Kendrick Perkins recently appeared on ‘NBA Today,’ where he shared his top five NBA nicknames of all time. His list showcased a mix of legendary players and the unique monikers that encapsulate their on-court personas.
“Big Perk’s, big list of best NBA nicknames. We coming in at number five. Bam! Put it up there. Clutch City, Ace Time, The Dream, The Shake, The Wiggle. Hakeem Olajuwon. a guy I grew up watching and idolize, I love so much.”
“When you talk about having the wiggle on the low block, the shoulder shake, we saw it translate to Kobe Bryant game, he had it in his face.”
At number five, Perkins chose “The Dream,” a nickname for Hakeem Olajuwon. Known for his silky-smooth moves in the post, Olajuwon’s “Dream Shake” was a nightmare for defenders. Perkins admired Olajuwon’s footwork and finesse, which he noted had influenced other greats like Kobe Bryant.
“Oh, the black mamba. Look, everybody kept saying Oh, LeBron don’t have the killer mentality. Who has it? Kobe Bryant, the black mamba. One of the most venomous snakes in the world.”
“When you talk about Kobe, he was striking. He was looking to kill every single time he stepped foot on the floor. He was going to give you an 81-piece. He was going to give you a 50-piece. You talk about a killer mindset, that’s who it is. The black mamba, Kobe Bryant.”
Speaking of Kobe Bryant, Perkins placed “The Black Mamba” at number four. Kobe’s nickname, inspired by one of the most venomous snakes, perfectly captured his lethal scoring ability and killer instinct on the court. Whether it was an 81-point game or multiple 50-point performances, Bryant’s moniker reflected his relentless drive and competitive spirit.
“Hey, look, if you sick, you got the flu, you got a stomach bug, you know, you’re struggling with your health, call on the doctor. Dr. J, one of the greatest to ever do it. The complete layup package. If you want him to sash the screws out the basket, he’ll do that. And he got it done on both ends. You talk about healing, he’s the prime example of getting it done and healing wounds and curing people of their sickness.”
Coming in at number three was “Dr. J,” the nickname for Julius Erving. Perkins highlighted Erving’s revolutionary style of play, particularly his acrobatic layups and dunks. Dr. J was a trailblazer in the league, known for his ability to “heal” his team with his clutch performances and electrifying presence.
“Coming in at number two. The big ticket.My guy, my big brother KG. I think this name was given to him by Isaiah Thomas I believe but when you talk about having a resume longer than the holiday weekend, it’s KG. MVP, All-star, MVP, all-defense, defensive player of the year, NBA champion. One of the greatest power forward to ever do it punching in that ticket.”
At number two, Perkins selected “The Big Ticket,” referring to Kevin Garnett. Garnett’s nickname, given to him by Isaiah Thomas, symbolized his immense value and impact on the court. Garnett’s career accolades include MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and NBA Champion, making him one of the most accomplished power forwards in NBA history.
“And last but not least, coming in at number one, I think everybody agree with this at number one, coming in, bam! Put him up there. Magic! You know this nickname gotta be something special when they don’t, when a lot of people don’t even know his government name when it comes out in the early.”
“Right? His name is Magic Johnson and yes he brought the magic to LA. The dimes, the no look, the flash, everything about magic is magical. When you talk about one of the greatest power point guards who ever played a game, standing at 6’8″, 6’9″.” (0:18)
Finally, Perkins’ number one nickname was “Magic,” for Magic Johnson. Known for his dazzling playmaking and charismatic personality, Magic Johnson’s nickname was a perfect fit. Standing at 6’9″, Magic revolutionized the point guard position with his incredible vision and flashy style. His nickname became so iconic that many people forget his real name, Earvin.
Perkins‘ list not only highlighted some of the greatest players in NBA history but also celebrated the unique qualities that these nicknames represent. Each moniker tells a story of the player’s impact, style, and legacy, making them unforgettable parts of basketball lore.
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