The 101 greatest nicknames in NBA history
The best sports nicknames are colorful accents that effortlessly add a dash of flavor to the games we watch and play.
Some originate as terms of endearment, while others are bestowed as labels of ineptitude. That got us wondering about where some of the greatest players in basketball history — such as Michael Jordan (Air), LeBron James (King James) and Earvin Johnson (Magic) — rank in the pantheon of great NBA nicknames.
Baseball, with its long and rich history, once generated vivid monikers such as the Sultan of Swat (Babe Ruth) and the Splendid Splinter (Ted Williams). But basketball, with its playground roots and hip-hop culture, arguably is the sport with the most imaginative sports nicknames today.
With that in mind, Rookie Wire presents a completely subjective look at the 101 greatest nicknames in NBA history.
101. The Beard
(Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports)
James Harden's nickname might be obvious, but it's also unmistakable. The Beard, a nine-time All-Star, was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in January after eight-plus seasons with the Houston Rockets.
100. Cool Hand Luka
(Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)
In a nod to the Paul Newman film classic "Cool Hand Luke," Dallas Mavericks fans bestowed this nickname on budding superstar Luka Doncic. Sometimes a pair of All-Star selections by age 22 is a real cool hand.
99. Mr. Basketball
NBAE Photos/NBAE via Getty Images
George Mikan was the NBA's first dominant big man, a three-time scoring champion who also led the league in rebounding twice. His outsized influence on the post-World War II-era NBA led to introduction of the goaltending rule and the widening of the free-throw lane.
98. Jesus Shuttlesworth
(Touchstone Pictures handout photo)
Ray Allen famously portrayed blue-chip recruit Jesus Shuttlesworth in the 1998 film "He Got Game," and the nickname stuck. The movie, which starred Denzel Washington, also featured numerous NBA players, including Travis Best, Rick Fox, Walter McCarty and John Wallace.
97. Timelord
(Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports)
Celtics center Robert Williams boasts one of the best nicknames among current NBA players. Timelord was born when fans on Twitter lampooned media outlets for making a big deal out of missed appointments early in his pro career. Williams wasn't actually late for those appointments, fans reasoned sarcastically, because he actually controls time and space.
96. Garbage Man
(AP Photo/Bill Janscha)
Cedric Ceballos didn't need a coach to run plays for him to fill up on buckets. The man who twice led the Lakers in scoring was brilliant at scoring off steals or offensive rebounds. He also might have been guilty of cherry picking once or twice.
95. Great Wall
(AFP photo/Paul Buck)
At 7-foot-6 and 310 pounds, Yao Ming ranked among the most imposing interior defenders in NBA history. So it makes sense that his nickname pays homage to the famed 13,000-mile defensive fortification in his native China.
94. Big Nasty
(AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Feisty forward Corliss Williamson led Arkansas to the NCAA Tournament championship in 1994 as the Razorbacks' leading scorer and rebounder. But his nickname dates to his AAU playing days as a teenager. Williamson played 12 NBA seasons with Sacramento, Toronto, Detroit and Philadelphia.
93. Little General
(AP Photo / San Antonio Express-News / Tom Reel)
Avery Johnson was the floor general for the Spurs as they fought through the playoff gantlet of Western Conference opponents in the 1990s. His fire and passion perfectly complemented the stoicism of star center David Robinson. So did his nickname. While Robinson was widely known as the Admiral for his service in the Navy, Johnson earned a moniker right in line with San Antonio's military history.
92. Mad Dog
(Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports)
Fred Carter isn't the only Mag Dog in NBA history, but he was the original. Carter earned the nickname after applying tenacious defense — and bite marks — to a 76ers teammate in practice. Honorable mention goes to former Lakers and Timberwolves big man Mark Madsen.
91. Baby Jordan
(AP Photo/Don Ryan)
Harold Miner earned the moniker Baby Jordan for his remarkable physical gifts and dunking ability. Unfortunately, being compared to Michael Jordan in any basketball sense is a dicey proposition. After starring at the University of Southern California, he played just four NBA seasons with Miami and Cleveland.
90. Junkyard Dog
(AP PHOTO/ Aaron Harris)
Jerome Williams was dubbed Junkyard Dog by onetime teammate Rick Mahorn as a nod to his tenacity and hustle. Williams played nine NBA seasons with Detroit, Toronto, Chicago and New York.
89. Latvian Laser
(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Davis Bertans possesses rare shooting range for a big man. The 6-foot-10, 225-pound native of Valmiera, Latvia, is a 40.7% career shooter from 3-point range and an 85% free-throw shooter.
88. Bad News
(AP Photo)
Marvin Barnes earned his nickname for a series of inadvisable decisions off the court. Despite being drafted No. 2 overall in 1974 by the 76ers, he opted instead to join the rival ABA's Spirits of St. Louis. After the ABA dissolved in 1976, he played four NBA seasons with Detroit, Buffalo, Boston and San Diego.
87. Rip
(AP Photo/Lance Murphey)
It could be argued that Richard Hamilton earned his nickname by ripping through nets as an NCAA national champion at Connecticut and an NBA champ with Detroit. But the nickname actually was handed down from his father, who himself was dubbed Rip as a baby because of his habit of ripping off his diaper.
