NBA: 5 active players with the funniest nicknames
Throughout history, the NBA's biggest stars have made names for themselves. They have made an impact in the league and their names are familiar with basketball fans around the world. LeBron James is a name that everyone knows and for the most part, fans admire his game but he also has a cool nickname. Since the beginning of his career, he has been known as "King James."
James has justified the nickname by having a remarkable career. After it's' said and done, LeBron James and his nickname will be remembered forever. But he's not the only one.
Other players have had clever nicknames. Allen Iverson was known as the "Answer", Julius Erving was known as "Dr.J" and Michael Jordan was known as "Air Jordan".
Shaquille O'Neal had several nicknames. He was known as "Superman", "The Diesel", "The Big Aristotle" among many others. Other players such as Vince Carter ("Vinsanity"), Paul Pierce ("The Truth") and Kobe Bryant ("Black Mamba"), have had great nicknames. In some cases, the player doesn't even have to be a star. Robert Horry was known as "Big Shot Bob" due to hitting clutch shots for teams such as the Lakers. So, anyone can have an awesome nickname.
Even after a player retires, we remember their nicknames. Some nicknames are so memorable that we cannot forget them. In some cases, it is for the wrong reasons. Some nicknames are so funny that they stick out as much as the great nicknames. The NBA has had its share of funny nicknames and some of them are still in the league today. Here are five active players with the funniest nicknames.
#5 Danilo Gallinari – “The Rooster”
Danilo Gallinari is a talented player who is playing well for the Thunder. He currently averages 19.1 points and 5.1 rebounds. Gallinari's talent is undeniable, but he has an unusual nickname.
Despite his nickname being based on his last name, it still has a peculiar ring to it. Gallinari is known as "Gallo," which is a shortened version of his last name. "Gallo" is the Italian word for rooster.
Gallinari was given the nickname at some point in his youth, and during his time with the Knicks, he created a signature shoe with Reebok called "The Rooster". So, not only was the nickname clever, he was able to make a shoe with the same name.
What makes this nickname funny/interesting is the way Gallinari played into it. Gallinari would have a mohawk at times in his career, which is in tune with the animal itself. Gallinari's nickname is unique, and he chose to embrace it rather than shy away from it.
#4 Nikola Jokic – “Joker”
Why so serious? One of the league's funniest nicknames comes from one of its best big men.
Nikola Jokic is the starting center for the Denver Nuggets. He averages 17.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. Jokic is an incredibly skilled big man, and because of this, he was a funny (and great) nickname.
Jokic is known as "The Joker". He first received this nickname from a former teammate (Mike Miller), who called him that due to Miller struggling to pronounce his last name. It also fits as Jokic is a unique player who has an array of skills. Teams never know what he'll do. It is as if he has an ace up his sleeve. It also doesn't hurt that he has a sense of humor. Jokic truly captures his nickname and has one of the funniest nicknames of the NBA.
Also read: Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets: Match Preview and Prediction - 24th November 2019