List of basketball nicknames
Encyclopedia
This is a list of nickname
s in the sport
of basketball
. Most are related to professional basketball, although a few notable nicknames from the U.S. college
game are included.
Nickname
A nickname is "a usually familiar or humorous but sometimes pointed or cruel name given to a person or place, as a supposedly appropriate replacement for or addition to the proper name.", or a name similar in origin and pronunciation from the original name....
s in the sport
Sport
A Sport is all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical fitness and provide entertainment to participants. Sport may be competitive, where a winner or winners can be identified by objective means, and may require a degree...
of basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
. Most are related to professional basketball, although a few notable nicknames from the U.S. college
College basketball
College basketball most often refers to the USA basketball competitive governance structure established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Basketball in the NCAA is divided into three divisions: Division I, Division II and Division III....
game are included.
Players
- Kareem Abdul-JabbarKareem Abdul-JabbarKareem Abdul-Jabbar is a retired American professional basketball player. He is the NBA's all-time leading scorer, with 38,387 points. During his career with the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers from 1969 to 1989, Abdul-Jabbar won six NBA championships and a record six regular season...
– "Cap" - Ray AllenRay AllenWalter Ray Allen is an American professional basketball player who is currently playing for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association. He has played professionally for the Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle SuperSonics, and the Boston Celtics; and collegiately for the University of...
– "Ray Ray", "Jesus Shuttlesworth" (after his character in the movie He Got GameHe Got GameHe Got Game is a 1998 American sports-drama film written and directed by Spike Lee. It stars Denzel Washington as Jake Shuttlesworth, a prison inmate convicted for killing his wife...
), - Rafer AlstonRafer AlstonRafer Jamel Alston is an American former professional basketball player who last played with Zhejiang Guangsha of the Chinese Basketball Association. He previously played for six NBA teams...
– "Skip To My Lou" - Chris AndersenChris AndersenChris Andersen is an American professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association...
– "Birdman" - Greg AndersonCadillac AndersonGregory Wayne "Cadillac" Anderson is a retired American professional basketball player.He attended and played collegiate basketball at the University of Houston. He competed in the 1984 Final Four in Seattle while at Houston.A 6' 10" power forward/center, he was selected 23rd overall by the San...
– "Cadillac" - Carmelo AnthonyCarmelo AnthonyCarmelo Kiyan Anthony , nicknamed "Melo", is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the New York Knicks in the National Basketball Association...
– "Melo" - Nate ArchibaldNate ArchibaldNathaniel "Nate" Archibald is a former American professional basketball player. He spent 14 years playing in the NBA, most notably with the Kansas City Kings and Boston Celtics....
– "Tiny" - Gilbert ArenasGilbert ArenasGilbert Jay Arenas, Jr. is an American professional basketball player for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association . He plays as a point guard and shooting guard....
– ""Agent Zero", "The Hibachi" - Trevor ArizaTrevor ArizaTrevor Anthony Ariza is an American basketball player in the National Basketball Association who plays for the New Orleans Hornets. Primarily a small forward, he is listed at tall and 210 pounds.-Biography:...
– "Cobra" - Paul Arizin – "Pitchin' Paul"
- Ron ArtestRon ArtestMetta World Peace is an American professional basketball player and rapper who is currently with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. World Peace gained a reputation as one of the league's premier defenders as he won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2004...
– "Metta World Peace" "Ron Ron" - Stacey AugmonStacey AugmonStacey Orlando Augmon is a retired American professional basketball player, formerly in the NBA. He gained the nickname "Plastic Man" due to his athletic ability to "stretch"...
– "Plastic Man" - Ken BannisterKen BannisterKenneth Darnell Bannister is a retired American professional basketball player who was selected by the New York Knicks in the 7th round of the 1984 NBA Draft. A 6'9" forward-center from Trinidad State Junior College, Indiana State University and Saint Augustine's College, Bannister played in 5...
– "The Animal" - Andrea BargnaniAndrea BargnaniAndrea Bargnani , nicknamed "Il Mago" , is an Italian professional basketball player with the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association. He was selected first overall in the 2006 NBA Draft. He is a power forward/center standing at 213 cm and weighing 113.4 kg...
– "Il Mago(The Magician)" (In Italy) - Charles BarkleyCharles BarkleyCharles Wade Barkley is a former American professional basketball player. Nicknamed "Sir Charles" and "The Round Mound of Rebound", Barkley established himself as one of the National Basketball Association's most dominating power forwards...
– "Chuck", "The Round Mound of Rebound", "Sir Charles", "Prince Charles", "Leaning Tower of Pizza", "Pillsbury Dough Boy", "The Human Refrigerator", "The Flying Coke Machine", "The Crisco Kid", "Boy Gorge" - Jim BarnesJim Barnes (basketball)V. James Barnes , a.k.a. Jim 'Bad News' Barnes was an American basketball player....
– "Bad News" - Marvin BarnesMarvin BarnesMarvin Jerome Barnes is a former professional American basketball player.As a 6'8" forward for Providence College, Barnes led the nation in rebounding in 1973-74. On December 15, 1973, Barnes scored 52 points against Austin Peay, breaking the single-game school record...
– "Bad News" (originally because of his basketball skills but later because of his frequent off-court issues) - Dick Barnett – "Fall Back Baby"
- Jerry BaskervilleJerry BaskervilleJerry W. Baskerville is a retired American basketball player.He played collegiately for the Temple University.He played for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA for 21 games.-External links:...
– "Hound" - Alfred Beard – "Butch"
- Marco BelinelliMarco BelinelliMarco Stefano Belinelli is an Italian professional basketball player currently with the New Orleans Hornets of the NBA. He is tall and plays as a shooting guard...
– "Beli" - Walt Bellamy – "Bells"
- Larry BirdLarry BirdLarry Joe Bird is a former American NBA basketball player and coach. Drafted into the NBA sixth overall by the Boston Celtics in 1978, Bird started at small forward and power forward for thirteen seasons, spearheading one of the NBA's most formidable frontcourts that included center Robert Parish...
– "The Hick from French LickFrench Lick, IndianaFrench Lick is a town in French Lick Township, Orange County, Indiana, United States. The population was 1,807 at the 2010 census. In early 2006 the French Lick Resort Casino, the state's tenth casino in the modern legalized era, opened drawing national attention to the small town.- History :French...
", "Larry Legend" - Daron BlaylockMookie BlaylockDaron Oshay "Mookie" Blaylock , is a retired American professional basketball player. He spent 13 years in the NBA with three teams.-Professional career:...
– "Mookie" - Tyrone Bogues – "Muggsy" (because he was so adept at stealingSteal (basketball)In basketball, a steal occurs when a defensive player legally causes a turnover by his positive, aggressive action. This can be done by deflecting and controlling, catching, or batting to a teammate a pass or dribble of an offensive player...
, it was like he was mugging you) - Chris BoshChris BoshChristopher Wesson Bosh is an American professional basketball player who plays power forward for the Miami Heat in the National Basketball Association ....
– "CB4" - Bill BradleyBill BradleyWilliam Warren "Bill" Bradley is an American hall of fame basketball player, Rhodes scholar, and former three-term Democratic U.S. Senator from New Jersey. He ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic Party's nomination for President in the 2000 election.Bradley was born and raised in a suburb of St....
– "Dollar Bill", "The Secretary of State", "Mr. President" - Jim Breeden – "Brick"
- John BrockmanJohn BrockmanJohn Brockman is the name of:*John Brockman , author and literary agent*John Brockman , colonel from North Carolina in the American Revolutionary War*Jon Brockman, basketball player...
- "The Brockness Monster" (because he was rarely seen in games) - Fred Brown – "Downtown Freddie" (for his proficiency in the 3-point basket, "from downtown")
- Joe BryantJoe BryantJoseph Washington "Jellybean" Bryant is a retired American professional basketball player, current coach, and the father of Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant. Bryant was the head coach of the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks from August 22, 2005 until April 4, 2007...
– "Jellybean" - Kobe BryantKobe BryantKobe Bean Bryant is an American professional basketball player who plays shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . Bryant enjoyed a successful high school basketball career at Lower Merion High School, where he was recognized as the top high school...
