunker.

My Call: Stoudemire is the best of the modern era. He deserves mention with all-time greats like Kemp, Howard, and Dawkins. 

Who is the best dunker: Martin, Smith, or Stoudemire? Are any as good as Kemp, Howard or Dawkins? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts and return to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of Keith Allison.