86. Birdman
(Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports)
Chris Andersen was bestowed with his avian moniker early in his career by teammates Kenny Satterfield and Junior Harrington because of his wingspan and aerial ability. Andersen played 15 NBA seasons with Denver, New Orleans, Miami, Memphis and Cleveland.
85. Alaskan Assassin
(AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
Trajan Langdon earned his nickname as a deadeye shooter during his college days at Duke, where he shot 45.1% from the field and 42.6% on 3-pointers in four seasons. Langdon, who led East Anchorage High School to three Alaska state championships, played three NBA seasons with Cleveland. He is the general manager of the New Orleans Pelicans.
84. Dollar Bill
(Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports)
Princeton grad Bill Bradley was nicknamed Dollar Bill early in his pro career by Knicks teammates. Thrifty and frugal, they reasoned, Bradley probably still possessed the first dollar he ever earned. After his playing career, Bradley served three terms as a U.S. senator representing New Jersey.
83. The Truth
(AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
Paul Pierce was bestowed his nickname by legendary big man Shaquille O'Neal. After Pierce scored 42 points for the Celtics against the Lakers in 2001, O'Neal pulled aside a Boston reporter to praise Pierce and anoint him as the Truth. Succinct and powerful, the moniker stuck.
82. Flash
(Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Dwyane Wade is another player who received a famous nickname from Shaquille O'Neal. Wade was dubbed Flash when he and O'Neal were teammates in Miami, although Wade asked for the nickname to be retired years later after the duo parted ways professionally.
81. Cornbread
(Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Network)
Cedric Maxwell received his nickname from college teammate Melvin Watkins after watching the 1975 film "Cornbread, Earl and Me." Watkins saw a resemblance between Maxwell and NBA star Jamaal Wilkes, who portrayed Nathaniel 'Cornbread' Hamilton. After his college career at UNC-Charlotte, Maxwell played 11 NBA seasons with Boston, Houston and the Los Angeles Clippers. He won two championships with the Celtics and was named MVP of the 1981 NBA Finals.
80. Red Mamba
(Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports)
Matt Bonner was initially known as the Red Rocket in a nod to his hair color and shooting ability. But none other than Kobe Bryant upgraded Bonner's moniker in 2013 by playing off his own Black Mamba nickname.
79. Downtown
(AP Photo)
Downtown Freddie Brown garnered his nickname for his shooting range and ability during a 13-season career with the Seattle SuperSonics. He lived up to the moniker by shooting an NBA-best 44.3% on 3-point attempts in 1979-80, the season in which the league adopted the 3-point shot.
78. Mr. Big Shot
(AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Chauncey Billups earned the moniker Mr. Big Shot after nailing game-winning 3-pointers against the Warriors and Hawks in March 2003. Billups credits former Pistons big man Rick Mahorn, who worked on Pistons radio broadcasts at the time, for bestowing him with the nickname.
77. Big Shot Bob / Rob
(AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Speaking of big shots, Robert Horry is another player with a history of coming through under pressure. Horry was entrusted with taking the final shot numerous times in playoff runs throughout his career. And he came through time and again, winning a total of seven NBA championships with the Rockets, Lakers and Spurs. Perhaps surprisingly, Horry recently pointed to a shot from his rookie season when asked for his favorite big shot.
76. Sleepy
(Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
Eric "Sleepy" Floyd was tagged with his nickname by a spectator at a youth baseball game in his native North Carolina. The observer seemingly was uninspired by Floyd's level of attentiveness and supposedly yelled, “Get that kid out of the game. He’s sleeping!” The label stuck all the way through college at Georgetown, where he won a national championship as a senior, and his 13-season NBA career with the Nets, Warriors, Rockets and Spurs.
75. The Claw
(Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)
Kawhi Leonard's nickname is a nod to his massive hands, which were measured at 9¾ inches long and 11¼ inches wide at the 2011 NBA scouting combine. Leonard already has two championship rings to adorn those powerful paws, having led San Antonio to the 2014 NBA title and Toronto to the 2019 crown.
74. Medical Bill
(AP Photo/Fred Jewell)
Bill Cartwright was tagged with this dubious moniker by Bulls teammate Michael Jordan in a not-so-subtle jab at Cartwright's injury history. Nevertheless, Cartwright won three NBA titles alongside Jordan and later became Chicago's head coach in the early 2000s.
73. The Rifleman
(AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
Chuck Person earned a reputation as a terrific outside shooter over the course of his 13-season NBA career with the Pacers, Timberwolves, Spurs, Hornets and Sonics. But the origin of his nickname actually goes back much further. Person's mother was a fan of the bygone Old West TV series "The Rifleman," and she named him after the star of the show.
72. Hondo
(Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports)
Sticking with a Western theme, John Havlicek got his nickname from a childhood friend who had trouble pronouncing his last name and thought the future Celtics great carried himself like John Wayne's character in the 1953 film "Hondo."
71. Alphabet
(AP Photo/Fred Jewell)
Alaa Abdelnaby's name doesn't contain every letter in the alphabet — it just seems that way. The former Duke standout played five seasons in the NBA with Portland, Boston, Sacramento, Milwaukee and Philadelphia.
