NBA Nicknames

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Dec 19, 2013

NBA Nicknames

Ray Allen

Months ago, the <italics>Associated Press</italics> reported that the NBA was considering a wave of uniform alternates of a different sort: those in standard team colors but bearing player nicknames across the back. We now have our first alleged glimpse of what one of the new nickname jerseys would look like, courtesy of full-time Knicks fan and part-time filmmaker Spike Lee, whose Instagram (inset) included the following message: <italics>For A Few Select Games My Main Man Ray Allen Will Wear JESUS SHUTTLES WORTH On THe Back OF His Jersey. The Legend Of HE GOT GAME Continues To Grow.Da Greatest Joint About BALL Ever Made.YA-DIG? SHO-NUFF</italics> In the spirit of this news, we present a gallery of other notable nicknames throughout NBA history.

LeBron James

When LeBron was a sophomore in high school, a local newspaper dubbed him King James, a moniker some might have disputed until his back-to-back NBA championships and both regular season and Finals MVP awards.

Shawn Marion

Marion was given this name by TNT analyst Kenny Smith during the preseason of his rookie year for his seemingly ridiculous athleticism. After nine seasons with the Suns, "The Matrix" bounced around, playing for both Miami and Toronto before landing in Dallas with a five-year contract worth an estimated $39 million.

Chris Andersen

Chris Andersen earned his alter ego "Birdman" during NBA summer league. Chris Andersen's alter ego "Birdman" is an ode to the center's tenacious playing style - he leaps to the basket, flies through the lane and blocks whatever shots he can. Since he earned the nickname during NBA summer league, Andersen has solidified his bird-like persona by tattooing a series of feathers across his back and doing a celebratory arm flap after he makes a good play.

Andrei Kirilenko

The Russian native's nickname is not only his initials and number, but also the name of the Soviet assault rifle.

Glen Davis

Davis, who once was reduced to tears during a Celtics game, earned this moniker as a response to his incessant whining about not getting calls as a youngster.

Shaquille O'Neal

Nobody on this list has more names than O'Neal. Whether he's The Big Aristotle, The Big Cactus, Superman, The Real Deal, Shaqzilla or The Shogun, no player has had more fun with the nickname game than the retired center.

Allen Iverson

Iverson entered the NBA with only one tattoo, a bulldog on his left bicep with "The Answer" inscribed above it. The nickname's origins are shaky (a man sued Iverson over creation of the nickname in 2001 but the case was later dismissed) but its meaning a clear reflection of his many talents and dominating performances on the court. He lived up to it from the first year of his career, averaging 23.5 ppg for the Sixers and capturing Rookie of the Year honors.