Spoiler Alert: Metta World Peace is not on this list. For every great player, there's twice as many great nicknames. That's why this is divided into two sections. First, there is the top five best nicknames of current NBA players. Of course, it helps to be a great player, but you don't have to be. Enjoy.
5. Kevin "Durantula" Durant
A silky smooth, tall and skinny guy like Kevin Durant is a good fit for this quality nickname. He can pull up and shoot from anywhere, and won't hesitate to attack a team with so many clutch shots that he eventually can bury opponents. Durantula is a fairly young nickname, but he is already a superhero, as seen in Nike's Air Alliance commercial. Durant will be great for a long time and his nickname will be too.
4. Paul "The Truth" Pierce
As a young player, Pierce was known as the best player on a decent Celtics team. But Shaq, the master of NBA nicknames, changed that. After an epic game by Pierce, Shaq crowned him the Truth. The name has stuck and so has Pierce. Winning a championship and Finals MVP in 2008, Pierce has climbed the ranks in historic Celtic lore. Few embrace the closing moments quite like Paul Pierce and when the game is tight, The Truth sets Boston free.
3. LeBron "King James" James
Since his junior year of high school, everyone has known LeBron as King James. The most athletically gifted player in the NBA since he entered the league, James often looks like a King among men. His nickname has caused some critics, most notably Skip Bayless, but most of those critics disappeared when James won is first ring this summer. LeBron is the true king of the NBA right now and he finally has a crown in the form of an NBA trophy.
2. Kevin "The Big Ticket" Garnett
The Big Ticket was the reason they were able to sell tickets in Minnesota. Still regarded as the greatest Timberwolves player ever, Garnett left for greener pastures in 2007. In Boston he still sells tickets, but he doesn't have to do it alone. This is such a fitting nickname because of Garnett's over-sized personality. Known as one the NBA's great trash talkers, Garnett will always be The Big Ticket.
1. Kobe "The Black Mamba" Bryant
The most accomplished player in the league is also the owner of the best nickname. Kobe personifies his nickname. He is an assassin on the court. He can hit any shot late in a game and will crush the other team's psyche in doing so. Kobe even has the fang symbol and scaled shoes to go with his reptilian nickname. He may have lost a step at age 34, but Kobe is still among the most dangerous men with a basketball. He will strike at any time and is deadly clutch.
Stay posted for the top 12 NBA nicknames of all-time. Coming soon!
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