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The NBA is home to several cool nicknames, leaving fans bewildered about the origin of such sobriquets. Although the NBA community is responsible for bestowing some of these epithets on players, others come into the league with a befitting moniker.
"Magic" is arguably the coolest nickname in league history. It is a name that has stuck, so much so that many do not know the Hall of Famer's real name.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson was a sensation at every level he played. After an incredible 30-point, 20-rebound, and 19-assist game at 15, he was bestowed the alias by a sportswriter.
Over the years, there have been many cool monikers in the NBA. Here are the top five coolest current NBA player nicknames.
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#5 Kyle Anderson - Slo-Mo
"Slo-Mo" is perhaps the most accurate nickname for Kyle Anderson, as it is indicative of the Minnesota Timberwolves forward's style of play.
Even with the shot clock winding down, Anderson will never rush a shot. His release is arguably the lowest in the league, which makes him somewhat fun to watch.
Anderson has played as a role player for the better part of his career and has, more often than not, come off the bench. In his first season with the Timberwolves, he is averaging 7.2 points and shooting 40.9% from the field.
#4 Kawhi Leonard - The Claw
Kawhi Leonard was given the alias "The Claw" because of the size of his hand. Although every NBA player can palm the ball, the ease with which Leonard achieves it is outstanding.
The way Leonard picks up the ball is likened to a hawk grabbing its prey from above with its claws. His freakishly huge hands were a big plus on his journey to two NBA Finals MVP awards.
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#3 Nikola Jokic - Joker
Not often do you see a second-round pick evolve into one of the most incredible talents in the league. But Nikola Jokic has shown that he can perform at the highest level regardless of where he was picked in the draft.
In 2017, the nickname "Joker" was born. Coach Mike Miller gave the term, and Jokic seemed to like it more than his previous moniker of "Big Honey." Jokic's ability to surprise people might have also been a factor behind this moniker. The Serbian can do it all and is most revered for his passing ability.
The Denver Nuggets big man is the reigning league MVP, a title he has maintained for two consecutive seasons. He is the only second-rounder to win the MVP award.
#2 Steph Curry - Baby-Faced Assassin
Steph Curry has the most innocent face and a calm demeanor. However, he can be lethal on the court, especially with his ball-handling and ability to knock down three-pointers.
The Golden State Warriors guard perfectly depicts how "looks can be deceiving," which is why he is nicknamed "Baby-Faced Assassin." Curry is the all-time three-point leader and holds the record for most three-pointers scored in a single season.
#1 Kevin Durant - Slim Reaper
Kevin Durant would go down in history as one of the greatest scorers in league history. With him being almost seven feet and having the ability of a guard, he is almost unguardable.
KD can do it all on the offensive end of the floor, which is why he is one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league. The nickname is a play on the "Grim Reaper," and it is appropriate given how KD sends fear down the spine of opposition defenders.