– "Black Mamba" - Joe CaldwellJoe CaldwellJoe Louis Caldwell is a retired American professional basketball player. He spent 6 seasons in the NBA and 5 seasons in the now-defunct ABA, and he was one of the few players to be an All-Star in both leagues...
– "Pogo", "Jumping Joe" - Antoine CarrAntoine CarrAntoine Labotte Carr is a retired American basketball player. A 16-year NBA journeyman, he was known for the goggles he wore onto the court.-Early life:Antoine Carr was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma...
– "Big Dog" - Vince CarterVince CarterVincent Lamar "Vince" Carter is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns. He is a shooting guard who can also play small forward....
– "Air Canada", "Vinsanity", "Half Man Half Amazing", - Sam CassellSam CassellSamuel James "Sam" Cassell , is a retired American professional basketball player who is an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards. The , point guard was selected out of Florida State University by the Houston Rockets with the 24th overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft...
– "Sam I Am" - Wilt ChamberlainWilt ChamberlainWilton Norman "Wilt" Chamberlain was an American professional NBA basketball player for the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers; he also played for the Harlem Globetrotters prior to playing in the NBA...
– "Wilt the Stilt", "The Big Dipper" (because as a child he had to 'dip' his head after hitting his head on a door frame) - Derrick ChievousDerrick ChievousDerrick Joseph Chievous is a retired American professional basketball player who played the forward position, and was selected by the Houston Rockets in the 1st round of the 1988 NBA Draft....
– "Band-Aid" (who wore one for good luck) - Craig Claxton – "Speedy"
- Ric Cobb – "The Elevator Man"
- Vernal Coles – "Bimbo"
- Bob CousyBob CousyRobert Joseph "Bob" Cousy is a retired American professional basketball player. The 6'1" , 175-pound Cousy played point guard with the National Basketball Association's Boston Celtics from 1951 to 1963 and briefly with the Cincinnati Royals in the 1969–70 season...
– "The Houdini of the Hardwood" - Forrest Cox – "Frosty"
- Billy CunninghamBilly CunninghamWilliam John "Billy" Cunningham is an American former professional basketball player and coach, who was nicknamed the Kangaroo Kid.- Beginnings :...
– "Kangaroo Kid" - Bob DandridgeBob DandridgeRobert L. "Bob" Dandridge is a retired American professional basketball player.-Early years:He attended Maggie L. Walker High School in Richmond, Virginia and Norfolk State University, teaming up with Pee Wee Kirkland. His teams had phenomenal years...
– "Bobby D" - Mel DavisMel DavisMelvyn Jerome Davis is an American former professional basketball player.A 6'6" forward from St. John's University, Davis played four seasons in the National Basketball Association as a member of the New York Knicks and New York Nets...
– "Killer" - Glen DavisGlen Davis (basketball)Ronald Glen Davis , commonly known as Glen Davis and by his nickname Big Baby, is an American basketball player who last played for the NBA's Boston Celtics...
– "Big Baby", "Uno-Uno" - Ricky DavisRicky DavisTyree Ricardo Davis , better known as Ricky Davis, is an American professional basketball player.-Biography:...
– "Ricky Buckets" - Darryl DawkinsDarryl DawkinsDarryl Dawkins is a retired American professional basketball player, most noted for his days with the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets, although he also played briefly for the Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz late in his career...
– "Chocolate Thunder" - Clyde DrexlerClyde DrexlerClyde Austin "Clyde The Glide" Drexler is a former National Basketball Association shooting guard and small forward. A ten-time All-Star and member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, the NBA named him one of basketball's fifty greatest players as of 1996. Drexler won an Olympic gold medal in 1992 and...
– "Clyde the Glide" - Tim DuncanTim DuncanTimothy Theodore "Tim" Duncan is an American professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association . The 6-foot 11-inch , 255-pound power forward/center is a four-time NBA champion, two-time NBA MVP, three-time NBA Finals MVP, and NBA Rookie of the Year...
– "The Big Fundamental" (for his fundamentally sound game), "Slam Duncan" - Kevin DurantKevin DurantKevin Wayne Durant is an American professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association . A 6'9" small forward/shooting guard who is also capable of playing power forward, Durant was the consensus 2007 National College Player of the Year and the...
– "Durantula" - Theodore Edwards – "Blue" (from an older sister, for the color of his face when he was choking as a baby)
- Pervis EllisonPervis EllisonPervis Ellison is a former college and professional NBA basketball player.Ellison was nicknamed "Never Nervous Pervis" for his play with the University of Louisville. At 6 ft 9 in and 242 lb, he started all four years as the center under coach Denny Crum...
– "Never Nervous Pervis" ( aka "Out of Service Pervis.") - Julius ErvingJulius ErvingJulius Winfield Erving II , commonly known by the nickname Dr. J, is a retired American basketball player who helped launch a modern style of play that emphasizes leaping and play above the rim....
– "Dr. J" - Derek FisherDerek FisherDerek Lamar Fisher is an American professional basketball point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . His NBA career has spanned more than 14 years, during which he has won five NBA Championships...
– "D-Fish" - Eric FloydSleepy FloydEric Augustus "Sleepy" Floyd is a retired American professional basketball player.A 6'3" guard, Floyd played competitively at Hunter Huss High School in Gastonia, and starred at Georgetown University before being drafted by the New Jersey Nets with the 13th pick of the 1982 NBA Draft...
– "Sleepy" - Clarence FrancisClarence FrancisClarence Francis was a business executive and internationally recognized expert on food.-Early life:He was born in New York City in 1888. Upon graduating from Amherst College in 1910 he went to New York City intending to apply for work at Standard Oil...
– "Bevo" - Steve FrancisSteve FrancisSteven D'Shawn Francis is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association. He had also played for the Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, and New York Knicks...
– "Stevie Franchise" - Walt FrazierWalt FrazierWalter "Clyde" Frazier is a retired American basketball player in the National Basketball Association . He was blessed with a unique combination of court vision, quickness, and size for a guard...
– "Clyde" (after the film Bonnie and ClydeBonnie and Clyde (film)The film was originally offered to François Truffaut, the best-known director of the New Wave movement, who made contributions to the script. He passed on the project to make Fahrenheit 451. The producers approached Jean-Luc Godard next...
, due to his flamboyant clothes) - Lloyd Bernard FreeWorld B. FreeWorld B. Free is an American former professional basketball player who played in the NBA from 1975–1988. Free was known as the "Prince of Midair" as well as "All-World".-Early years:...
– "World B. Free", "The Prince of Midair" - Harry Gallatin – "The Horse"
- Kevin GarnettKevin GarnettKevin Maurice Garnett is an American professional basketball player who currently plays power forward for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association . After a high school basketball career at Farragut Career Academy which included winning a national player of the year award, he...
– "Go-Go Gadget ArmsInspector GadgetInspector Gadget is an animated television series that revolves around the adventures of a clumsy, simple-witted cyborg detective named Inspector Gadget – a human being with various bionic gadgets built into his body. Gadget's arch-nemesis is Dr...
", "Big Ticket", "KG", "The Kid" - George GervinGeorge GervinGeorge "The Iceman" Gervin is a retired American professional basketball player who played in both the American Basketball Association and National Basketball Association for the Virginia Squires, San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls...
– "Iceberg Slim", "The Iceman", just "Ice" - Daniel GibsonDaniel GibsonDaniel Hiram Gibson is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA. His nickname, "Boobie," was given to him by his mother. He has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers ever since 2006 when he was drafted in the second round...
– "Boobie" - Armen GilliamArmen GilliamArmen Louis Gilliam nicknamed "The Hammer", was an American professional basketball player who played 13 years in the National Basketball Association from 1987–2000. He also played one season for the Pittsburgh Xplosion of the American Basketball Association...
- "The Hammer" - Artis GilmoreArtis GilmoreArtis Gilmore is a retired American Hall of Fame basketball player who played in the American Basketball Association and National Basketball Association...
– "A Train" - George GlamackGeorge GlamackGeorge Gregory Glamack was an American basketball player.The 6'7" giant, during that era, attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Glamack, an All-America in 1940 and 1941, was nicknamed the Blind Bomber because of his poor eyesight and remarkably accurate hook shot...