70. The Human Victory Cigar
(AP Photo/John Raoux)
Darko Milicic is mostly remembered as the journeyman big man who was drafted No. 2 overall by Detroit in 2003 — with Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade still on the board. Still, the Pistons roared to the 2004 NBA championship in his rookie season with Milicic averaging a menial 4.7 minutes per game. Another player whose garbage time minutes evoked Red Auerbach's celebratory stogies is Stojko Vrankovic, who played five NBA seasons with the Celtics, Timberwolves and Clippers.
69. Prince of Darkness
(AP Photo)
The biggest villain of the Detroit Pistons' legendary Bad Boys teams of the 1980s, Bill Laimbeer drew the ire of opponents and fans throughout the NBA with his sharp elbows and bruising style of play. Over the years, Laimbeer also was referred to as "His Heinous," "a street thug" and an "ax murderer."
68. Big Ticket
(Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports)
Kevin Garnett earned his moniker as the first true franchise player in Minnesota Timberwolves history. Garnett went on to win the 2008 NBA championship with Boston and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020.
67. Stevie Franchise
(Mike Fiala /AFP via Getty Images)
Speaking of franchise players, Steve Francis earned his nickname as a three-time All-Star with the Rockets in the early 2000s. Francis was drafted No. 2 overall in 1999 by Vancouver but was traded to Houston when he refused to play for the nascent Grizzlies.
66. A-Train
(AP Photo)
At 7-foot-2, 240 pounds, Artis Gilmore must have looked like a freight train to opponents when running upcourt with a head of steam. Gilmore led the ABA in rebounds per game in four of his first five pro seasons, and he later led the NBA in field-goal percentage in four consecutive seasons from 1980-81 through 1983-84.
65. Thunder Dan
(AP Photo/John Swart)
Dan Majerle received his nickname in association with college teammate Ervin Leavy at Central Michigan. Majerle (aka Thunder) was the inside dunking and rebounding presence for the Chippewas, complementing the outside shooting of Leavy (aka Lightning). The nickname followed Majerle to the NBA, with a slight tweak from Dan "Thunder" Majerle to Thunder Dan.
64. Silk
(AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
Jamaal Wilkes evoked his nickname with smooth, effortless grace and style. After a stellar collegiate career at UCLA, Wilkes won NBA championships with the Warriors and Lakers. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
63. Mad Max
(Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images)
A clutch outside shooter with a noted temper on and off the court, Vernon Maxwell was dubbed Mad Max in a nod to the movie series of the same name. The University of Florida alumnus played 13 NBA seasons with San Antonio, Houston, Philadelphia, Orlando, Charlotte, Sacramento, Seattle and Dallas. He won two NBA titles with the Rockets.
62. Ack Ack
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Tom Heinsohn averaged 18 shots per game over the course of his nine-year NBA career with the Celtics, earning the logical handle Tommy Gun. That nickname was taken a step further to describe the sound of a Tommy Gun. Heinsohn won eight NBA titles with Boston and later served as the team's head coach for eight-plus seasons, although younger fans know him better from his long broadcasting career.
61. The Whopper
(Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports)
Billy Paultz apparently earned his famed nickname during his collegiate career at St. John's because of a fondness for fast food. He went on to enjoy a 15-year pro career with the Nets, Spurs, Rockets, Hawks and Jazz.
60. Mookie
(AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Daron Oshay Blaylock was dubbed Mookie as a child by his older sisters, and the nickname stuck. The rock group Pearl Jam originally went by the name Mookie Blaylock in homage to the crafty point guard. The band later titled its debut album "Ten" as a nod to Blaylock's jersey number.
59. Unicorn
(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Multidimensional big man Kristaps Porzingis has superstar Kevin Durant to thank for his nickname. After the first meeting between the two on the court, Durant was effusive in his praise for the 7-foot-3 Latvian. "He can shoot. He can make the right plays. He can defend. He's a 7-footer that can shoot all the way out to the 3-point line," Durant told reporters after that 2016 game. "That's rare. And block shots — that's like a unicorn in this league."
58. Boogie
(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
DeMarcus Cousins was dubbed Boogie during his lone season at the University of Kentucky. It seems assistant coach Rod Strickland was impressed by the dribbling skills of the 6-foot-10 Cousins. More recently, Cousins has preferred to leave the nickname behind, implying that it accompanied a loss of privacy during his pro career.
57. Tractor Traylor
(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Robert Traylor, who played seven NBA seasons with the Bucks, Cavaliers and Hornets, received his famous moniker from Detroit sportswriter Terry Foster. Foster conceived the nickname after watching the 6-foot-8, 300-pounder dunk in a high school game. The handle stuck with Traylor as he rose to All-Big Ten status at the University of Michigan, was drafted No. 6 overall in 1998 and subsequently traded for Dirk Nowitzki.
56. Starbury
(AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
Stephon Marbury was bestowed with his nickname as a youth in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn. Whether a fusion of "Stephon" and "Marbury" or a predictor of his future fame, the handle makes sense. Marbury starred at Lincoln High School in Brooklyn and Georgia Tech on his way to becoming the No. 4 pick in the 1996 NBA draft. He played 13 NBA seasons with the Timberwolves, Nets, Suns, Knicks and Celtics, before capping his career with a successful stint in the Chinese Basketball Association.
55. Kangaroo Kid
(Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports)
Former 76ers star Billy Cunningham earned his nickname as a nod to his exceptional leaping ability. He played nine NBA seasons with Philadelphia, winning one NBA championship with the club as a player and another as head coach. Cunningham was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986.
