There are many things we like about Basketball Reference, but one of our favorites is the work they put into compiling nicknames (some popular, some very obscure) for NBA players throughout history.
We investigated which ones have the most.
At No. 1 on the list, you will see Sixers legend Darryl Dawkins, though he kind of cheated by creating many of his nicknames himself. Among active players, LeBron James leads with nine nicknames. Ben Simmons follows closely behind with eight.
1. Darryl Dawkins: 19
LANDOVER, MD – CIRCA 1975: Darryl Dawkins #53 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots over Elvin Hayes #11 of the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1975 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Dawkins played for the 76ers from 1975-82. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Nicknames: Chocolate Thunder, Double D, Dawk, Dr. Dunk, Sir Slam, Zandokan the Mad Dunker, Dunk You Very Much, Candy Slam, Sweet D, Big Dawk, Master of Disaster, Squawkin’ Dawkin, Double D Dunk, Sir Dunk, Dunk It, Pure Pleasure, Cool Breeze, Dr. Jam, Demon of Destin
2. Charles Barkley: 15
HOUSTON, : Houston Rockets player Charles Barkley reacts to a basket 25 May in game four of the NBA Western Conference championship against the Utah Jazz at The Summit in Houston, TX. The Rockets beat the Jazz 95-92 to even the best-of-seven series at 2-2. AFP PHOTO/ROBERT SULLIVAN (Photo credit should read ROBERT SULLIVAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Nicknames: Sir Charles, The Round Mound of Rebound, The Chuckster, The Chuck Wagon, The Prince of Pizza, The Incredible Bulk, The Leaning Tower of Pizza, Bread Truck, Boy Gorge, Love Boat, Food World, The Crisco Kid, Wide Load from Leeds, Ton of Fun, Goodtime Blimp
3. Wilt Chamberlain: 12
BOSTON – 1964: Wilt Chamberlain #13 of the San Francisco Warriors shoots a jumpshot against Bill Russell #6 of the Boston Celtics during an NBA game at the Boston Garden circa 1964 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1964 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
Nicknames: Wilt the Stilt, The Big Dipper, Dippy, Dip, The Load, Big Musty, The Record Book, Hook and Ladder, Wiltie, Whip, Whipper, Norm
3. Michael Jordan: 12
Unknown date 1992; Portland, OR, USA: FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan (23) against the Portland Trail Blazers during the 1992 season at Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Nicknames: Mike, Air Jordan, M.J., His Airness, Money, Black Cat, Mr. June, G.O.A.T., Superman, Captain Marvel, Black Jesus, Magic Mike
5. LeBron James: 9
Mar 22, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) directs a play during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Nicknames: King James, LBJ, Chosen One, Bron-Bron, The Little Emperor, The Akron Hammer, L-Train, Benjamin Buckets, Captain LeMerica
5. Manute Bol: 9
1988-1989: Manute Bol of the Golden State Warriors shoots the basketball. Mandatory Credit: Tim de Frisco /Allsport
Nicknames: Raan Cheg, ‘Nute, Iron Bol, The Dinka Dunker, Minutiae, The Project, ‘Nute Blockne, Rudy, The Human Pencil in Sneakers
7. Ben Simmons: 8
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 03: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during the first quarter Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 03, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Nicknames: Simmo the Savage, Young Socialite, Fresh Prince, Peacemaker, Benny, The Yank, Big Ben, The Wizard of Oz
7. Melvin Turpin: 8
SALT LAKE CITY – 1988: Mel Turpin #54 of the Utah Jazz dribbles the ball during an NBA game at The Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1988. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Nicknames: Mel, Dinner Bell, Big Dipper, El Mel, El Mucho Grande, Mealman, Turp, The Great Pumpkin
7. Toni Kukoc: 8
Jonathan Daniel /Allsport
Nicknames: Croatian Sensation, The Waiter, Euro-Magic, The Pink Panther, Spider of Split, Kuki, Alien, Special K
10. Shaquille O’Neal: 7
EAST RUTHERFORD, UNITED STATES: Los Angeles Lakers’ Shaquille O’Neal blocks a shot attempt by the New Jersey Nets as Nets’ Todd MacCulloch tries to break up the play during second quarter action in game three of the NBA Finals 09 June, 2002, in East Rutherford, NJ. AFP PHOTO/JEFF HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images)
Nicknames: Shaq, Diesel, The Big Aristotle, Superman, Shaq Fu, Shaq Daddy, Warrior
10. Andrew Wiggins: 7
John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Nicknames: Maple Jordan, Junior Jordan, The Prospect, Mr. Fantastic, Wiggs, Two-Way Wiggs, Air Canada
10. Earl Monroe: 7
March 21, 1973; New York, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Knicks guard Earl Monroe (15) in action against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Nicknames: The Pearl, Black Jesus, Black Magic, Einstein, The Lord’s Prayer, Thomas Edison, The Magic Man
10. Eric Gordon: 7
Dec. 26, 2011; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Orleans Hornets guard (10) Eric Gordon celebrates after hitting the game winning shot in the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. The Hornets defeated the Suns 85-84. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nicknames: The Hobbit, E-Money, EG, EJ, Splash Gordon, 3G, Air Gordon
10. Dennis Rodman: 7
Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images
Nicknames: The Worm, Dennis the Menace, Country, Psycho, Rodzilla, Demolition Man, El Loc