– "The Blind Bomber" (his eyesight was so poor that he had to look at the courtlines to determine how hard to shoot). - Ben Gordon – "Madison SquareMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
Gordon" - Boyd Grant – "Tiny"
- Travis GrantTravis GrantTravis Grant is a retired American professional basketball player. He is most known for being the all-time leading scorer in men's college basketball history while at Kentucky State University by amassing 4,045 points. Grant was a first round pick of the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1972 NBA Draft...
– "Machine Gun" - Darrell Griffith – "Dr. Dunkenstein"
- Robert GruenigRobert GruenigRobert F. "Ace" Gruenig was a United States amateur basketball player during the 1930s and 1940s.The 6 ft. 8 in. Gruenig is considered as one of the game's first great big men. The Chicago, Illinois native led his high school, Crane Tech, to the Chicago Public High School League championship...
– "Ace" - Tom GugliottaTom GugliottaThomas James Gugliotta is a former American professional basketball player....
– "Googs" - Harold Hairston – "Happy"
- Richard HamiltonRichard Hamilton (basketball)Richard "Rip" Hamilton is an American basketball player who currently plays for the Detroit Pistons. Hamilton is 6'7" tall, weighs 193 lbs , and plays shooting guard. He currently is the Pistons' team captain....
– "Rip" - Tom HammondsTom HammondsTom Edward Hammonds is a retired American professional basketball player and National Hot Rod Association drag racer. He was born in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and attended Crestview High School in Crestview, Florida....
– "The Terminator" - Anfernee HardawayPenny HardawayAnfernee Deon "Penny" Hardaway is a former American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association , specializing as a small forward, shooting guard, and point guard. His most productive years came in his days as a member of the Orlando Magic as well as the early...
– "Penny" (from his grandmother's Southern accent calling him "pretty") - John HavlicekJohn HavlicekJohn J. "Hondo" Havlicek is a retired American professional basketball player who competed for 16 seasons with the Boston Celtics, winning eight NBA titles, half of them coming in his first four seasons....
– "Hondo" (from Mel NowellMel NowellMel Nowell , was an American basketball player.Nowell played for The Ohio State University Buckeyes basketball team that won the 1960 NCAA championship. He played with three Hall of Famers and Hall of Fame Coach Fred Taylor...
, because of Havlicke's interest in Western novels and looking like John WayneJohn WayneMarion Mitchell Morrison , better known by his stage name John Wayne, was an American film actor, director and producer. He epitomized rugged masculinity and became an enduring American icon. He is famous for his distinctive calm voice, walk, and height...
in the filmHondo (film)Hondo is a movie that was made in 1953 by 3-D Warnercolor western film starring John Wayne, directed by John Farrow. The screenplay is based on the 1952 short story "The Gift of Cochise" by Louis L'Amour...
) - Elvin HayesElvin HayesElvin Ernest Hayes is a retired American basketball player and radio analyst for Houston Cougars men's basketball, where he played college basketball...
– "The Big E", "E" - Tommy Heinsohn – "Ack Ack" (from the sound of a machine gunMachine gunA machine gun is a fully automatic mounted or portable firearm, usually designed to fire rounds in quick succession from an ammunition belt or large-capacity magazine, typically at a rate of several hundred rounds per minute....
, since Heinsohn "never met a shot he didn't like or wouldn't take"), "Tommy Gun" - Grant HillGrant HillGrant Hill is the name of:* Grant Hill, American basketball player* Grant Hill , Canadian politician* Grant Hill, San Diego, California, an urban neighboorhood in central San Diego...
– "G", "G-money" - Darnell HillmanDarnell HillmanDarnell “Dr. Dunk” Hillman is a former professional basketball player.Hillman graduated from Hiram W. Johnson High School.The 6 ft 9 in forward played college basketball at San Jose State University...
– "Dr. Dunk" - Fred HoibergFred HoibergFredrick Kristian Hoiberg is the head men's basketball coach at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, where he grew up and had played college basketball...
– "The Mayor"; given to him by his Iowa State teammates because of his extraordinary popularity in the school's home city of Ames, IowaAmes, IowaAmes is a city located in the central part of the U.S. state of Iowa in Story County, and approximately north of Des Moines. The U.S. Census Bureau designates that Ames, Iowa metropolitan statistical area as encompassing all of Story County, and which, when combined with the Boone, Iowa...
, where he was raised - Lionel HollinsLionel Hollins-External links:***...
– "(The) L-Train" - William HolzmanRed HolzmanWilliam "Red" Holzman was an NBA basketball player and coach probably best known as the head coach of the New York Knicks from 1967 to 1982. Holzman helped lead the Knicks to two NBA Championships in 1970 and 1973, and was elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1985...
– "Red" - Robert HorryRobert HorryRobert Keith Horry Jr. is a retired American basketball player and current sports commentator. He played 16 seasons in the National Basketball Association , winning seven championships, the most of any player not to have played on the 1960s Boston Celtics...
– "Big Shot Rob" or "Big Shot Bob", "Cheap Shot Bob" - Dwight HowardDwight HowardDwight David Howard is an American basketball player for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association . Howard, who usually plays center but can also play power forward, had an outstanding high school career at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy...
– "Superman", "Foul on You", (for the large number of fouls called on Howard during the 2010 NBA Playoffs) "D12","Steel Man" "D Howard" - Rodney HundleyRod HundleyRodney Clark "Rod" Hundley is a former professional basketball player and television broadcaster. Hundley's life has revolved around the game of basketball. His love and talent for the game led him to achieve honors in high school and most notably during his college years...
– "Hot Rod" - Serge IbakaSerge IbakaSerge Jonas Ibaka Ngobila , commonly referred to as Serge Ibaka, is a professional Spanish basketball player of Congolese origin, playing the power forward position for Real Madrid of the Liga ACB. He is also under contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA, but is playing in Spain because...
- "Air Congo", "I-block-a", "Serge Protector" - Zydrunas IlgauskasŽydrunas IlgauskasŽydrūnas Ilgauskas , or "Big Z" , is a retired Lithuanian professional basketball center who played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association...
– "Z" - Dan IsselDan IsselDaniel Paul Issel is a retired American Hall of Fame professional basketball player and coach.-Collegiate playing career:...
– "The Horse" - Allen IversonAllen IversonAllen Ezail Iverson is an American professional basketball point guard and shooting guard. He was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the number one pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. He was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in the 1996–97 season...
– "The Answer", - LeBron JamesLeBron JamesLeBron Raymone James is an American professional basketball player for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association . Nicknamed "King James", he was a three-time "Mr. Basketball" of Ohio in high school, and was highly promoted in the national media as a future NBA superstar while a...
– "(The) L-Train", "King James", "The Akron Hammer", "(the) chosen one" - Dennis JohnsonDennis JohnsonDennis Wayne Johnson nicknamed "DJ", was an American professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association's Seattle SuperSonics, Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics and coach of the Los Angeles Clippers...
- "DJ" - Earvin JohnsonMagic JohnsonEarvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is a retired American professional basketball player who played point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . After winning championships in high school and college, Johnson was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA Draft by the Lakers...
– "Magic", "Buck", "E.J." - Gus JohnsonGus Johnson (basketball)Gus Johnson was a professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association . He spent nine seasons with the Baltimore Bullets, and a final season split between the Phoenix Suns and the Indiana Pacers of the ABA...
– "Honeycomb" - Larry Johnson – "Grandmama" (from his role in a series of Converse commercials in which he portrayed his own grandmother)
- Vinnie JohnsonVinnie JohnsonVincent "Vinnie" Johnson is a retired American professional basketball player and a key player as sixth man for the Detroit Pistons during the team's NBA championships of 1989 and 1990.-College basketball career:...
– "The Microwave" ("gets hot instantly") - Damon JonesDamon JonesDamon Darron Jones is an American professional basketball player. A 6'3" point guard–shooting guard, he played college basketball for three years with the University of Houston Cougars before declaring early for the 1997 NBA Draft, but he went undrafted.-High school career:Jones played for...
– "The World's Greatest Shooter" - Ronald JonesPopeye JonesRonald Jerome "Popeye" Jones is a retired American professional basketball player in the NBA. He is now an assistant coach for the New Jersey Nets....