54. Windex Man
(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Michael Cage's rebounding prowess spawned his nickname. (You clean the glass with Windex. Get it?) Cage averaged double figures in rebounds per game three times during his NBA career, including a league-best 13.0 in 1987-88. The San Diego State alumnus played 15 pro seasons with the Clippers, Sonics, Cavaliers, 76ers and Nets.
53. Clyde The Glide
(USA TODAY Sports photo)
Clyde Drexler's nickname dates to his high school days in Houston, presumably referring to his smooth aerial skills and above-the-rim abilities. Drexler went to two Final Fours with the University of Houston, won a gold medal with the 1992 Olympic Dream Team and captured the 1995 NBA championship with his hometown Rockets. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004.
52. Tiny
(Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports)
At 6-foot-1, 150 pounds, Nate Archibald is diminutive by NBA standards. But his nickname actually was handed down within his family. Archibald was an all-around talent who led the league in both scoring and assists in 1972-73 with the Kansas City-Omaha Kings. He was named to six All-Star squads and won the 1981 NBA title with the Celtics. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991.
51. White Chocolate
(RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports)
Jason Williams acquired his nickname from a Sacramento Kings media relations staffer prior to his rookie season. He lived up to it, dazzling fans with no-look passes, slick dribbling and all-around showmanship over the course of a 12-year NBA career. ''I came up with that name because of his style,'' Stephanie Shepard told The New York Times in 1999. ''He has flash and pizazz. The way he does things with the ball is incredible to me."
50. The Admiral
(USA TODAY Sports photo)
David Robinson's nickname is an acknowledgment of his service in the United States Navy prior to his NBA career, although he didn't serve long enough to actually achieve that rank. The No. 1 overall pick out of Navy in 1987, he went on to play 14 pro seasons — all with the San Antonio Spurs. A two-time NBA champion and 10-time All-Star, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
49. Sweetwater
(AP Photo/Robert Kradin)
Nat Clifton was a basketball pioneer, a former Harlem Globetrotter who became the first Black player under contract in the NBA, when the Globies sold his contract to the New York Knicks in 1950. He also boasted a tremendous nickname, derived from his fondness for sugary beverages. “I got the name when I was a kid, because all I ever wanted to drink was soda pop. You know, sweet water,” Clifton told The Associated Press in 1978. Clifton was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor in 2014.
48. Zeke
(Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports)
We're not exactly sure when Isiah Thomas was dubbed Zeke or who applied the handle. After all, isn't Zeke actually short for Ezekiel? Various accounts abound on the internet, but one thing not up for debate is the fact the nickname stuck with the Indiana University and Detroit Pistons legend. Thomas led Indiana to the 1981 NCAA championship, sparked the Pistons to two NBA titles, earned 12 All-Star invitations and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000. Also, in case you're wondering: Isaiah Thomas also goes by Zeke.
47. Penny
(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Anfernee Hardaway is far better known by his nickname than his birth name. The four-time NBA All-Star and current University of Memphis men's basketball coach has explained that his grandmother originated the nickname, albeit unintentionally. Back in the day, she referred to newborn Anfernee as a "pretty" baby. But in her Southern accent, "pretty" sounded like "penny," and eventually the name stuck.
46. Linsanity
(Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports)
For a few memorable weeks in 2012, Jeremy Lin rose from basketball obscurity to light up the NBA. Lin's meteoric rise gave birth to the nickname as he made the struggling Knicks relevant overnight. On Feb. 4, 2012, the Knicks had lost 11 of their past 13 games, and Lin had barely seen action for the club. That night, Lin scored 25 points against the Nets, easily eclipsing his previous career high of 13. Lin proceeded to lead New York to seven consecutive wins, including a 38-point outburst against the Lakers in which he outscored Kobe Bryant. Alas, a knee injury ended Lin's season early, and he never regained his peak form in subsequent stints with the Rockets, Lakers, Hornets, Nets, Hawks and Raptors.
45. Vinsanity
(Robert Laberge / Getty Images)
Vince Carter and his stunning aerial acrobatics evoked numerous nicknames over the course of his 22-year NBA career, including "Half Man, Half Amazing" and Air Canada (during his early days with Toronto). But the one that best describes crazy impressive Carter's soaring skills might be Vinsanity. From his victory in the 2000 NBA All-Star Dunk Contest to his ungodly slam over 7-footer Frederic Weis at the Olympics that summer, Carter established himself as one of the game's premier dunkers. Carter, who racked up eight All-Star nods during his career, retired from the NBA in June 2020 at age 43.
44. The Worm
(USA TODAY Sports photo)
Dennis Rodman apparently got the nickname Worm for the way he would wiggle while playing pinball as a youth. It followed him to the NBA, where he became one of the league's great rebounders during a 14-year career with the Pistons, Spurs, Bulls, Lakers and Mavericks. Rodman won five NBA championships (two with Detroit, three with Chicago) and led the league in rebounding seven times. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011.
43. Satch
(Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
Tom Sanders was tabbed as Satch as an homage to baseball legend Satchel Paige during his youth in New York City. Sanders won eight NBA championships in 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics from 1960-73 and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011.
