Top 15 NBA Nicknames

*Fan Submission by Jason Whitney of www.sports-kings.com on the best nicknames in the NBA. Follow them on Twitter @realsportskings and Like on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sports-Kings/204264029597811.*

Nicknames are much more prevalent in the NBA than other sports. Not to say there isn’t good nicknames in other sports, but the NBA has been the leader in this department for quite some time. It seems as soon as a great player touches the hardwood, it becomes just a matter of time before a nickname is coined for him. A great nickname stands by a player, and adds to his mystique. Often times these players gain nicknames when they’re young hoopsters playing pickup ball at the park. Whether it be at the legendary New York City playgrounds and parks,  the backyards of the midwest, or the sunny black top courts of California, one thing basketball has in common everywhere, is the nickname.

When you think of Michael Jordan, you think, “Air Jordan.” When you hear the name Shaquille O’Neal, well, you think of a plethora of nicknames. Point being, you generally associate ballers with nicknames. With that said, I’m also not a fan of the first initial, added to the last name, nickname so keep that in mind when you don’t see D-Will, or D-Rose, or CP3 on the list.  So, without further ado here is currently the best nicknames in the NBA! ENJOY!

Honorable Mention

Anthony Davis – ‘The Brow”

Glen Davis- “Big Baby”

Aaron Afflalo– “Afflalo Creed”

Monta Ellis– “The Mississippi Bullet”

Richard Hamilton– “Rip”

Ray Allen– “Jesus Shuttlesworth”

Dwight Howard – “Superman”

15.) Vince Carter – “Air Canada”

I know, he hardly goes by this nickname anymore, but there was a time when Vince was “The Human Highlight Reel.” Sad to see him fall from the graces of the NBA elite, at least in terms of jumping ability. Parallels to Dominique Wilkins.

14.) David Lee – “Da White Howard”

I love this nickname. I’m sure not many people know about David Lee’s nickname, but it’s a funny one. His game doesn’t resemble the pun nickname of Dwight Howard, but his stats sure reflect it. Lee has Golden State in position to make its first playoff appearance since the 2006-2007 NBA year. With a young team assembled, the Warriors should be fun to watch for a while.

13.) Shawn Marion – “The Matrix”

Another player on the downside of his career despite still being very productive. The “Matrix” symbolizes the word athletic. Marion is unorthodox but still relentless despite being on the decline. Very good career that was rewarded a couple of years ago with an NBA championship.

12.) Danilo Gallinari– “The Rooster”

The Italian native, Danilo Gallinari is one of the best shooters in the game. Of course he’s had his struggles, but when right, you won’t find a player of his height that can stroke it from three, yet take his opponent off the dribble. Well, maybe Dirk Nowitzki and Kevin Durant, but “The Rooster” has a skill-set not many possess in the NBA. The Italian heart-throb is still a few years away from entering his prime and surely should shoot up this list as his basketball game matures.

11.) Amar’e Stoudemire – “Stat”

Standing Tall and Talented,  STAT is a perfect nickname for Amar’e Stoudemire. The big man can shoot the jimmy, while finishing with gusto at the rim. Stat has brought relevancy back to the Big Apple despite now playing second fiddle to Carmelo Anthony. STAT has shown his professionalism and team-first approach embracing his newly found role of coming off the bench.

10.) Paul Pierce – “The Truth”

He may 35 years-old and past his prime, but don’t be fooled, Paul Pierce and his “old man” pickup game is still very much “The Truth.” Since star point guard, Rajon Rondo has been sidelined from tearing his ACL, Pierce has picked up his game and the Boston Celtics. Everyone knows about Pierce overall package, but did anyone think at 35 year’s old, he’d still be still dropping these stats still?

9.) Josh Smith – “J. Smoove”

I Love this nickname for Josh Smith. His thunderous, fast break dunks and the gracefulness he displays while doing it, is dead on “Smoove.” Too bad J-Smoove, can’t figure out a way to smooth out his jumper though.

8.) Kenneth Faried – “The Manimal”

Is there a name any more apropo than Kenneth Faried’s nickname the “Manimal?” Faried’s physical style of play earned him the nickname “Manimal.” Despite playing for small-school, Morehead State, Faried still was chosen in the first-round of the NBA Draft. The Denver Nuggets surely got a steal with the 22nd overall pick in the 2011 draft.

7.) Chauncey Billups – “Mr. Big Shot”

Mr. Big Shot, has lost a step or two, but still has the ability and clutch gene to knock down a huge shot. I saw this first hand a few years ago with the Knicks when he hit a dagger against the Miami Heat during the regular season. We’re all familiar with his clutch days in Motown. Billups nickname is right on cue and is looking to grab one more ring while playing with the talented Los Angeles Clippers.

6.) Kevin Garnett – “The Big Ticket”

Commonly refered in his younger days with the T-Wolves as The Big Ticket, Garnett has recently taken on the more conventual initials nickname that I hate! KG still has the intensity that he did during his youthful days, unfortunately his body does not. Still a true warrior, Garnett still lives up to his nickname.

5.) Carmelo Anthony – “Melo”

You were thinking “Honey Nuts Cheerios?” Alright, no more jokes of the Garnett/Melo incident. All kidding aside, Melo has played the best overall ball of his life this year for the New York Knicks.

A shortened version of his actual name, “Melo in Yellow,” took off a couple of years ago as the theme of where Carmelo may land. “The Melo Rule,” Also took off to much of a lot of owners chagrin. That was a story for another day, as it became a huge sticking point during the lockout. Anyway, Melo is happy and on the verge of doing big things for the New York Knicks.

4.) Dwyane Wade – “Flash”

Flash was given to Dwyane Wade by the nickname king, Shaquille O’Neal himself. Flash really jumped out on the seen during the 2006 NBA Finals, and since has lived up to expectations as one of the leagues best players and one cool nickname. Wade may not be the same player he once was, but he still shows plenty of moments of his old dominant self and is looking for his third NBA championship ring.

3.) Kevin Durant – “Durantula”

Durant is one of the bright, up and coming stars and has one great nickname to boot in “Durantula.” Durant is a beast and one of the top two players in the game today. After last season’s NBA Finals loss to the Miami Heat, Durant appears poised for a return trip to the Finals. We will be hearing the word, “Durantula” constantly over the next decade.

2.) LeBron James – “King James”

King James finally has the monkey off his back of never winning a championship. It took him nine years and two prior trips to the Finals before finally winning it against the Oklahoma City Thunder last year. King James has been playing at an elite level ever since and looks like he very well could take home his fourth NBA MVP award. It’s all about cementing his legacy while growing his brand now, as LeBron is only interested in winning championships and not all the other accolades.

1.) Kobe Bryant – “Black Mamba”

The best nickname in the NBA! The Black Mamba is a large venomous snake, strong, slender, agile, and quick. Also it is said to strike repeatedly if cornered. Seems fitting for Kobe Bryant. In fact Kobe had this to say when talking to ESPN a few years ago, Bryant started calling himself “Black Mamba” a few years ago, explaining to ESPN, “The mamba can strike with 99% accuracy at maximum speed, in rapid succession. That’s the kind of basketball precision I want to have.”

Yeah we’ll end on that note!

*All Photos from www.sports-kings.com.*