– "Popeye" - Sam JonesSam Jones (basketball)Samuel Jones is a retired American professional basketball player at shooting guard and a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was known for his quickness and game-winning shots, especially during the NBA Playoffs...
– "The Shooter" - Michael JordanMichael JordanMichael Jeffrey Jordan is a former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats...
– "Air Jordan", "His Airness", "MJ" - Antoine Joubert – "The Judge"
- Greg KelserGreg KelserGregory Kelser is a retired American basketball player and current television color commentator. Kelser played in the NBA from 1979–1986 and is best known for his standout career at Michigan State....
– "Special K" - Shawn KempShawn KempShawn T. Kemp is a former American professional basketball player, who played in the National Basketball Association for 14 seasons. He was a six-time NBA All-Star and a three-time All-NBA Second Team member.-Early years:...
– "The Reignman" - Andrei KirilenkoAndrei Kirilenko (basketball)Andrei Gennadyevich Kirilenko is a Russian-American professional basketball player who plays at the small forward position for the CSKA Moscow in the Russian Professional Basketball League. He also plays for the Russia national basketball team...
– "AK47" - Toni KukocToni KukocToni Kukoč is a retired Croatian professional basketball player. He was renowned for his versatility and passing ability; although his natural position was small forward, he played all five positions on the court with prowess and demonstrated court vision and an outside shooting touch that were...
– "The Pink Panther" - Lafayette LeverLafayette LeverLafayette "Fat" Lever is a retired American professional basketball player in the NBA. He is currently the director of player development for the Sacramento Kings....
– "Fat" - Nancy LiebermanNancy LiebermanNancy Elizabeth Lieberman , nicknamed "Lady Magic", is a former professional basketball player who played and coached in the WNBA.Lieberman is regarded as one of the greatest figures in women's basketball....
– "Lady Magic" - Jim LoscutoffJim LoscutoffJames Loscutoff Jr. is a former professional basketball player for the NBA's Boston Celtics. A forward, Loscutoff played on seven Celtics championship teams between 1956 and 1964....
– "Jungle Jim" - Bob LoveBob LoveRobert ' Earl “Butterbean” Love is a retired American professional basketball player who spent the prime of his career with the NBA's Chicago Bulls...
– "Butterbean" - Ed MacauleyEd MacauleyCharles Edward "Ed" Macauley was a professional basketball player in the NBA. His playing nickname was "Easy Ed."...
– "Easy" - Jamal Magloire - "Big Cat"
- Dan MajerleDan MajerleDaniel Lewis Majerle is a retired American professional basketball player and currently an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns of the NBA. Known by his fans as "Downtown Dan," "Thunder Dan," and "Dan the Man," he played 14 years in the NBA, primarily with the Phoenix Suns, also with the Miami...
– "Thunder Dan" - Karl MaloneKarl MaloneKarl Anthony Malone , nicknamed "The Mailman", is a retired American professional basketball power forward who spent the majority of his career with the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association . Malone spent his first 18 seasons with the Jazz and formed a formidable duo with his teammate...
– "The Mailman" (because he always delivered) - Earl ManigaultEarl ManigaultEarl Manigault was a famous American street basketball player nicknamed "The Goat."-Early life and career:...
– "The Goat" - Pete MaravichPete MaravichPeter "Pistol Pete" Press Maravich was an American professional basketball player. Born and raised in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, Maravich starred in college at Louisiana State University and played for three NBA teams until injuries induced him to retire in 1980...
– "Pistol Pete" - Stephon MarburyStephon MarburyStephon Xavier Marbury is an American professional basketball player.The , point guard was selected out of the Georgia Institute of Technology by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 4th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, but was traded shortly thereafter to the Minnesota Timberwolves.He was an NBA...
– "Starbury" - Shawn MarionShawn MarionShawn Dwayne Marion is an American professional basketball player currently with the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association. Born in Waukegan, Illinois, Marion attended high school in Clarksville, Tennessee. Before transferring to the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Marion...
– "The Matrix" - Cedric MaxwellCedric MaxwellCedric Bryan Maxwell is a retired American professional basketball player now in radio broadcasting. Nicknamed "Cornbread", he played 11 seasons in the NBA, and played a key role in two championships with the Boston Celtics.-College career:Maxwell was a star forward/center for the Charlotte 49ers...
– "Cornbread" (after the title character in the film Cornbread, Earl and MeCornbread, Earl and MeCornbread, Earl and Me is a 1975 American drama film that stars Tierre Turner as Earl Carter, Laurence Fishburne as Wilford Robinson and Jamaal Wilkes as Nathaniel "Cornbread" Hamilton. It was directed and produced by Joseph Manduke...
) - Xavier McDanielXavier McDanielXavier Maurice McDaniel , nicknamed the X-Man, is a retired American National Basketball Association player who, at 6 ft 7 in, played both small forward and power forward, and former head coach of the Riders Slamball team.-College:While at Wichita State, McDaniel was the first person to...
– "The X-Man"; play on the initial of his first name with the X-MenX-MenThe X-Men are a superhero team in the . They were created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, and first appeared in The X-Men #1...
, a group of superheroSuperheroA superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
es - Tracy McGradyTracy McGradyTracy Lamar McGrady, Jr., is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Detroit Pistons.Entering the league after graduating from high school, McGrady eventually became a seven-time All-Star. He led the league in scoring in 2003 and 2004. He has also played for the Toronto...
– "T-Mac" - Dick McGuireDick McGuireRichard Joseph "Dick" McGuire was an American professional basketball player and coach.One of the premier guards of the 1950s, McGuire spent eleven seasons in the NBA , eight with the New York Knicks and three with the Detroit Pistons...
– "Tricky Dick" - Kevin McHaleKevin McHaleKevin Edward McHale is a retired American professional basketball player and current head coach of the Houston Rockets. After his playing career, he worked for the Minnesota Timberwolves as the team's general manager and later its coach. He was fired as coach in June 2009...
– "Herman MunsterHerman MunsterHerman Munster, 5th Earl of Shroudshire, is a fictional character in the CBS sitcom The Munsters, originally played by Fred Gwynne. The patriarch of the Munster household, Herman is an entity much like Frankenstein's monster along with Lurch on the show's competitor The Addams Family.Due to the...
", "The Black Hole" (because of his interest in shooting, once balls were passed to him, they never came back) - Dean MemingerDean MemingerDean Peter Meminger is an American basketball player and coach. Meminger starred at Rice High School in New York City. He attended Marquette University, where he played for coach Al McGuire...
– "The Dream" - Darko MilicicDarko MilicicDarko Miličić is a Serbian professional basketball center for the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association . He was selected by the Detroit Pistons as the second overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft after LeBron James, and ahead of players such as Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh,...
– "The Human Victory Cigar" (because his court appearances were at the end of routs) - Yao MingYao MingYao Ming is a retired Chinese professional basketball player who last played for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association...
– "Chairman Yao", "Shaquie Chan", "The Great Wall of Yao" - Harold MinerHarold MinerHarold David Miner is a retired American professional basketball player and two-time champion of the National Basketball Association Slam Dunk Contest. He attended college at the University of Southern California and was a star player on that school's men's basketball team...
– "Baby Jordan" - Bill MlkvyBill MlkvyWilliam P. "Bill" Mlkvy is a retired American professional basketball player who spent his one year career with the Philadelphia Warriors . Philadelphia selected Mlkvy with a territorial pick of the 1952 NBA Draft out of Temple University...
– "The Owl without a Vowel" - Earl MonroeEarl MonroeVernon Earl Monroe is an American former professional basketball player known for his flamboyant dribbling, passing, and play-making. His nicknames is "Earl the Pearl".-Early years:...
– "Black Magic", "Earl the Pearl", "Black Jesus" - Donatas MotiejunasDonatas MotiejunasDonatas Motiejūnas is a Lithuanian professional basketball player. He plays the power forward and center positions. He is nicknamed "D-Mo" by Houston Rockets fans. Motiejūnas was selected twentieth overall in the 2011 NBA Draft....
– "D-Mo" - Alonzo MourningAlonzo MourningAlonzo Harding Mourning, Jr. is a former American professional basketball player, who played most of his 15-year NBA career for the Miami Heat....