42. Big Game James
(AP Photo)
James Worthy received the moniker Big Game James from legendary Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn in a nod to his sublime performances in clutch moments. Indeed, Worthy increased his output in scoring, rebounding and assists in 143 postseason games (21.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.2 apg) from his career regular-season averages (17.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.0 apg). He scored 30 or more points 13 times in the playoffs, including a 40 against Detroit in Game 4 of the 1989 NBA Finals. Fittingly, Worthy and Hearn were inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in the same class in 2003.
41. Skip 2 My Lou
(Robert Hanashiro- USA TODAY)
New York native Rafer Alston is said to have picked up his streetball nickname at famed Rucker Park in Harlem, where his skipping gait inspired an announcer. Alston played 12 NBA seasons with the Bucks, Raptors, Heat, Rockets, Magic and Nets, but he might be better known from starring on the And1 Mix Tape Tour in the mid 2000s.
40. Reign Man
(AP Photo/Bill Chan)
Shawn Kemp earned his regal nickname with dominant dunks such as the one pictured above, in which he reigns over Robert Horry. It was a play on the title of the 1988 film "Rain Main" and also referred to the rainy climate in Seattle, where Kemp began his pro career. The nickname also was featured on a popular poster in the early 1990s. Kemp would earn six All-Star nods during his 14-season NBA career with the SuperSonics, Cavaliers, Trail Blazers and Magic.
39. Houdini of the Hardwood
(AP Photo)
Legendary Celtics point guard Bob Cousy boasted a flashy style at a time when pro basketball was mostly vanilla. That led to his earning a nickname with an homage to noted magician and escape artist Harry Houdini. Cousy was named an All-Star in each of his 13 seasons with Boston, winning six NBA championships along the way. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1971.
38. Zen Master
(Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
Phil Jackson enjoyed a solid NBA playing career, winning the 1973 championship with the New York Knicks. But he garnered his famous nickname as a head coach, by blending Eastern philosophy into his teaching methods. Clearly, those methods were successful; he guided the Bulls and Lakers to a combined 11 league championships.
37. Greek Freak
(AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
One of the most gifted players in the NBA today, Giannis Antetokounmpo's nickname is a nod to his native Greece and his unusually versatile skill set for someone his size (6 feet, 11 inches, 242 pounds). With fluid body control, slick dribbling skills and defensive prowess, Antetokounmpo has been named an All-Star five times and league MVP twice.
36. Plastic Man
(AP Photo/Hans Deryk)
Stacey Augmon earned this nickname because his long limbs and fluid athleticism made him seem almost elastic — especially when stretching out for one of his signature dunks. After winning an NCAA championship at Nevada-Las Vegas, Augmon enjoyed a 15-year NBA career with the Hawks, Pistons, Trail Blazers, Hornets and Magic.
35. Chief
(AP Photo/Jon Chase)
Robert Parish was tagged with this moniker by Celtics teammate Cedric Maxwell. And just as Maxwell's nickname was inspired by a movie (see No. 81 on this list), so was Parish's. Maxwell reached back to the 1975 film "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and likened Parish to Chief Bromden, the hulking, stoic character played by actor Will Sampson. Parish played 21 NBA seasons with the Warriors, Celtics, Hornets and Bulls, and he holds the league record with 1,611 regular-season games played. He was a member of nine All-Star teams and won four NBA championships. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003.
34. The Dream
(Photo By USA TODAY Sports)
Hakeem Olajuwon's low post moves and fantastic defensive skills were a dream for Houston Rockets fans, who were treated to two NBA championships during his brilliant career. Olajuwon actually got the nickname in college at the University of Houston, where he was Akeem the Dream. (He wouldn't add the H until years later.) After leading the Cougars to three consecutive Final Fours, Olajuwon was drafted No. 1 overall by the Rockets and earned 12 All-Star appearances. He led the NBA in blocks per game three times and rebounds per game twice. The Dream was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007.
33. The Hick from French Lick
(AP Photo)
Larry Bird certainly is Larry Legend, a 12-time All-Star and three-time NBA champion who happened to be one of the deadliest clutch shooters in the history of the sport. But his more colorful nickname points back to his rural upbringing in French Lick, Indiana. A three-time MVP, Bird was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998.
32. Mailman
(Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Network)
One of the great power forwards in NBA history, Karl Malone garnered his nickname in college at Louisiana Tech because "he always delivered." Malone earned 14 All-Star appearances and won two MVP awards during his 18 seasons with the Utah Jazz. He finished his playing career with the Lakers in 2003-04 and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.
31. Vanilla Gorilla
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It's difficult to track down the origin of Joel Przybilla's flavorful nickname, but we're pretty sure it has something to do with his physical style of play. After all, it was that hard-nosed mentality that allowed him to play 13 NBA seasons with Milwaukee, Atlanta, Portland and Charlotte. Przybilla averaged 6.2 rebounds over 592 career regular-season games.
30. Jellybean
(AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy)
These days, Joe Bryant is better known as the father of Kobe Bryant. But Joe had a solid pro career, and a pretty sweet nickname, in his own right. The elder Bryant is said to have acquired the moniker for his sugary variety of moves. Joe Bryant played eight NBA seasons with the 76ers, Clippers and Rockets, averaging 8.7 points and 4.0 rebounds in 606 career regular-season games. Joe's nickname also inspired Kobe's middle name, Bean.
