The Stories behind the nicknames of Basketball Players
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Usually, all of us know the nicknames of the basketball players but not the actual story behind them. Lets discover the reasons and inspirations behind the monikers of some great NBA players.
- Robert Parish got the nickname of “chief” after the mute and expressionless character in the film “one flew over the cuckoo’s nest”, for his impassive nature.
- Jerry West had several nicknames, including “Mr. Clutch,” for his ability to perform well in a clutch situation, “The Logo,” in reference to his shadow being incorporated into the NBA logo; and “Zeke from Cabin Creek,” after the Cabin Creek river near his birthplace of Chelyan, West Virginia.
- Pete Maravich got the famous moniker “Pistol” during his high school days, for his habit of shooting the ball from his side, as if he was holding a revolver. Since then, he was called “Pistol” Pete Maravich.
- George Gervin was called “The Iceman” for his cool and calm performance on the court.
- Calvin Murphy earned the nickname “The Pocket Rocket” for his achievements in basketball despite being small in stature.
- Wilt Chamberlain was nicknamed “The Big Dipper” as he had to dip his head before entering a room and “Wilt the Stilt” for his tall height.
- Marvin Barnes got the nickname “Bad News” for his frequent off-court problems.
- Tyrone Bogues acquired the nickname “Muggsy” for his proficiency at stealing and snatching the ball in the way of mugging.
- Tim Duncan was named “The Big Fundamental” for his big physique and his concentration on the fundamentals of basketball.
- George Glamack was nicknamed the “Blind Bomber” because of his poor eyesight and remarkably accurate hook shot.
- Kobe Bryant was nicknamed “The black Mamba”, one of the deadliest snakes in the world. Once Kobe Bryant told that “”The Mamba can strike with 99 percent accuracy at maximum speed, in rapid succession. That’s the kind of basketball precision I want to have.” He proved himself a deadly mamba through his performances.
- No body has got more nicknames in NBA than Shaquille O’Neal. His one nickname “The big Diesel” refers to the way Shaq plays basketball – like a big and powerful Engine.
- John Havlicek’s nickname “Hondo” was inspired by the John Wayne movie of the same name.
- Because of the speed of the Mathew Wade, Shaquille O’Neal dubbed him “Flash”.
- Dennis Rodman was given the nickname “The Worm” for his wriggling while playing pinball.
- Charles Barkley was known as the “The round mound of rebound” for his muscular physique and for averaging 12 rebounds per game.
- Chris Andersen became known as “Birdman” for his flying through the lane like a bird and leaping to the basket.
- Reggie Miller earned the nickname “Knick Killer” for his outstanding performances against the New York Knicks.
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