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Throughout history, the NBA's biggest stars have made names for themselves. They have made an impact in the league and their names are familiar with basketball fans around the world. LeBron James is a name that everyone knows and for the most part, fans admire his game but he also has a cool nickname. Since the beginning of his career, he has been known as "King James."
James has justified the nickname by having a remarkable career. After it's' said and done, LeBron James and his nickname will be remembered forever. But he's not the only one.
Other players have had clever nicknames. Allen Iverson was known as the "Answer", Julius Erving was known as "Dr.J" and Michael Jordan was known as "Air Jordan".
Shaquille O'Neal had several nicknames. He was known as "Superman", "The Diesel", "The Big Aristotle" among many others. Other players such as Vince Carter ("Vinsanity"), Paul Pierce ("The Truth") and Kobe Bryant ("Black Mamba"), have had great nicknames. In some cases, the player doesn't even have to be a star. Robert Horry was known as "Big Shot Bob" due to hitting clutch shots for teams such as the Lakers. So, anyone can have an awesome nickname.
Even after a player retires, we remember their nicknames. Some nicknames are so memorable that we cannot forget them. In some cases, it is for the wrong reasons. Some nicknames are so funny that they stick out as much as the great nicknames. The NBA has had its share of funny nicknames and some of them are still in the league today. Here are five active players with the funniest nicknames.
#5 Danilo Gallinari – “The Rooster”
Danilo Gallinari is a talented player who is playing well for the Thunder. He currently averages 19.1 points and 5.1 rebounds. Gallinari's talent is undeniable, but he has an unusual nickname.
Despite his nickname being based on his last name, it still has a peculiar ring to it. Gallinari is known as "Gallo," which is a shortened version of his last name. "Gallo" is the Italian word for rooster.
Gallinari was given the nickname at some point in his youth, and during his time with the Knicks, he created a signature shoe with Reebok called "The Rooster". So, not only was the nickname clever, he was able to make a shoe with the same name.
What makes this nickname funny/interesting is the way Gallinari played into it. Gallinari would have a mohawk at times in his career, which is in tune with the animal itself. Gallinari's nickname is unique, and he chose to embrace it rather than shy away from it.
#4 Nikola Jokic – “Joker”
Why so serious? One of the league's funniest nicknames comes from one of its best big men.
Nikola Jokic is the starting center for the Denver Nuggets. He averages 17.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. Jokic is an incredibly skilled big man, and because of this, he was a funny (and great) nickname.
Jokic is known as "The Joker". He first received this nickname from a former teammate (Mike Miller), who called him that due to Miller struggling to pronounce his last name. It also fits as Jokic is a unique player who has an array of skills. Teams never know what he'll do. It is as if he has an ace up his sleeve. It also doesn't hurt that he has a sense of humor. Jokic truly captures his nickname and has one of the funniest nicknames of the NBA.
Also read: Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets: Match Preview and Prediction - 24th November 2019
#3 Evan Fournier – "Never Google"
Evan Fournier's nickname is not only funny, but it is also good advice. Fournier's nickname is "Never Google".
The guard received this nickname a few years ago, after he made an interesting discovery. The discovery was so intense that Fournier took to Twitter to warn others.
He tweeted something along the lines of "By the way, NEVER google my last name. You don't wanna see that." And, he's right.
Googling Fournier's last name brings up a disease that received its name from a french dermatologist named Jean-Alfred Fournier. It is a type of gangrene that Fournier named in 1883. Fournier of the Magic decided to google his last name and saw the unfortunate results. Once NBA Twitter got a hold of Fournier's tweet, he received the nickname "Never Google". The name eventually stuck.
What started as an innocent Google search became one of the NBA's funniest nicknames.
#2 Draymond Green – “The Dancing Bear”
Draymond Green played a significant role in the Golden State Warriors' championship run. His defense, toughness, and tenacity gave the Warriors they push they needed. The Warriors are struggling this season, and Green is dealing with injuries. When he is healthy, Green is a skilled, versatile player.
In college, Green earned a unique nickname for his abilities on the court. He received the nickname "The Dancing Bear". For a player like Green, the name sounds silly, but it also makes sense. He was given the nickname due to his size, attitude, and his quickness. Green is close to 6'6" (200.66 cm) and roughly 230 pounds (104kg). He is an intimidating presence that can guard nearly every position. He has the quickness to guard guards and the strength to guard the post. So, Green can do it all.
Green's nickname is a funny one but when you think about it, it fits.
Also read: NBA Salaries: 5 Teams with the highest wage bills for the 2019-20 season
#1 Andre Drummond – “Big Penguin”
Do you have a favorite animal, or at least had one as a kid? This question is where the origins of Andre Drummond's nickname begin.
Drummond is one of the NBA's best centers. This season, he averages 18.9 points and leads the league in rebounds with 16.7 rebounds. The Pistons center is an exceptional talent that is capable of dominating in a league where the traditional center is underappreciated. He also happens to have a funny nickname.
Drummond is known as the "Big Penguin". He received the nickname after revealing that his favorite animal is a penguin. His (former) teammate Greg Monroe once asked Drummond what his favorite movie was, and he responded, "Happy Feet". His other favorites include "March of the Penguins" and "Happy Feet 2".
He embraced the nickname and his love for penguins by doing things such as doing a video with a penguin costume on. He even had signature socks with the company Stance that featured his favorite animal. So, it is safe to say that Drummond loves penguins.
The Pistons center is around 6'10" (208.28cm) and 270 pounds (123kg). He is an imposing force that can dominate when he is at his best. He also really likes penguins. Drummond is youthful and has a sense of humor. His love for penguins helps illustrate this. And because of this, he is the "Big Penguin".
Drummond's nickname is one of the funniest nicknames in the league. It fits his personality and expresses the love of his favorite animal. But he is one of many. The nicknames included on this list, as well as some of the ones not mentioned (Brandon "Tiny Dog" Ingram, Kristaps "The Unicorn" Porzingis, and Marc "The Big Burrito"/"Beer Papi"), are not only the funniest nicknames of the league but they are also memorable. They will potentially be remembered along with some of the best.
Guess the Lakers players!
