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Nicknames

It seems to me that nicknames for players has gone out of style for the most part. There are a few instances in today’s NBA, we have Anthony Edwards or Ant Man along with Wemby or The Alien for Victor Wembanyama. You are aware Bronny is a nickname, instead of LeBron James Jr. he simply became Bronny. Laker guard Austin Reaves is reported to have disliked all the nicknames given him, they include AR-15 (his jersey number) and Hillbilly Kobe (he’s originally from Arkansas) and several other names he was reported to have disliked.

For now Reaves has no nickname and neither does LeBron James Sr., he violated the unwritten rule i.e., you cannot give yourself a nickname someone must bestow it on you. I could be wrong however its my understanding LeBron named himself The King. As for some of the others they are listed below, note if the player is unfamiliar to you do a research check. It should be brought to your attention that a few of those listed below were given the nickname while in high school or college and it followed them into the NBA. In addition don’t consider this list of names complete, this is just a quick check of some the more well-known names.

Dr. J.-Julius Erving, Roosevelt High School, Roosevelt New York

The Don-Luka Doncic, Mavericks

Chocolate Thunder-Darryl Dawkins, Sixers

Vinsanity-Vince Carter, Raptors

White Chocolate-Jason Williams, Kings

The Answer-Allen Iverson, Sixers

The Truth-Paul Pierce, Celtics

Iceman-George Gervin, Spurs

The Big Fundamental-Tim Duncan, Spurs

The Big Ticket-Kevin Garnett, Wolves

The Glove-Gary Payton, Sonics

Diesel-Shaquille O’Neal, Magic

Pistol Pete-Pete Maravich, LSU

Earl the Pearl-Earl Monroe, Winston-Salem College

The Admiral-David Robinson, Spurs

The Dream-Hakeem Olajuwon, Rockets

White Mamba-Brian Scalabrine, Celtics

Black Mamba-Kobe Bryant, Lakers

Magic-Earvin Johnson, East Lansing High School, Lansing Michigan 

The Big Dipper-Wilt Chamberlain, Warriors

Hondo-John Havlicek, Celtics

AK-47-Andrei Kirilenko, Jazz

Zeke-Isiah Thomas, Pistons

The Logo- Jerry West, Lakers

Microwave-Vinnie Johnson, Pistons

They should be embarrassed

As I write this allow me to state forcefully.….the Lakers should be embarrassed with their effort Sunday against the Celtics. To lose a game against the historic rival Celtics (111-89) is inexcusable. Worst yet the loss occurred on the date a ceremony and statue of Pat Riley was unveiled. A further explanation for some unfamiliar with NBA history, Riley was the architect of the Showtime Lakers of the 80’s while he served as head coach. The Riley statue will join the others outside Crypto.com arena. Back to the game a moment, the plus/minus rating system ESPN utilizes not a single Laker starter or reserve finished in the plus category.

The Celtics managed to expose the Lakers weakness again, defending the three line and being out rebounded. Unless the Lakers fall into a hole they should earn a playoff berth, beyond that I find it difficult to believe the team as it is structured is capable of winning a series based on the play Sunday. As you are aware once the playoffs begin the good teams raise their level of play a notch. Needless to say this member of Laker Nation is extremely disappointed on Monday morning as this account is being rehashed. This loss as with others is not the fault of LeBron James alone, despite my statement I believe it is time he should entertain retirement. NOTE: It wasn’t me alone ‘Big Game’ James Worthy called this present edition of the Lakers for their lack of effort.

What do you think

A dot.com sports site divided groups of college basketball teams between what they termed Tier 1, 2, 3 and 4. I wanted to briefly discuss the schools they listed as Tier 1 programs, they positioned Kentucky, UCLA, Duke and Kansas in this category. While the list is rightfully theirs, I have some reservations regarding at least one of the institutions included. The last season Kentucky won an NCAA championship was 2012, for UCLA it was 1995. As for Duke the year was 2015 and Kansas last won in 2022.

Do you see where I am headed, each of the schools’ listed won at least one championship in the 2000’s except UCLA. If you have any association with UCLA you are seething by now for a number of reasons. You are probably saying; “Winning NCAA championships is not a true barometer.” You claim, “If championships were an indication UCLA leads the way with 11 wins.” The counterarguments which might be presented are certainly valid, and I do not expect everyone to agree with my point of view. What do you think, am I being too critical by excluding UCLA from this group of basketball programs?

He contributed across the board

The Detroit Pistons faced the San Antonio Spurs in Little Caesars Arena on Monday evening, the final score read Spurs 114, Pistons 103. Wemby didn’t lead his team in scoring although he registered another outstanding game. As for the Spurs the leading scorer honor belonged to Devin Vassel with his 28 points. So what happened other than the final, this game would be a challenge for the Spurs. There was a question whether they were on the same level as the Pistons who are one of the Eastern Conference contenders and maybe championship bound.

Wemby proved he is human, he didn’t have his usual shooting prowess this time but did manage to score 21 points in the game. In addition to his scoring total he snatched 17 rebounds off the boards and blocked 6 Piston shots. There is an uncounted number of Piston shots either missed entirely or affected by Wemby’s presence around the basket. Jalen Duren tried his best to lead his team to victory, facing Wemby he scored 25 points and pulled down 14 rebounds all this on 77% shooting from the floor. Cade Cunningham scored but 16 points far off his nearly 26 point a game average. Rest assured the Spurs wanted to send a message to the Pistons.