'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The NBA has seen a plethora of iconic nicknames that perfectly capture the legacy behind their respective players. Quite a few nicknames over the league’s history became an integral part of the player’s identity. They are generally terms of endearment that become synonymous with the real names of the players, such as James “The Beard” Harden, or the Lakers’ legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr.
While quite a few nicknames are merely plays on the players’ names, the following article deals with true nicknames that players became universally attached to. Without further ado, we look at some of the most iconic nicknames in NBA history:
10 best nicknames in NBA history
Some of the best nicknames that the NBA saw were bestowed during the previous century. However, quite a few modern stars have also come to be recognized by famous nicknames in recent years. Philadelphia 76ers’ “The Process” Joel Embiid finally looks to be a favorite for the NBA MVP award this year, while Donavan “Spyda” Mitchell and Luka “El Matador” Doncic have also led their teams to the playoffs this year. Regardless, the following article will subjectively look at 10 of the best nicknames the NBA has ever seen.
#10 DeMarcus Cousins - Boogie
Four-time NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins was nicknamed “Boogie” even before he made it to the NBA. University of Kentucky’s assistant coach Rod Strickland had been impressed by Cousins’ dribbling skills, and told him that he had a “lot of boogie.” Needless to say, the NBA journeyman saw the nickname stick, although it did not really reference his dribbling skills during his NBA career. Instead, it is Cousins’ penchant for getting into trouble in the NBA that the name “Boogie” eventually became synonymous for. Currently, Cousins is trying to help the LA Clippers stage a comeback in their playoff series against Luka Doncic’s Dallas Mavericks.
#9 Karl Malone – The Mailman
Utah Jazz legend and 14-time NBA All-Star Karl Malone never won an NBA championship. However, he is one of the greatest power-forwards to ever play the game and is still second on the all-time NBA scoring list, with LeBron James following close behind.
The Mailman always delivers, and the nickname is in truth a commonly used one in sports. However, there are not many athletes who perfectly captured the essence of Karl Malone. He spent his entire career averaging exactly 25 points per game, and finished with a whopping 36,928 points in the NBA.
#8 Paul Pierce – The Truth
One of Shaquille O’Neal’s creations, Paul Pierce’s nickname was bestowed upon him in March 2001. During Pierce’s third season, they lost to the Lakers 112-107 despite Paul Pierce producing a superhuman effort with 42 points and a 13-19 shooting record.
O’Neal ended up calling Pierce the “mo****f***ing truth,” and needless to say, the nickname stuck. Paul Pierce, a 10-time all-star, was known for his impact on both ends of the court, and won the NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008.
#7 Hakeem Olajuwon – The Dream
Widely regarded as one of the best foreign recruits that the NBA ever saw, Hakeem Olajuwon won the NBA title twice with the Houston Rockets. Born in Nigeria, the seven-foot center formed one half of the famous “Twin Towers” moniker along with Ralph Sampson. Olajuwon was the first overall pick for the Houston Rockets in the 1984 NBA draft that also included Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley. The Dream was given the nickname due to his graceful footwork and silky smooth ball handling, and proved to be one of the most apt ones ever bestowed.
#6 Dennis Rodman – The Worm
One of the most popular players of all time, the mercurial Dennis Rodman was known for his defensive skills and is one of the best rebounders the NBA ever saw. He is also known for his antics off the court. He once infamously did not return from a Vegas trip during the Bulls’ playoff series against the Phoenix Suns after being sanctioned for 48 hours and was also involved in multiple World Wrestling Championship matches during the 1990s.
Regardless, Rodman was an integral part of the famous Chicago Bulls’ side, and won three championships alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
#5 Nick Young – Swaggy P
Nick Young was never the most prolific of players, and was part of the Golden State Warriors team that won the 2-17-18 NBA championship. Young had his best years playing for the Washington Wizards and was the 16th overall pick of the 2007 NBA draft.
Regardless, “Swaggy P” was claimed by Nick Young to be a god-given nickname. During a press conference in 2014, Young had revealed that it was God who talked to him in a dream and gave him the nickname. The shooting-guard stuck with the name throughout his career, and still uses the “Swaggy P” name for most of his social media handles.
#4 Kawhi Leonard – The Claw
One of the most iconic nicknames of modern NBA, Kawhi Leonard was given the moniker for his freakishly huge hands. Leonard is one of the best two-way players the NBA has ever seen, and is a two-time NBA champion, along with two finals MVP and two defensive players of the year selections. Leonard is currently on the lookout for his third championship alongside the likes of Patrick Beverley and Paul George for the LA Clippers. He is often said to be a “silent-assassin,” and has one of the most apt nicknames in modern NBA.
#3 Kobe Bryant – The Black Mamba
The late Kobe Bryant has arguably one of the biggest legacies the NBA has ever seen. The LA Lakers legend won the championship 5 times and was an all-star in 18 of his overall 20 seasons in the league. Bryant had a “never-give up” attitude and was known for his incredible clutch plays and ability to win games on his own. Bryant is the fourth highest scorer on the NBA's all-time list and has a fitting nickname, which in truth was a nod to a Kill Bill movie character.
#2 Shawn Marion – The Matrix
Another moniker that is based on a famous movie, The Matrix was a four-time All-Star and won the NBA championship in 2011 with the Dallas Mavericks alongside Dirk Nowitzki. Marion was given the nickname by TNT analyst Kenny Smith for his freakish athleticism during the 1999 preseason. Marion was never the most graceful of shooters and had his best individual years playing for the Phoenix Suns. Regardless, the nickname was given due to his insane athleticism, and is one of the most iconic ones ever bestowed to an NBA star.
#1 Julius Erving – Dr. J
Still, one of the most iconic nicknames of the NBA, Julius “Dr. J” Erving was known for his surgical shooting and was initially called the “doctor of basketball.” Erving is considered one of the most influential players of all time and was the most popular ABA player when the league merged with the NBA at the start of the 1956-76 season. He is still the eighth highest scorer of all time and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006. He was one of the first basketball players to ever be universally recognized by his nickname.