– "Zo" - Charles MurphyStretch MurphyCharles C. "Stretch" Murphy is a former American basketball player.-Playing career:Charles Murphy played competitive basketball at Marion High School , located in Marion, Indiana. The All-State player led his school to the Indiana state championship in 1926 during his senior year...
– "Stretch" - Harry Narcisian – "The Horse"
- Steve NashSteve NashStephen John "Steve" Nash, OC, OBC is a South African-born Canadian professional basketball player who plays point guard for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association . Nash enjoyed a successful high-school basketball career, and he was eventually given a scholarship by Santa Clara...
– "Hair Canada" - Fred NealFred NealFred "Curly" Neal is an American basketball player best known for his career with the Harlem Globetrotters. Following in the footsteps of Marques Haynes, Neal became the Trotters' featured ballhandler, a key role in the team's exhibition act....
– "Curly" - Jameer NelsonJameer NelsonJameer Nelson is an American professional basketball player for the Orlando Magic of the NBA. He played college basketball at Saint Joseph's University and was drafted in the first round of the 2004 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets but was traded to the Orlando Magic, where he has played for his...
– "Mighty Mouse", "Crib Midget" - Dirk NowitzkiDirk NowitzkiDirk Werner Nowitzki is a German professional basketball player who plays for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association...
– "German Wunderkind " - Lamar OdomLamar OdomLamar Joseph Odom is an American professional basketball forward with the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association.-Early life:...
– "The Candy Man" - Shaquille O'NealShaquille O'NealShaquille Rashaun O'Neal , nicknamed "Shaq" , is a former American professional basketball player. Standing tall and weighing , he was one of the heaviest players ever to play in the NBA...
– "Shaq", "Shaq Daddy", "Shaq Fu", "Diesel", "The Big AristotleAristotleAristotle was a Greek philosopher and polymath, a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. His writings cover many subjects, including physics, metaphysics, poetry, theater, music, logic, rhetoric, linguistics, politics, government, ethics, biology, and zoology...
", "Superman", "MDE" (Most Dominant Ever), "The Big Maravich", "The Big Felon", "The Big Cactus", "The Big Cordially", "Big Shamrock" - Hakeem OlajuwonHakeem OlajuwonHakeem Abdul Olajuwon is a retired Nigerian-American professional basketball player. From 1984 to 2002, he played the center position in the National Basketball Association for the Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors. He led the Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. In 2008,...
– "The Dream" (by Dick VitaleDick VitaleRichard J. "Dick" Vitale , also known as "Dickie V", is an American basketball sportscaster. A former head coach in the college and professional ranks, he is well-known as a college basketball broadcaster and for the enthusiastic and colorful remarks he makes during games. He is known for his...
during his freshman year at the University of HoustonUniversity of HoustonThe University of Houston is a state research university, and is the flagship institution of the University of Houston System. Founded in 1927, it is Texas's third-largest university with nearly 40,000 students. Its campus spans 667 acres in southeast Houston, and was known as University of...
) - Michael OlowokandiMichael OlowokandiMichael Olowokandi is a retired Nigerian British professional basketball center who played in the American National Basketball Association from 1998 to 2007....
– "Kandi Man" - William ParkerSmush ParkerWilliam Henry "Smush" Parker is an American professional basketball player. Parker played shooting guard in college but moved to point guard in the NBA...
– "Smush" - Robert ParishRobert ParishRobert Lee Parish is a retired American basketball center. He was known for his strong defense and jump shooting, and was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003...
– "The Chief" (after the mute, expressionless character in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's NestOne Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (film)One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a 1975 American drama film directed by Miloš Forman and based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Ken Kesey....
) - Ruben PattersonRuben PattersonRuben Nathaniel Patterson is a former American professional basketball player. During his career, he played as a small forward and shooting guard. During his college career at the University of Cincinnati, Patterson earned third-team All-American honors and helped lead the Bearcats to Conference...
– "The Kobe Stopper" - Chris PaulChris PaulChristopher Emmanuel Paul is an American professional basketball point guard for the New Orleans Hornets.Paul was born and raised in North Carolina. Despite only playing two varsity basketball seasons in high school, he was a McDonald's All-American and accepted a scholarship with nearby Wake...
– "CP3" - Billy PaultzBilly PaultzWilliam Edward "Bill" Paultz is a retired American professional basketball player.Paultz played college basketball at Saint John's University and was selected in the seventh round of the 1970 NBA Draft by the San Diego Rockets and by the Virginia Squires in the 1970 ABA Draft. Paultz opted to...
– "The Whopper" - Gary PaytonGary PaytonGary Dwayne Payton is a former American professional basketball point guard. He is best known for his 13-year tenure with the Seattle SuperSonics, and holds Seattle franchise records in points, assists, and steals...
– "The Glove" (for his defensive play – (his defense "held" opponents like a "baseball in a glove")) - Sam PerkinsSam PerkinsSamuel Perkins is a retired American professional basketball player, also known by the nicknames "Sleepy Sam" and "Big Smooth." He attended Samuel J. Tilden High School, Shaker High School and the University of North Carolina, where he was a teammate of Michael Jordan...
– "Big Smooth" - Elliot PerryElliot PerryElliot Lamonte Perry is a retired American professional basketball player in the NBA.The 6'0" point guard from Memphis State University , was selected with the tenth pick of the second round by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1991 NBA Draft...
– "Socks" (because he always wore his socks to his knees) - Chuck PersonChuck PersonChuck Connors Person is a retired American National Basketball Association player and current assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers.-High school and college:...
– "The Rifleman" (who's full name is Chuck ConnorsChuck ConnorsChuck Connors was an American actor, writer, and professional basketball and baseball player. His best known role from his forty-year film career was Lucas McCain in the 1960s ABC hit Western series The Rifleman....
Person, because his mom was a fan of The RiflemanThe RiflemanThe Rifleman is an American Western television program that starred Chuck Connors as homesteader Lucas McCain and Johnny Crawford as his son, Mark McCain. It was set in the 1880s in the town of North Fork, New Mexico Territory. The show, filmed in black-and-white with a half hour running time, ran...
). - Paul PiercePaul PiercePaul Anthony Pierce , nicknamed The Truth, is an American professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics of the NBA. He earned First Team All-America honors in his junior year at Kansas, and has been a starter every season since being selected by the Celtics with the 10th overall pick in the...
– "The Truth", - Ricky PierceRicky PierceRicky Charles Pierce is a retired American National Basketball Association player.-Playing career:...
– "Big Paper Daddy" - Jim Pollard – "Kangaroo Kid"
- Kevin Porter – "Little Drummer Boy"
- Vitaly PotapenkoVitaly PotapenkoVitaly Nikolaevich Potapenko is a Ukrainian former professional basketball player. He played college basketball at Wright State University and was selected 12th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1996 NBA Draft...
– "Ukraine Train" - Bryant ReevesBryant ReevesBryant Reeves is an American retired professional basketball player for the NBA's Vancouver Grizzlies...
– "Big Country" - Jerome RichardsonJerome RichardsonJerome Richardson was an American jazz musician, tenor saxophonist, and flute player, who also played alto sax, baritone sax, clarinet and piccolo...
– "Pooh" - Mike RiordanMike RiordanMichael W. Riordan is an American former professional basketball player.A 6'4" guard/forward from Holy Cross High School and Providence College, Riordan played 9 seasons in the National Basketball Association as a member of the New York Knicks and Baltimore/Capital/Washington Bullets...
– "Rags" - Glenn Rivers – "Doc"
- David RobinsonDavid Robinson (basketball)David Maurice Robinson is a retired American NBA basketball player, who played center for the San Antonio Spurs for his entire NBA career. Based on his prior service as an officer in the United States Navy, Robinson earned the nickname "The Admiral". He and teammate power forward Tim Duncan were...
– "The Admiral" (for his stint in the U.S. Navy) - Glenn RobinsonGlenn RobinsonGlenn A. "Big Dog" Robinson is a retired American professional basketball player in the NBA. He last played during the 2004–05 season.-Early life:...
– "Big Dog" - Len Robinson – "Truck"
- Nate RobinsonNate RobinsonNathaniel Cornelius Robinson is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder...