29. The Matrix
(AP Photo/Morry Gash)
As a rookie in 1999, Shawn Marion impressed TNT analyst and former NBA point guard Kenny Smith so much during a preseason game that Smith nicknamed Marion after the popular movie for his freakish athleticism and versatility. Marion went on to earn four All-Star nods in a 16-season NBA career with Phoenix, Miami, Toronto, Dallas and Cleveland. He won the 2011 NBA championship with the Mavericks.
28. Shaq Diesel
(Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
Shaquille O'Neal is a man of myriad nicknames — Shaq Daddy, Shaq Fu, Big Aristotle and Big Baryshnikov to name a few — but we're focused on the one that inspired the title of his debut rap album in 1993. O'Neal is one of the great centers in basketball history. A 15-time All-Star, he won four NBA championships and led the league in scoring twice. O'Neal was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
27. The French Rejection
(Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports)
Rudy Gobert's nickname is a clever twist on the 1971 film "The French Connection" and a nod to his shot-blocking ability. The native of Saint-Quentin, France, has averaged 2.2 blocks per game over his NBA career and led the league with 2.6 blocks per game in the 2016-17 season. Another Gobert nickname paying homage to his home country is the Stifle Tower.
26. Never Nervous Pervis
(AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
Pervis Ellison was dubbed Never Nervous Pervis during his time at the University of Louisville, where he averaged 15.8 points per game and helped the Cardinals win the 1986 NCAA championship. Expectations were high after Ellison was drafted No. 1 overall by the Sacramento Kings in 1989. But his availability became an issue, as he was beset by injuries throughout his pro career — leading to a dubious second nickname, Out of Service Pervis. Ellison averaged 9.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game during his 11 NBA seasons with the Sacramento, Washington, Boston and Seattle.
25. Human Eraser
(Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Network)
Marvin Webster took on this nickname in college at Morgan State, where he averaged eight blocked shots per game. He played 10 pro seasons with Denver, Seattle, New York and Milwaukee.
24. Skywalker
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
David Thompson is one of the greatest leapers and dunkers in basketball history, and his aerial feats were such that he was bestowed with one of the game's great nicknames. Thompson led North Carolina State to a 79-7 record and a national championship in three seasons with the Wolfpack. After that, he averaged 22.7 points per game in nine pro seasons with the Nuggets and SuperSonics. Thompson was an ABA All-Star as a rookie and played in four NBA All-Star Games.
23. King James
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LeBron James has been living up to the hype for a loooong time. He was dubbed King James while starring at St. Vincent-St. Mary High in Akron, Ohio. Despite the lofty predictions posited by the regal moniker, James indeed has become one of the greatest players in basketball history. He has led three franchises to NBA championships and played in the All-Star Game every year since 2005. Those are royal credentials.
22. Pistol
(Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports)
Pete Maravich took the razzle-dazzle of Bob Cousy and raised it to another level at the point guard position. One of the sport's greatest showmen, Maravich brought newfound creativity and improvisation to the game with no-look passes, circus-style moves and ultra-slick dribbling skills. The nickname Pistol was first applied to Maravich in high school by Jerry McLeese, a sportswriter at the Winston-Salem Journal in North Carolina. The moniker followed him to a record-setting collegiate career at LSU and 10 brilliant NBA seasons with the Hawks, Jazz and Celtics. Maravich, who even wore "Pistol" on the back of his jersey at times, was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987.
21. Groundhog Day
(Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports)
Tim Duncan was a pillar of consistency during his 19-year pro career with the San Antonio Spurs, wasting little motion or emotion on his way to 15 All-Star appearances and five NBA championships. In a nod to that consistency, Charles Barkley tapped the 1993 movie "Groundhog Day," in which Bill Murray re-lives the same day over and over, to describe Duncan's game. It wasn't Duncan's only nickname, though. Shaquille O'Neal dubbed him the Big Fundamental in homage to his no-frills efficiency. Duncan was voted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020.
20. The Glove
(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Gary Payton earned his nickname as a tribute to his impeccable defensive skills. It's said that Payton's cousin once told the SuperSonics legend that he was holding talented Suns point guard Kevin Johnson "like a baseball in a glove." Payton was a nine-time All-Star and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Team nine times. He's best known for his 12-plus year tenure in Seattle, but he also had stints with the Bucks, Lakers, Celtics and Heat. Payton won the 2006 NBA championship with Miami and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.
19. World B. Free
Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Lloyd Bernard Free was a rare talent whose skills on the playground courts of his native Brooklyn earned him the nickname "All-World." Midway through his NBA career, Free officially embraced the moniker by legally changing his name to World B. Free. Free ranked second in the NBA in points per game in the 1978-79 and 1979-80 seasons with the San Diego Clippers, earning a spot in the 1980 All-Star Game. He played a total of 13 NBA seasons with the 76ers, Clippers, Warriors, Cavaliers and Rockets.
