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#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.