– "KyptoNate" (His NBA dunk contest theme), "Donkey"(from Nate Robinson and Glen Davis post-game interview) - Oscar RobertsonOscar RobertsonOscar Palmer Robertson , nicknamed "The Big O", is a former American NBA player with the Cincinnati Royals and the Milwaukee Bucks...
– "The Big O" (coming from the James ThurberJames ThurberJames Grover Thurber was an American author, cartoonist and celebrated wit. Thurber was best known for his cartoons and short stories published in The New Yorker magazine.-Life:...
story, "The Disappearing O") - Dennis RodmanDennis RodmanDennis Keith Rodman is a retired American Hall of Fame professional basketball player of the National Basketball Association's Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, he was nicknamed "Dennis the Menace" and "The...
– "The Worm" (for his wriggling when he played pinball) - Wayne Rollins – "Tree"
- Arvydas SabonisArvydas SabonisArvydas Romas Sabonis is a retired Lithuanian professional basketball player and a businessman. He was an eight-time European Player of the Year, winning the Euroscar Award six times, and the Mr...
– "Sabas" - John SalleyJohn SalleyJohn Thomas "Spider" Salley is a retired American professional basketball player, actor and talk show host. He was the first player in NBA history to play on three different championship-winning franchises....
– "Spider" - Tom Sanders – "Satch" or "Satch Sanders"
- Jon ScheyerJon ScheyerJonathan James "Jon" Scheyer is an American-Israeli professional basketball player. He plays shooting guard for Maccabi Tel Aviv of the Israeli Super League in that competition, the Adriatic League, and the Euroleague...
– "The Jewish Jordan" - Ralph Siewert – "Sky", and later "Timber"
- James Silas – "Captain Late" (because he was at his best near the end of games)
- Bobby SmithBingo SmithRobert "Bingo" Smith was a Forward/Guard for the San Diego Rockets , Cleveland Cavaliers and San Diego Clippers . He helped the Cavaliers win the 1975-76 NBA Central Division....
– "Bingo" - Craig SmithCraig SmithCraig Smith is an American professional basketball player who was most recently member of the Los Angeles Clippers...
– "Rhino" - Josh SmithJosh SmithJosh Smith is an American professional basketball player with the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA. Josh is one of five kids born to Paulette and Pete Smith. His siblings are Walter, Phebe, Kasola and Shanti. His popular nickname is "J-Smoove".Smith attended John McEachern High School. For his senior...
– "J-Smoove" - Larry SmithLarry Smith (basketball)Larry Smith is a former American professional basketball player. A 6'8" forward/center from Alcorn State University, Smith spent 13 seasons in the National Basketball Association , playing for the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs...
– "Mr. Mean" - Latrell SprewellLatrell SprewellLatrell Fontaine Sprewell is a former American professional basketball player. During his time as a professional, Sprewell was named to the NBA All-Star game during four seasons, and played for the Golden State Warriors, the New York Knicks, and the Minnesota Timberwolves...
– "Spree" - Dave StallworthDave StallworthDavid A. Stallworth is a retired American professional basketball player.A 6'7" forward/center from Dallas Madison High School and Wichita State University, Stallworth played eight seasons in the National Basketball Association as a member of the New York Knicks and Baltimore/Capital Bullets...
– "The Rave" - Amar'e Stoudemire – "STAT (Standing Tall and Talented)"
- Damon StoudamireDamon StoudamireDamon Lamon Stoudamire is a retired American professional basketball player who is currently an assistant coach for the Memphis Tigers men's basketball team. The , point guard was selected with the 7th overall pick by the Toronto Raptors in the 1995 NBA Draft and won the 1995–96 NBA Rookie of the...
– "Mighty Mouse"" - Isiah ThomasIsiah ThomasIsiah Lord Thomas III , nicknamed "Zeke",is the men's basketball coach for the FIU Golden Panthers, and a retired American professional basketball player who played point guard for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association from 1981 until 1994. He led the "Bad Boys" to the NBA...
– "Zeke", "Cuts" (for the cuts he would suffer while driving the lane), "The Baby-Faced Assassin" (for his young appearance contrasted with his shooting skill) - Kurt ThomasKurt ThomasKurt Thomas is the name of:* Kurt Thomas , NBA player* Kurt Thomas , American gymnast*Kurt Thomas...
- "Big Sexy" - David ThompsonDavid Thompson (basketball)David O'Neil Thompson is a former American professional basketball star with the Denver Nuggets of both the National Basketball Association and American Basketball Association , as well as the Seattle SuperSonics...
– "The Skywalker" - Sedale ThreattSedale ThreattSedale Eugene Threatt is a retired American basketball player in the NBA. He played college basketball at the West Virginia Institute of Technology from 1979 to 1983...
– "The Thief" - Andrew ToneyAndrew ToneyAndrew Toney is an American former professional basketball player who played for the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers from 1980 to 1988...
– "The Boston StranglerBoston StranglerThe Boston Strangler is a name attributed to the murderer of several women in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, in the early 1960s. Though the crimes were attributed to Albert DeSalvo, investigators of the case have since suggested the murders were not committed by one person.-First Stage...
" (because he kept "killing" the Boston CelticsBoston CelticsThe Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
in big games) - Robert TraylorRobert TraylorRobert DeShaun "Tractor" Traylor was an American professional basketball player.-High school and college:...
– "Tractor Traylor" - Melvin TurpinMelvin TurpinMelvin Harrison "Mel" Turpin was an American professional basketball player.-Basketball career:A 6'11" center, Turpin was born in Lexington, Kentucky and attended Fork Union Military Academy in Fork Union, Virginia from 1979–80...
– "Golden Arches" - Nick Van ExelNick Van ExelNickey Maxwell "Nick" Van Exel is a retired American professional basketball player and currently an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks...
– "Nasty Nick", "Nick Van Excellent", "Nick the Quick" - Anderson VarejaoAnderson VarejãoAnderson França Varejão is a Brazilian professional basketball player, who currently plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He won the gold medal with Brazil at the 2003 Pan American Games.-1998–2001 :...
– "Wild Thing" - Sasha VujacicSasha VujacicAleksandar "Sasha" Vujačić is a Slovenian basketball player who has played in Italy, the United States , and more recently for Anadolu Efes S.K. in Turkey...
– "The Machine" - Dwyane WadeDwyane WadeDwyane Tyrone Wade, Jr. nicknamed Flash or D-Wade, is an American professional basketball player for the Miami Heat. Awarded 2006 Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated, Wade has established himself as one of the most well-known and popular players in the league...
– "Flash", "D-Wade" - Chet WalkerChet WalkerChester "Chet" Walker is a former pro basketball player.Walker played high school basketball for the Benton Harbor High School boys basketball team. He graduated from Bradley University in 1962 as the school's all-time leading scorer. The Bradley Braves won the NIT Championship in 1957 and 1960...
– "The Jet" - Clarence WalkerFoots WalkerClarence "Foots" Walker is a former professional basketball player. A 6' 0" guard from Vincennes University and the school now known as the University of West Georgia, Walker spent ten seasons in the NBA, playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New Jersey Nets...
– "Foots" - Ben WallaceBen WallaceBen Camey Wallace is an American basketball center for the Detroit Pistons of the NBA. A native of Alabama, Wallace attended Cuyahoga Community College and Virginia Union University and signed with the Washington Bullets as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
– "Big Ben" - Zach RandolphZach RandolphZachary Randolph , nicknamed Z-Bo, is an American professional basketball player currently with the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA...
– "Z-Bo" - Rasheed WallaceRasheed WallaceRasheed Abdul Wallace is a retired American professional basketball power forward and center who played from 1995 to 2010 in the National Basketball Association...
– "Sheed" - Donald Watts – "Slick"
- Nick WeatherspoonNick WeatherspoonNick Levoter Weatherspoon was an American professional basketball player. He was a 6' 7" small forward....
– "Spoon" - Anthony WebbSpud WebbAnthony Jerome Webb , also known as Spud Webb, is a retired American NBA professional basketball point guard most notable for winning a slam dunk contest despite being one of the shortest NBA players in the history of the league...
– "Spud" (from a cousin who thought his head looked like Sputnik) - Chris WebberChris WebberMayce Edward Christopher "Chris" Webber, III , nicknamed C-Webb, is a retired American professional basketball player. He is a five-time NBA All-Star, a former All-NBA First Teamer, a former NBA Rookie of the Year, and a former #1 overall NBA Draftee...