18. Round Mound of Rebound
(USA TODAY Sports photo)
Charles Barkley was officially listed at 6 feet, 6 inches, 252 pounds during his playing days. But 6-4 was a more accurate figure for his height, and there were times when his weight approached 300 pounds. Didn't matter. Barkley was such a gifted and determined athlete that he routinely outplayed much taller opponents. In addition to the Round Mound of Rebound, Barkley's physique also earned him nicknames such as Boy Gorge, the Crisco Kid, the Leaning Tower of Pizza, the Chuck Wagon and the Flying Safe. Barkley received 11 All-Star bids during his 16-year NBA career and was named the league's MVP for the 1992-93 season. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
17. Mr. Clutch
(Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports)
Despite finishing his playing career nearly 50 years ago, Jerry West is still considered one of the greatest shooters in basketball history. He earned this nickname for his many successes in pressure situations, including his 60-foot buzzer-beater to send Game 3 of the 1970 NBA Finals to overtime. He also inspired the figure depicted in the official NBA emblem, leading to another notable nickname, the Logo. West played his entire 14-year pro career with the Lakers, earning an All-Star appearance in all 14 of those seasons. He played a key role on the Lakers' 1972 championship team and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980.
16. Joe Barely Cares
(AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
Joe Barry Carroll was drafted No. 1 overall by the Warriors in 1980, but it wasn't long before the perception of indifference earned him a dubious nickname for the ages. Carroll wasn't bad statistically during his tenure with Golden State, averaging 20.4 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in six-plus seasons. But the Warriors made only one playoff appearance during that span. Over his decade-long NBA career, Carroll averaged 17.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game with the Warriors, Rockets, Nets, Nuggets and Suns.
15. The Microwave
(MPS-USA TODAY Sports)
One of the most impactful sixth men in NBA history, Vinnie Johnson earned his nickname for his ability to come off the bench and get hot immediately. The moniker was bestowed by Celtics guard Danny Ainge after Johnson scored 34 points, including 22 in the fourth quarter, to lift the Pistons past Boston in a 1985 playoff game. Johnson, a key figure on Detroit's 1989 and 1990 championship teams, averaged 12.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game during his 13-year NBA career with the SuperSonics, Pistons and Spurs — despite starting just 187 of his 984 career regular-season games.
14. The Answer
(Kimberly Barth / AFP via Getty Images)
One of the most brilliant ballhandlers in basketball history, Allen Iverson, inspired a nickname that adorned Reebok merchandise for many years. The moniker apparently was coined by Jamil Blackmon, a childhood acquaintance of Iverson, with the expectation Iverson would be the answer to the NBA's problems. Blackmon later sought royalties in legal action against Iverson, but the case was dismissed. Iverson made 11 All-Star teams and won four scoring titles during his 14-year NBA career with the 76ers, Nuggets, Pistons and Grizzlies. He was named NBA MVP for the 2000-01 season and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
13. The Human Highlight Film
(AP Photo/Gill Allen)
One of the legendary dunkers in basketball history, Dominique Wilkins earned his nickname for his aerial exploits at the University of Georgia. In addition to scoring creatively, Wilkins also scored prolifically. He led the NBA with 30.3 points per game in the 1985-86 season and averaged 24.8 points per game during 15 NBA seasons with the Hawks, Clippers, Celtics, Spurs and Magic. Wilkins was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
12. Chairman of the Boards
(AP Photo)
Moses Malone's nickname is a nod to his status as one of the sport's great rebounders. He led the NBA in rebounding six times in a span of seven seasons from 1978-79 through 1984-85. Malone was the alpha dog on the 1983 Philadelphia 76ers championship squad and was named to 13 consecutive All-Star teams in his prime. He averaged 20.6 points and 12.2 rebounds per game during his 19-year NBA career with the Rockets, Sixers, Bullets, Hawks, Bucks, Spurs — and a two-game stint with the erstwhile Buffalo Braves. Malone was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001.
11. The Big Dipper
Ken Regan/NBAE via Getty Images
Wilt Chamberlain, arguably the greatest scorer in basketball history, is said to have received his nickname because his extraordinary height forced him to dip his head under pipes in the basement where he learned the sport. Chamberlain, who loathed his other noted nickname (Wilt the Stilt), led the NBA in scoring seven times, won four MVP awards and was named an All-Star in all but one of his 14 pro seasons. Among his myriad NBA records, two are highly unlikely to ever be broken: 50.4 points per game scoring average in the 1961-62 season and his 100-point game on March 2, 1962. An NBA champion with both the 76ers and Lakers, Chamberlain was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1979.
10. Clyde
(Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports)
Walt Frazier was known for his sleek style on the court and his impeccable wardrobe off the court. He received his nickname because his fedoras evoked actor Warren Beatty in the 1967 film "Bonnie and Clyde." Frazier helped the Knicks to NBA championships in 1970 and 1973 and earned seven consecutive All-Star bids from the 1969-70 season through 1975-76. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987, Frazier has enjoyed a successful broadcasting career since his retirement as a player.
9. The Owl without a Vowel
(Photo courtesy of Temple University athletics)
Bill Mlkvy played just one NBA season, 1952-53 with the Philadelphia Warriors, but his awesome nickname lives on in perpetuity. The moniker denotes the nickname of his college team at Temple University and the unusual spelling of his surname. Mlkvy averaged 5.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in 31 games with the Warriors after a collegiate career in which he averaged 21.1 points and 17.4 rebounds for the Owls.
8. Black Mamba
(Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Typically, it doesn't count if you give yourself a nickname. But when you're as good as Kobe Bryant, we make an exception. The late Lakers superstar dubbed himself Black Mamba in a nod to a character from the 2003 film "Kill Bill." Bryant received All-Star honors 18 times in his 20 NBA seasons and won five league championships. With 33,643 career points, Bryant ranks fourth in league history. He was enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020.
