Nicknames and sports go hand in hand. They make players more interesting, more human, and just more entertaining in general. The only problem nowadays is that many of the nicknames athletes are given are extremely bizarre and most often hilarious. Unfortunately, bad nicknames have been around for decades and are often embarrassing. but luckily there are some really good ones too, and sometimes can make an athlete so much more legendary. Keep reading to see what we’re talking about.
Strangest Names In NBA History
Giannis Antetokounmpo
To begin our list we have a pro basketball Greek native. Actually, he was born Giannis Sina Ougko Antetokounmpo but luckily he was given a much easier nickname “Greek Freak” – a lot easier to pronounce right? At only 25 years old, he’s possibly one of the most popular and youngest NBA. He has extremely unique athleticism and body control for someone standing 6’10. Currently playing for Milwaukee Bucks he is bound to excel in his professional career.
Ronald Jerome Jones
For many, you may not even recognize this name because Ronald Jerome Jones actually goes by the name Popeye Jones. The adorable story goes that he was given the nickname “Popeye” by his mother, as the popular cartoon was on TV when the family brought Ronald Jerome home from the hospital. He is currently an assistant coach for the Indiana Pacers of the NBA.
God Shammgod
Believe it or not, but God Shammgod is indeed his real name, but later on, he became the only professional athlete in the US history that went by the name “God”. The former professional basketball player spent only one season in the NBA, making an appearance for the Washington Wizards in 1997-98 before going on to thrive in a well-paid career in the Chinese Basketball Association. More senior NBA fans at times still ask “whatever happened to God?”
Lafayette Lever
American retired professional basketball player who played in the NBA was born Lafayette Lever. The saying goes that his younger brother thought it was easier to call him for Lafayette, rather than saying his full name. Fat Lever played for three different NBA teams — Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, and Dallas Mavericks — during his 11-year career,
Shaquille O’Neal
It’s pretty bizarre to think how common “Shaquille” or “Shaq” has recently become in college sports. But this only because of one man: Shaquille O’Neal. For many this may be one of the strangest names they’ve ever heard but, it’s of Arabic origin and means “handsome” Shaq had an excellent basketball career and won an impressive made four NBA Championships
Dionte Christmas
Yes, this is for real. Born, Dionte Lamont Christmas he was probably destined for greatness with a last name like “Christmas”. Since leaving college a beginning professional career, and playing numerous countries all over the world we certainly think his name may have just helped him which stardom.