What's in a Name or a Nickname? Legendary Nicknames Plus Triple Extras Including Shooting Balance Drills

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." - Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

Did you have a nickname as a player? What's in a name? Consider Kentucky's Treasure Hunt, named after an older sister's friend. Nicknames are even more interesting. Grant Williams wants to be "Batman" because he held down "The Joker" a couple of times. Be careful what you wish for. 

1. The Big Mamba. Kobe Bryant created an alter ego to help him deal with problems in his personal life. 

2. The Big Fundamental. Tim Duncan did everything well, especially winning.

 

Why can't every big make the Duncan turnaround? 

3. The Glove. Gary Payton was "a nightmare." 

4. The Microwave. Vinnie Johnson lit up the scoreboard off the bench.

   

Instant offense. 

5. The Pistol. Pete Maravich viewed himself as a gunslinger. 

6. The Mailman. Karl Malone delivered. Note the first highlight where he 'pulls the chair' on Yao. 

7. The Big Dipper. Wilt combined unique size, athleticism, and skill.

 

 

8. "Clyde" Frazier. Walt Frazier was a great defender and underrated offensively.

 

9. Magic. Only fitting that the ringleader of "Showtime" was Magic.

 

The long bounce pass was an art form unto itself. 

10. The Dream. Hakeem Olajuwon built his game around footwork learned on the soccer pitch.

 

My 'shop' teacher in middle school always called me 'Sims' and that led my point guard Ed Haladay to my basketball nickname, "The Duke..." nor exactly Bermanized. 

Lagniappe. Move on from form shooting. 

Lagniappe 2. DHO Clear PnR 

Lagniappe 3. Shooting balance drills (consider starting closer as needed)