The 10 coolest nicknames amongst current NBA players (Video)

Return of the Black MambaNicknames, especially those bestowed, grant an athlete a certain degree of status. It edifies either something about the individual’s skills, their playing style or their persona. A moniker is an indication of recognition and goes a long way in endearing both the player and his team to the fans.Amongst professional sports leagues the world over, the NBA arguably has the best repertoire of sobriquets, barring pro-wrestling, but we did say “sports”. Our collection of the nicknames with the most swag are homage not only to the athletes that carry them, but to the creativity of the bestower.

#10 The Brow - Anthony Davis

Davis even trademarked the phrases Fear The Brow and Raise the Brow

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The 2012 #1 Overall pick doesnt, at first glance, merit a place on a coolest nicknames list, but the fact that hes taken it in stride and even trademarked it shows that hes sporty off the court too. Thatll do, Brow, thatll do.

The two-time NBA leader in blocks has grown from strength to strength since his debut, and if its a sign of things to come, the Hall of Fame should be prepared for a very unique member, and we dontmean just physically.

#9 Golden Dragon - Goran Dragic

Goran Dragics nickname probably has the most predictable back story Steve Nash gave him the Dragon part when he first came to the NBA as part of the Phoenix Suns. Golden, an obvious and compatible play on his first name was probably the fans contribution.

At first glance, theres no part of his game or physique that draws any correlations with the mythical beast, but did you know that the dragon is the symbol of Ljubljana, the city of his birth and the capital of his country, Slovenia.

#8 Gerald Wallace - Crash

The nickname was given to him by Charlotte fans during his years there

Its a pity that such a befitting nickname for a player who leaves it all on the floor features this low on the list. But considering the sheer number of nicknames in the NBA, no small number of them eye-catching, Gerald Wallace can be assured that the amount of respect we have for him outmatcheshis placing on the list.

If Wallace was an MMA fighter, he would be an instant legend and a fan favorite just for his reckless, take-no-prisoners style of play. But his greatest asset is also his downfall. Years of playing pedal-to-the-floor have resulted in debilitating injuries, the most recent and serious of which have forced him out of action for much of the seasons.

#7 Swaggy P - Nick Young

Nick Youngsblend of on-court skills and off-court persona make him a fan favourite and a media darling. The 30-year-old Lakers guard has pretty famous names associated with him, foremost being fianceIggy Azalea and cousin Kendrick Lamar.

The nickname was most probably self-proclaimed, but the back story that God gave it to him in a dream certainly draws fans like moths to a flame. There are conflicting stories that Young plans to reveal what P stands for in a book and that he has already cleared the air that it stands for Prophet, making him a Prophet of Swag.

#6 J-Smoove - Josh Smith

His style of play makes his nickname incongruous, but its still cool

Theres not much of an origin story here, except that the 2005 Slam Dunk Champion was given the moniker by a friend in high school. But theres more than just a Dunk trophy to the 30-year-old Clippers Guards name hes one of the most physical players in the paint and is one of the games staunchest shot-blockers.

On March 3, 2007, Smith, aged 21 years and 88 days, broke the 500 career block mark, making him the youngest player to do so in NBA history.

#5 The Matrix - Shawn Marion

We believe this is excusable a movie-inspired nickname following another and a 16-year veteran making the list. Kenny Smith hit the nail on the head with his knighting of Marion during his pre-season debut way back in 1999.

The impetus behind Smiths choice is Marions remarkable athleticism, though if construed allegorically, it could also refer to his versatility that enables him to slip into multiple offensive and defensive roles on the hardwood. Or his not-so-pretty jumpshot, that, like Neo, is not-so-pretty from the back, (with the spinal sockets), but still gets the job done.

#4 Superman - Dwight Howard

Howard would probably dwarf Superman in real life

The 611, 125 Kg Rockets Center earned his ice cold nickname with his famous Superman dunk in the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. His almost comically muscular physique had no small part in that, we feel.

The 8-time NBA All-Star was also the starting center for the US national team that won gold in the 2008 Olympics. Howard is one of the leagues best defensive players, having won the Defensive Player of the Year award thrice.

He is a devout Christian and acted alongside Carmelo Anthony Scottie Pippenin a Chinese film, Amazing. In 2014, a documentary about his life called In The Moment was released.

#3 Durantula - Kevin Durant

KD is in the top-tier of almost every list in the NBA and has even played a major role in a movie. One look at his long arms and the originof his nickname is obvious, though the wary looks on the oppositions faces might have something to do with it too.

The 2014 NBA MVP has struggled with injury for the last year, but things are looking brighter for the Thunder as hes back in the pack and on the hunt for his first NBA Championship. Bizarre as it may seem, KD was sued in 2012 by an 80s musician, Mark Durante, for using the nickname which the latter claimed to have patented a long time ago.

#2 The Greek Freak - Giannis Antetokounmpo

Anotherperfect fit, though it is arguable which half of his moniker is more apt the Greek part or the Freak part. On paper, it is somewhat unusual for someone whos 611 to play small forward. But curiosity quickly turns to disbelief when you watch the 20-year-old Buck on the court.

With a freakish wingspan that augments his, yes, freakish agility, the Greek of Nigerian descent definitely puts derrieres in chairs and then raises them when the fans stand up in amazed admiration.

#1 AK 47 - Andrei Kirilenko

Alright, so we said current. But just as gravitybends light, this ruleget elastic in the face of such a cool nickname that coincidentally stems from the players initials and he's only been retired for a few months. An even bigger coincidence is that Kirilienkos hometown of Izhevsk was the Russian city where the rifle was first manufactured.

Now, one could get uptight and condemn the fact that a weapon that is associated with so much carnage is being glorified, but let's keep it subjective. Kirilenko was a well-loved member of the Utah Jazz, with whom he spent 10 seasons and despite his nickname, was more of a defensive specialist.

Kirilenko routinely featured in the top of the the league tables for shots blocked and steals, although he had good coordination with his teammates in the paint and could knock down the more-than-occasional three.

Edited by Staff Editor