– "C-Webb" - Marvin WebsterMarvin WebsterMarvin Nathaniel Webster was an American professional basketball player. Nicknamed "The Human Eraser" and "Marvin the Magnificent", he played one season in the American Basketball Association and nine in the National Basketball Association with the Denver Nuggets , Seattle SuperSonics , New York...
– "Human Eraser" (for his shot blocking abilities) - Jerry WestJerry WestJerry Alan West is a retired American basketball player who played his entire professional career for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . His nicknames include "Mr...
– "Mr. Clutch", "The Logo", "Zeke from Cabin Creek" (the town of Chelyan, West VirginiaChelyan, West VirginiaChelyan is an unincorporated census-designated place in Kanawha County, West Virginia, United States. Chelyan is located on the south bank of the Kanawha River southeast of Chesapeake. It is served by Exit 85 of the West Virginia Turnpike. As of the 2010 census, its population was 776.Former NBA...
, where West was born, was too small to have a post office so his mail was delivered to Cabin CreekCabin Creek, West VirginiaCabin Creek is an unincorporated community in Kanawha County, West Virginia, United States. Cabin Creek is located on the south bank of the Kanawha River, southeast of Chesapeake. It was the site of an early African-American community in the late nineteenth century. A notable resident was Adam...
) "Mr. Logo" - James WilliamsFly WilliamsJames "Fly" Williams is a retired American professional basketball player. He once scored 100 points in an IS8 League a game in 1978.-Early life:...
– "Fly" - Deron WilliamsDeron WilliamsDeron Michael Williams , nicknamed D-Will, is an American basketball player currently with the New Jersey Nets of the National Basketball Association . Williams has also played for the Utah Jazz of the NBA and Beşiktaş of the Turkish Basketball League...
-"D-Will" - Jason Williams – "White Chocolate"
- Jerome WilliamsJerome WilliamsJerome Williams is a former professional basketball player in the NBA, who last played for the New York Knicks. He was a star player on the Magruder High School basketball team...
– "The Junkyard Dog" (by Rick MahornRick MahornDerrick Allen Mahorn is a retired American NBA basketball player who, at 6'10", played power forward and center...
, for his hard work and hustle) - John Williams – "Hot Rod"
- Jamaal WilkesJamaal WilkesJamaal Wilkes is a retired American basketball player who played the small forward position and won four NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. Wilkes was also a key player in the run of NCAA championships accumulated during the John Wooden era of UCLA basketball...
– "Silk" - Dominique WilkinsDominique WilkinsJacques Dominique Wilkins is a retired American professional basketball player who primarily played for the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA...
– "The Human Highlight Reel", "Nique" - Corliss Williamson – "Big Nasty"
- Bill WilloughbyBill WilloughbyWilliam 'Poodle' Wesley Willoughby is a retired American professional basketball player. After graduating from Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood, he was selected by the Atlanta Hawks in the 1975 NBA Draft as the first pick in the second round , bypassing college for a chance to play...
– "Poodles" - John WoodenJohn WoodenJohn Robert Wooden was an American basketball player and coach. Nicknamed the "Wizard of Westwood", he won ten NCAA national championships in a 12-year period — seven in a row — as head coach at UCLA, an unprecedented feat. Within this period, his teams won a record 88 consecutive games...
– "The India Rubber Man" (while playing, because he seemed to bounce off the floor while diving for loose balls) - James WorthyJames WorthyJames Ager Worthy is a retired Hall of Fame American college and professional basketball player. Named as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, "Big Game James" was a seven-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA champion...
– "Big Game James" - Max ZaslofskyMax ZaslofskyMax "Slats" Zaslofsky was an American professional basketball player and coach.-Biography:Zaslofsky attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, and St. John's University. He was Jewish....
– "Slats"
Coaches
- Arnold AuerbachRed AuerbachArnold Jacob "Red" Auerbach was an American basketball coach of the Washington Capitols, the Tri-Cities Blackhawks and the Boston Celtics. After he retired from coaching, he served as president and front office executive of the Celtics until his death...
– "Red" - Jim Breeden – "Brick"
- Forrest Cox – "Frosty"
- Clarence GainesClarence GainesClarence Edward "Big House" Gaines, Sr. was a college men's basketball coach with a 47-year coaching career at Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.-Early years:...
– "Big House" - Boyd Grant – "Tiny"
- William HolzmanRed HolzmanWilliam "Red" Holzman was an NBA basketball player and coach probably best known as the head coach of the New York Knicks from 1967 to 1982. Holzman helped lead the Knicks to two NBA Championships in 1970 and 1973, and was elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1985...
– "Red" - Allan Hower – "The Horse"
- Dan IsselDan IsselDaniel Paul Issel is a retired American Hall of Fame professional basketball player and coach.-Collegiate playing career:...
– "The Horse" - Phil JacksonPhil JacksonPhilip Douglas "Phil" Jackson is a retired American professional basketball coach and player. Jackson is widely considered one of the greatest coaches in the history of the National Basketball Association . His reputation was established as head coach of the Chicago Bulls from 1989 through 1998;...
– "Zen Master" - Alvin Julian – "Doggie"
- Ward LambertWard LambertWard Louis "Piggy" Lambert was an American college men's basketball coach. He was born in Deadwood, South Dakota. In 1890, Lambert and his family moved to Crawfordsville, Indiana. He played basketball at Crawfordsville High School and Wabash College, both under coach Ralph Jones, who himself...
– "Piggy" (because he wore his hair in pigtailsPigtailsIn the context of hairstyles, the usage of the term pigtail shows considerable variation. According to most dictionaries, a pigtail is a braid of tightly woven hair. The name is based on the short, thin and kinked tail of a pig, referring to the way a short, tight braid may stand out from the...
as a youngster) - Harry Narcisian – "The Horse"
- Russell Walseth – "Sox"
- John WoodenJohn WoodenJohn Robert Wooden was an American basketball player and coach. Nicknamed the "Wizard of Westwood", he won ten NCAA national championships in a 12-year period — seven in a row — as head coach at UCLA, an unprecedented feat. Within this period, his teams won a record 88 consecutive games...
– "The Wizard of Westwood" (as a coach) - Greg Popovich - "Coach Pop"
College
- Saint Joseph's Hawks men's basketballSaint Joseph's Hawks men's basketballThe Saint Joseph's Hawks men's basketball team represents Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Its home court is the Hagan Arena. The team's only Final Four appearance in 1961 was removed from the NCAA records due to a gambling scandal. Through...
, 1934–38 – "Mighty Mites" - Utah Utes men's basketball team, 1943–44 – "Blitz Kids" (freshmen Arnie FerrinArnie FerrinC. Arnold Ferrin Jr. is a retired American basketball player in college and the BAA and NBA.Ferrin attended high school in Ogden, Utah. In college with the University of Utah, he won the NCAA Basketball Tournament Most Outstanding Player award in 1944 when they won the championship over Dartmouth...
, Herb WilkinsonHerb WilkinsonHerbert Leroy "Herb" Wilkinson was an American college basketball player who won the 1944 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament as a freshman while playing for Utah, then transferred to Iowa as a sophomore and became a three-time All-American.-Early life:Wilkinson was born in Salt Lake City,...
, Wat Misaka, Bob Lewis, Dick Smuin, Bill Kastlic and sophomore Fred SheffieldFred SheffieldFrederick Jolley Sheffield was an American basketball player. He won an NCAA championship with the University of Utah in 1944 and played one season for the Philadelphia Warriors in the Basketball Association of America .Sheffield, a 6'2 forward and center, played for Utah and, as a sophomore, was...
) - Kentucky Wildcats men's basketballKentucky Wildcats men's basketballThe Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team, representing the University of Kentucky, is the winningest in the history of college basketball, both in all-time wins and all-time winning percentage. Kentucky's all-time record currently stands at 2058–647...
in the late 1940s – "Fabulous Five" (Alex GrozaAlex GrozaAlex John Groza was an American professional basketball player from Martins Ferry, Ohio who was banned from the NBA for life in 1951 for point shaving...
