12. Brian "The White Mamba" Scalabrine
Without a doubt the worst player on this list, Scalabrine's nickname was invented by Bulls color man Stacey King in 2011. Known as one of the great chemists in NBA history, The White Mamba was a fan favorite in Boston and Chicago. No player has ever gotten more 'MVP' chants in garbage time than Scalabrine.
11. Gary "The Glove" Payton
A well deserved nickname, Payton is the best defensive point guard of all-time. Known for his suffocating perimeter defense, he wrapped up the other team's leading scorer. Just like a glove. What also made The Glove great was his trash talk. He talked the talk and walked the walk. Payton sums up the 90's NBA. He had a great nickname. He played tough D. He was a great trash talker. And he couldn't beat Jordan. Maybe he'd like to forget that last one.
10. Jerry "The Logo" West
The first great Laker, West brought all-around intensity which helped the league as a whole. His nickname comes from the NBA logo which bears his silhouette. In 1969, the NBA boosted its image by creating an official logo using one of the league's star players. West's famous photo of dribbling left has stuck ever since. West is long retired but will always be known as The Logo.
9. Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon
The smoothest big man there ever was, the Dream was the most fundamentally sound center of all-time. With his perfect footwork and Dream Shake move, Hakeem was a coach's and teammate's dream. He may not have played with the dominance of Shaq, but the Dream was easily the most versatile center in the 90's. He also received Jordan's ringing endorsement as the center he'd most like to play with. Maybe it helped that MJ saw him win two championships and an MVP during his baseball hiatus.
8. Karl "The Mailman" Malone
Malone delivered the ball to the hoop almost more than anyone. He ranks second in NBA history in points scored. Assisted by longtime pal John Stockton, the two formed one of the most formidable dish and dunk duos ever. With his raw power, no one could stop Malone when he neared the basket. He truly was the Mailman, always consistent and right on time.
7. Allen "The Answer" Iverson
When he burst onto the scene in 2001, the league had never seen anything like Allen Iverson. He was flamboyant, volatile and cocky. People loved it. Iverson carried a Sixers franchise back to relevance and became The Answer on the court. What Iverson did in the NBA is so impressive considering his lack of size at 6'0". The Answer will forever be a Philly sports legend.
6. Shawn "Reign Man" Kemp
In the rainy city of Seattle, Shawn Kemp soared over opponents with thunderous dunks that shook the old Key Arena. The Reign Man's athleticism reigned supreme. His skills were helped by Gary Payton's ability to find Kemp and feed him the rock. A complete force in Seattle. This is all you need to know about Reign Man.
5. David "The Admiral" Robinson
The greatest basketball player ever to come from the Naval Academy, The Admiral is an appropriate name for Robinson. One of the two legendary Spurs, Robinson was the franchise for most of the 90's. He won two championship with Tim Duncan and the two formed one of the great duel nicknames of all-time, "The Twin Towers." Since he actually did serve as a Naval officer before playing in the NBA, it's hard to dislike The Admiral as a guy and as a nickname.
4. Darryl "Chocolate Thunder" Dawkins
Chocolate Thunder is a great nickname to begin with, but it's even better when you know that it was given by Stevie Wonder. Dawkins was a good, not great player, but he was one of the NBA's first great power dunkers. Everyone cleared when Dawkins gained a full head of steam. This is how you get the nickname Chocolate Thunder. Stevie couldn't have said it better.
3. Shaquille O'Neal
Where are the quotes? It's hard to fit just one nickname in there for Shaq, so here are a bunch he has gone by over the years. The Diesel, Shaq Fu, The Big Daddy, The Big Aristotle, The Big Cactus, The Big Shaqtus, The Big Shamrock, Wilt Chamberneezy, and Superman. Shaq is a big man with a bigger personality. His dominance of the early 2000's was unlike anything the league had ever witnessed. When you're as good as Shaq was, it's okay to give yourself a dozen nicknames.
2. Michael "Air" Jordan
Weird to see MJ number two on any NBA list, but here he stands. His Airness is the greatest player there ever was and he soared where no one has. The highlight films of Jordan cause goose bumps for every basketball fan. Whether you prefer his dunk contests or is in-game heroics, such as the switch layup, Jordan had an extra jump in his step. Air Jordan is a whole brand and is not going anywhere. NBA players in 20 years would not have seen Air Jordan play, but they will probably be wearing his shoes.
1. Earvin "Magic" Johnson
How do you become number one on this list? Try having a nickname so perfect that it becomes your actual name. Everybody knows Magic, you won't hear anyone say Earvin Johnson. It started in high school, such a gifted passer that it was like "magic". The name stuck with him in Michigan State and the Lakers and Magic now has his statue outside the Staples Center in L.A. He was a 6'9" point guard who won three MVP awards and five championships. What Magic could do with a basketball was legendary.
So that's the list. Hope you don't totally disagree. Another list starts tomorrow when we countdown the best alternate uniforms in the NBA.
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