10. Kobe Bryant: 7
ORLANDO, FL – JUNE 14: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the court during Game Five of the 2009 NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic on June 14, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. The Lakers won 99-86. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Nicknames: Black Mamba, KB24, Vino, Showboat, Little Flying Warrior, The Eighth Man, Lord of the Rings
10. Anthony Davis: 7
Apr 25, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) moves the ball against Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (50) during the second half in game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Nicknames: Unibrow, The Brow, AD, Ant, Phatman, Street Clothes, Wilt Davis
10. Vince Carter: 7
January 15, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Vince Carter (25) against the defense of Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Jamal Crawford (11) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Nicknames: V.C., Vinsanity, Air Canada, Yoda, Half-Man/Half-Amazing, Flying Man, Sunshine
18. Gilbert Arenas: 6
WASHINGTON – MARCH 30: Gilbert Arenas #0 of the Washington Wizards sets up the play as Tyronn Lue #10 of the Atlanta Hawks defends during their NBA game on March 30, 2005 at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C. The Wizards won 102-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Nicknames: Agent Zero, The Hibachi, Gil, Nacho, Black President, General
18. Rudy LaRusso: 6
SAN FRANCISCO – 1967: Rudy LaRusso #35 of the San Francisco Warriors poses for a 1967 photo. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright NBAE 1967 (Photo by NBA Photo Library/ NBAE/ Getty Images)
Nicknames: Deuce, The Ivy Leaguer With Muscles, Honey Boy, Musty, Brutus, Roughhouse Rudy
18. Kevin Durant: 6
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nicknames: Durantula, KD, Slim Reaper, Easy Money Sniper, The Servant, Green Room
18. Bill Cartwright: 6
1990: Center Bill Cartwright of the Chicago Bulls (left) slam dunks against guard Jeff Hornacek of the Phoenix Suns during a game at Chicago Stadium in Chicago, Illinois. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport
Nicknames: Mr. Bill, Teach, Dollar Bill, Medical Bill, Billy Idle, Invisi-Bil
18. Ivica Zubac: 6
Feb 27, 2019; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) shoots the ball against Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Nicknames: Zu-Block, Zublocka, Big Z, Zu, Zupac, Zu Alcindor
18. Norm Nixon: 6
Stephen Dunn/NBAE/Getty Images
Nicknames: Big, Stormin’ Norman, The Storm, Savoir Faire, Sav, Mr. May
18. Larry Kenon: 6
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Nicknames: K, Special K, Dr. K, Mr. K, Big Cat, Super K
25. Tim Duncan: 5
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Nicknames: Timmy, The Big Fundamental, Groundhog Day, Old Man Riverwalk, The Stone Buddha
25. Ray Allen: 5
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 03: Ray Allen #34 of the Seattle SuperSonics drives by Smush Parker #1 of the of the Los Angeles Lakers as Parker runs through a screen in the fourth quarter on November 3, 2006 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
Nicknames: Ray-Ray, Sugar Ray, Jesus Shuttlesworth, Skinny Walt, Gentleman
25. Jason Kidd: 5
Dec 26, 2011; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks point guard Jason Kidd (2) dribbles the ball against the Denver Nuggets during their game at the American Airlines Center. The Nuggets defeated the Mavericks 115-93. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nicknames: J-Kidd, Ason Kidd, The Engine, The Kidd, Mr. Triple Double
25. Joe Bryant: 5
NBAE via Getty Images
Nicknames: Jellybean, Bean, Joey, B, JB
25. Allen Iverson: 5
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 1: Allen Iverson #3 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Golden State Warriors during an NBA game at the the Arena in Oakalnd November 1, 2003 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Nicknames: The Answer, A.I., Bubba Chuck, Jewelz, The Third Degree
25. Robert Covington: 5
Dec 11, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) is defended by Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija (8) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Nicknames: Lord Covington, RoCo, Rock, Rob, Glovington
25. Stephen Curry: 5
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 29: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors attempts a three point basket during the first half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on March 29, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Nicknames: Steph, Baby-Faced Assassin, Chef Curry, The Human Torch, Threezus
Unknown date; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Philadelphia 76ers forward George McGinnis (30) in action against the Atlanta Hawks at The Omni. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Nicknames: Big Mac, Baby Bull, McGinnis the Magnificent, Big George, The Hammer
25. George Mikan: 5
NBAE Photos/ NBAE/ Getty Images
Nicknames: Mr. Basketball, Mikan the Magnificent, The Monster, Big Mike, Mike
Feb 13, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Mark Cuban laughs during the second half of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat at American Airlines
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