Top 10: Iconic nicknames of NBA players

Many nicknames of NBA players are a result of them having earned iconic status for being a great ambassador of NBA and basketball in the United States of America. NBA stars have often been praised and given a cult status for their performances.Either by fans or themselves, they earn nicknames which gets popular and later more iconic if a player stands to his potential.This list ranges from the rather 'normal', to some really top notch ones. Here's a collection of the best nicknames of NBA players and the top most one really has no answer!

#10 The Chief: Robert Parish

Robert Parish just silently went about his business without betraying any emotion.

The center played alongside the legendary Larry Bird and led the Boston Celtics to 4 NBA titles during his time.

His nickname 'The Chief', comes from the fictitious Chief Bromden, a silent, giant Native American character in the film One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

#9 The Dream: Hakeem Olajuwon

Hakeem Olajuwon was a center who displayed footwork like no other big man of his time ever did.

He won two NBA titles with the Houston Rockets as well as trophies for league and Finals MVP.

Hakeem simply played like 'The Dream'.

#8 The Admiral: David Robinson

David Robinson was a Rookie of the Year, MVP and a four-time All-NBA and All-Defense first-teamer who played for the San Antonio Spurs.

Robinson teamed up with Tim Duncan to lead the Spurs to 2 NBA titles.

His Naval Academy background meant that the nickname 'The Admiral' was a rather straightforward choice

#7 Tiny: Nate Archibald

It would be fair to say that Nate Archibald wasn't one of the biggest guys in the NBA.

In the 1972-73 season, the point guard became the only player in league history to lead the NBA in both scoring (34.0) and assists (11.4) in the same season.

Bet you din't infer that he was a 6' 1'' guy nicknamed 'Tiny' from all of that!

#6 Dollar Bill: Bill Bradley

Bill Bradley was a shooting guard who played for the new York knicks in the 1960s and 1970s.

Bradley also won the Olympic Gold with the USA basketball team at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Despite earning handsomely, Bradley was a frugal spender, which earned him the nickname 'Dollar Bill'.

#5 The Glove: Gary Payton

Gary Payton's defense was so tight that it earned him the nickanme of 'The Glove' referring to the grip that he had on his opponents.

And after showing the world that he could contain even Michael Jordan, it's a nickname worth giving to Payton.

#4 Iceman: George Gervin

George Gervin was a shooting guard who played for the San Antonio Spurs for over 10 years.

Jerry West described him as “the only player I would pay to see”.

Gervin's cool demeanour on court earned him the nickname of 'The Iceman'.

#3 Superman: Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard gave himself the nickname of 'Superman' after he appeared in a dunk contest with a cape.

Howard is remarkably athletic for a man of his build and it's probably a fitting nickname.

Wonder if Shaq agrees!

#2 Diesel: Shaquille O\'Neal

Shaq is one of the most dominant centers the NBA has ever witnessed.

He has had many nicknames such as The Big Aristotle, Wilt Chamberneezy and The Big Shamrock.

In 1993, O'neal released a rap album called Shaq Diesel and the nickname 'Diesel' has stuck ever since.

#1 The Answer : Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson is one of the shortest players in the history of the NBA to win the MVP award and is an 11-time NBA All-Star.

Iverson got the nickname 'The Answer' after he was drafted into the Philadelphia 76ers team and started scoring for them consistently.