7. Slim Reaper
(Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)
Kevin Durant has several nicknames, but our vote easily goes to the one that meshes his killer instinct on the court with his wiry 6-foot-10, 240-pound frame. The moniker was conceived by a Reddit user several years ago, and Durant initially wasn't fond of it. But earlier this year, Durant said he had changed his mind on the subject. Durant is an 11-time All-Star and four-time NBA scoring champion. The Brooklyn Nets star won two championships during his time with the Golden State Warriors.
6. Dr. J
(Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Network)
Even though Julius Erving operated with surgical precision on the court, his famous nickname dates to his high school days on Long Island. Back then, Erving dubbed a friend "Professor," and in return, the friend began calling him "Doctor." Erving blended grace and hang time to become one of the greatest dunkers in basketball history. He was named an All-Star in every one of his 16 professional seasons — five in the ABA and 11 in the NBA. Erving, who won two ABA titles with the Nets and one NBA championship with the 76ers, also wielded toughness on his way to three ABA MVP awards and one NBA MVP. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
5. Air Jordan
(AP Photo/John Swart)
Michael Jordan had yet to take the court as a professional when his agent, David Falk, coined the name Air Jordan for a potential line of Nike sneakers. Not only did the name signify the dawn of a global shoe brand, but it stuck as a nickname that described Jordan's awesome aerial theatrics. Jordan won six NBA championships and five MVP awards. He was named an All-Star in all but one of his 15 pro seasons — the lone exception being 1994-95, when he returned from minor league baseball late in the NBA season. A 10-time NBA scoring champion, he ranks fifth in league history with 32,292 career points. Jordan was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009, and his induction speech unintentionally launched one of the great memes in internet history.
4. Dr. Dunkenstein
(AP Photo/Greg Lehman)
If you didn't already know, you probably can deduce from the nickname that Darrell Griffith was one of the great dunkers of his era. The former University of Louisville and Utah Jazz star received his nickname from his brother in a nod to the Parliament-Funkadelic song "Dr. Funkenstein." After leading Louisville to the national championship and winning the Wooden Award as a senior in 1980, Griffith was selected No. 2 overall in the NBA draft. He played 10 pro seasons, all with the Jazz, averaging 16.2 points per game.
3. Iceman
(Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Network)
One of the most gifted scorers in basketball history, George Gervin received his nickname from Roland Taylor, a teammate with the ABA's Virginia Squires. Gervin once explained that he drove a Cadillac and wore a big suit and gator shoes, prompting Taylor to call him Iceberg Slim, after a famous pimp-turned-author. Gervin didn't care for the illicit connotation, so Taylor tweaked the moniker to Iceman. Gervin played in 12 All-Star Games in his career (three ABA, nine NBA) and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996. The longtime San Antonio Spurs star led the NBA in scoring four times — a feat topped only Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan.
2. Magic
(MPS-USA TODAY Sports)
Earvin Johnson has been known as Magic for so long it's difficult to imagine the five-time NBA champion without his famous nickname. The label was applied by a sportswriter when Johnson was a 15-year-old standout at Everett High in Lansing, Michigan. Johnson went on to lead Michigan State to the 1979 national championship, followed by a brilliant pro career with the Lakers. He was named to 12 All-Star teams and won three NBA MVP awards. Johnson, who served the Lakers as a coach and executive later in life, became a successful businessman and entrepreneur after retiring from basketball.
1. Chocolate Thunder
(Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images)
The late Darryl Dawkins lands our No. 1 spot for several reasons. Obviously, the alias Chocolate Thunder is fairly awesome on its own merits. But consider that he received the nickname from legendary musician Stevie Wonder. The "Thunder" portion of the moniker was appropriate; Dawkins broke two backboards with explosive dunks in a span of a few weeks in 1979. Chocolate Thunder became a persona for Dawkins, who claimed to be an alien from the planet Lovetron, gave his dunks colorful names such as "In-Your-Face Disgrace," "Look Out Below," "Rim-Wrecker," "Spine Chiller Supreme," and the "Get-Out-of-the-Waying, Backboard-Swaying, Game-Delaying, If-You-Ain't-Grooving-You-Best-Get-Moving Dunk." Dawkins played 14 NBA seasons with the 76ers, Nets, Jazz and Pistons, averaging 12.0 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.
0. Agent Zero
(Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE)
Here's a bonus nickname: Gilbert Arenas was dubbed Agent Zero for his jersey number as a member of the Wizards and Warriors. One of the great second-round draft picks in NBA history, Arenas also played for the Magic and Grizzlies during his 11-year career in the league. Arenas was a three-time All-Star selection.
Also receiving votes ...
(Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)
Unibrow (Anthony Davis, pictured above), Chef (Stephen Curry), Frank the Tank (Frank Kaminsky), Polish Hammer (Marcin Gortat), 3-D (Dennis Scott), Smush (William Parker), Mighty Mouse (Damon Stoudamire), Big Country (Bryant Reeves), Vanilla Thunder (Pat Connaughton), Tru Warier (Metta World Peace), Mayor (Fred Hoiberg) and Waterbug (Greg Grant).
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