, Ralph BeardRalph BeardRalph Milton Beard Jr. was an American collegiate and professional basketball player. He was born in Hardinsburg, Kentucky. Beard was a member of Adolph Rupp's "Fabulous Five" University of Kentucky basketball team...
, Wallace JonesWallace JonesWallace "Wah Wah" Clayton Jones is a retired American professional basketball player. He played in the National Basketball Association from 1949 to 1952 with the Indianapolis Olympians....
, Cliff BarkerCliff BarkerClifford "Cliff" Eugene Barker was a basketball player from the United States, who won the gold medal with the USA national basketball team at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, United Kingdom.-References:...
and Ken Rollins). - University of Houston men's basketballHouston Cougars men's basketballThe Houston Cougars men's basketball team represents the University of Houston in Houston, Texas in U.S. NCAA Division I men's basketball competition. The university is a member of Conference USA...
from 1982 to 1984 – "Phi Slama Jama" (led by Hakeem OlajuwonHakeem OlajuwonHakeem Abdul Olajuwon is a retired Nigerian-American professional basketball player. From 1984 to 2002, he played the center position in the National Basketball Association for the Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors. He led the Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. In 2008,...
and Clyde DrexlerClyde DrexlerClyde Austin "Clyde The Glide" Drexler is a former National Basketball Association shooting guard and small forward. A ten-time All-Star and member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, the NBA named him one of basketball's fifty greatest players as of 1996. Drexler won an Olympic gold medal in 1992 and...
) - Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, 1992–93 – "Fab FiveFab Five (University of Michigan)The Fab Five was the nickname for a 1991 University of Michigan men's basketball team recruitment class that is considered by some to be "the greatest class ever recruited." The class consisted of Detroit natives Chris Webber and Jalen Rose, Chicago native Juwan Howard, and Texas high school...
" (Chris WebberChris WebberMayce Edward Christopher "Chris" Webber, III , nicknamed C-Webb, is a retired American professional basketball player. He is a five-time NBA All-Star, a former All-NBA First Teamer, a former NBA Rookie of the Year, and a former #1 overall NBA Draftee...
, Jalen RoseJalen RoseJalen Anthony Rose is a retired American professional basketball player, who currently works as a sports analyst for the sports television network ESPN...
, Juwan HowardJuwan HowardJuwan Antonio Howard is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association . The Heat were his eighth different NBA team. He was drafted fifth overall in the 1994 NBA Draft by the Washington Bullets...
, Jimmy KingJimmy KingJimmy Hal King is a retired American professional basketball player in the NBA.-College career:He was part of the famed University of Michigan Wolverines Fab Five along with Ray Jackson, current NBA player Juwan Howard, and former NBA players Chris Webber and Jalen Rose, that reached the 1992 and...
, Ray JacksonRay JacksonRay Jackson is a retired American college and professional basketball player. He was part of the famed University of Michigan Wolverines Fab Five along with former NBA players Chris Webber, Jimmy King, Jalen Rose and current NBA player Juwan Howard that reached the 1992 & 1993 NCAA Men's Division...
) - University of Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team, 1995–96 – "The Untouchables" (Tony DelkTony DelkTony Lorenzo Delk is an American former professional basketball player and current assistant coach for the New Mexico State Aggies men's basketball team. He was team leader of the 1996 University of Kentucky Wildcats team that won the 1996 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament...
, Antoine WalkerAntoine WalkerAntoine Devon Walker is an American professional basketball player who most recently played for the Idaho Stampede of the NBA Development League...
) - University of Illinois men's basketball from 1988 to 1989 – "Flyin' Illini" (led by Kenny BattleKenny BattleKenneth R. "Kenny" Battle is an American retired professional basketball player.-High school career:...
, Nick AndersonNick AndersonNelison "Nick" Anderson is a former American professional basketball player. He attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for two years, playing on the team that reached the NCAA Final Four in 1989. That Fighting Illini team gained the moniker "Flyin' Illini" by Dick Vitale while...
, Kendall GillKendall GillKendall Cedric Gill is a retired American professional basketball player, now a sports analyst for Comcast Sports Net and the Big Ten Network.-Early life:...
, and Stephen BardoStephen BardoStephen Dean "Steve" Bardo is a retired American professional basketball player, in the shooting guard position.-Basketball career:...
)
Professional
- Boston CelticsBoston CelticsThe Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
- "The Big Three" (Larry BirdLarry BirdLarry Joe Bird is a former American NBA basketball player and coach. Drafted into the NBA sixth overall by the Boston Celtics in 1978, Bird started at small forward and power forward for thirteen seasons, spearheading one of the NBA's most formidable frontcourts that included center Robert Parish...
, Kevin McHaleKevin McHaleKevin Edward McHale is a retired American professional basketball player and current head coach of the Houston Rockets. After his playing career, he worked for the Minnesota Timberwolves as the team's general manager and later its coach. He was fired as coach in June 2009...
and Robert ParishRobert ParishRobert Lee Parish is a retired American basketball center. He was known for his strong defense and jump shooting, and was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003...
) - "The Boston Three Party" (Ray AllenRay AllenWalter Ray Allen is an American professional basketball player who is currently playing for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association. He has played professionally for the Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle SuperSonics, and the Boston Celtics; and collegiately for the University of...
, Kevin GarnettKevin GarnettKevin Maurice Garnett is an American professional basketball player who currently plays power forward for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association . After a high school basketball career at Farragut Career Academy which included winning a national player of the year award, he...
and Paul PiercePaul PiercePaul Anthony Pierce , nicknamed The Truth, is an American professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics of the NBA. He earned First Team All-America honors in his junior year at Kansas, and has been a starter every season since being selected by the Celtics with the 10th overall pick in the...
– also called "The Big Three")
- "The Big Three" (Larry Bird
- Dallas MavericksDallas MavericksThe Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011...
– "The Big Three" (Steve NashSteve NashStephen John "Steve" Nash, OC, OBC is a South African-born Canadian professional basketball player who plays point guard for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association . Nash enjoyed a successful high-school basketball career, and he was eventually given a scholarship by Santa Clara...
, Dirk NowitzkiDirk NowitzkiDirk Werner Nowitzki is a German professional basketball player who plays for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association...
and Michael FinleyMichael FinleyMichael Howard Finley is a retired American professional basketball player. He last played for the Boston Celtics of the NBA.-High school career:...
) - Detroit PistonsDetroit PistonsThe Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where...
– The "Bad Boys" - Golden State WarriorsGolden State WarriorsThe Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
, during the 1990s – "Run-TMC" (after the hip-hop group Run–D.M.C., for Tim HardawayTim HardawayTimothy Duane "Tim" Hardaway is a retired American basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association and who in his prime was one of the league's best point guards...
, Mitch RichmondMitch RichmondMitchell James "Mitch" Richmond is a retired American professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association. He played collegiately at Kansas State University. He was a 6-time NBA All-Star, a 5-time All-NBA Team member and a former NBA Rookie of the Year...
and Chris MullinChris Mullin (basketball)Christopher Paul Mullin is a retired American basketball player and former general manager of the NBA's Golden State Warriors. He has also been elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame....
) - Los Angeles LakersLos Angeles LakersThe Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
, during the 1980s – "Showtime" - Portland Trail BlazersPortland Trail BlazersThe Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
– "Jail Blazers", "Rip City" (the city of Portland) - Denver NuggetsDenver NuggetsThe Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams...
– "Hot Sauce", Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson when he was on the team
International
- United States men's national basketball team, 19921992 United States men's Olympic basketball teamThe 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team, nicknamed the "Dream Team", was the first American Olympic team to feature active NBA players. Often considered one of the strongest teams assembled in any sport, it defeated its opponents by an average of almost 44 points en route to the gold ...
– "The Dream Team" - United States men's national basketball team, 2008 – The Redeem Team"
- Canada men's national basketball team – "The Road Warriors"
- Spain national basketball teamSpain national basketball teamThe Spanish national basketball team is the basketball team representing Spain in international competitions, organized and run by the Spanish Basketball Federation...
– La ÑBA - Turkey national basketball teamTurkey national basketball teamThe Turkish national basketball team is the basketball section that represents Turkey in international competitions. The team is nicknamed "12 Dev Adam" ....
– Oniki Dev Adam ("12 Giant Men")