NBA Coolest Nicknames Trivia Quiz

Answer: Dominique Wilkins

The master of the windmill dunk, Dominique Wilkins slam-dunked his way to hundreds of highlight reels that rivals even that of Michael Jordan. 'Nique had the highest scoring average once and won the slam dunk contest twice while playing for the Atlanta Hawks (1982 to 1994). He retgired in 1999 after one season with Orlando Magic.

Answer: Wilt Chamberlain

Chamberlain, the 7'1" center who once scored 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors and later won a title with the LA Lakers, was also known as "The Stilt," because he was so much taller against other players that he seemed to be wearing stilts (and "Wilt the Stilt" also sounded right).

He was, however, better known as "The Big Dipper," in reference to the way he would always need to "dip" his head while walking through a doorway (which is often shorter than him).

Answer: Dennis Rodman

The seven-time league rebounding champion and two-time defensive player of the year, Dennis Rodman was known as "The Worm" during his championship stints with the Detroit Pistons (1986-1993), the San Antonio Spurs(1993-1995), and the Chicago Bulls (1995-1998). He retired from the NBA in 2000 after one season with the Dallas Mavericks.

Answer: Darryl Dawkins

Although this is just one of the few nicknames former Philadelphia 76er (1975-1982) and New Jersey Net (1982 to 1987) Darryl Dawkins invented for himself and his dunks, this one was his favorite and is the one he is most known for. A player famous mostly for his monsterous dunks, his other notable nicknames include Dr Dunkenstein and Sir Slam.

Answer: Jason Williams

J-Will thrilled (and frustrated) fans and teammates alike with his spectacular and outrageous passes and shot attempts during his playing years with the Sacramento Kings (1998-2001) and the Memphis Grizzlies (2001-2005). Among his many tattoos is the word "WHITEBOY" on his knuckles. He won the NBA championship in 2006 at Miami Heat.

Answer: Charles Barkley

At only 6'4" (although he is usually listed at 6'6"), Sir Charles was one of the best rebounding forwards in league history. He played his best years with the Philadelphia 76ers (1984 to 1992) and the Phoenix Suns (winning his lone MVP with the Suns in 1993) before ending his career with the Houston Rockets in 2000.

He was also named the MVP of the gold medal-winning Dream Team in the Barcelona Olympics.

Answer: Stacey Augmon

The versatile swingman, noted for his stints with the Atlanta Hawks (91-96) and the Portland Trailblazers (1997-2001), was nicknamed the Plastic Man for his seeming ability to "stretch" his long arms and contort his body for difficult acrobatic layups and dunks. He won the NCAA Championship with UNLV in 1990.

Answer: Pete Maravich

"Pistol Pete" Maravich, arguably one of the greatest NCAA players of all time and an NBA star with the Atlanta Hawks and the New Orleans Jazz, was the subject of the 1991 basketball movie "The Pistol," which was based on his high school basketball exploits. He attended Louisiana State from 1966 to 1970, before joining the Hawks in 1970.

Answer: Chuck Person

These nicknames were obviously given during a less politically correct era. Chuck Person, NBA Rookie of the Year in 1987, was the designated long-range shooter for the Indiana Pacers, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the San Antonio Spurs. Origin of nickname - actor Chuck Connors played "The Rifleman" in a TV series of the same name.

Answer: Nathaniel Clifton

Nate "Sweetwater" Clifton was one of the first African Americans who played in the NBA, playing for the New York Knicks (1950-1956) and the Detroit Pistons (1956-57). Also a former Harlem Globetrotter, Clifton claims the nickname was when he was at school because he loved soft drinks.

Answer: Vinnie Johnson

Just as quickly as a real microwave heats up stuff, Vinnie Johnson brings instant scoring that heats up the Detroit Pistons' offensive thrust. Johnson formed one-third of the three-guard combo (the other two being Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars) that coach Chuck Daly would often use for the powerhouse late 80s - early 90s Pistons.

Answer: Tim Duncan

Considered one of the best post players of all time, Duncan teamed up with Robinson to give the San Antonio Spurs its first NBA title in 1999. He was given the nickname by fellow "big" man Shaquille O'Neal after many of their battles during O'Neal's time with the LA Lakers (1996-2004).

Answer: Shaquille O'Neal

Ironically, the nickname wasn't given to any of the all-time Boston Celtics big men, but to someone who spent only one year in the green uniform. Shaq, who is famous for making up nicknames for himself, made this one up during his forgettable stint with the Celtics during his last year in the league (2010-11).

His entire Hall of Fame career (1992-2011) also included seasons with the Orlando Magic, the LA Lakers, the Miami Heat, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Phoenix Suns.

Answer: George Gervin

One of the Iceman's most memorable feat was winning the scoring title on the San Antonio Spurs' final game of the 1977-78 season by scoring 63 points (needing 58 to get the title) after his rival David Thompson scored 73 points in an earlier game on the same day. George Gervin finished with 27.22 ppg to David Thompson's 27.15 ppg.

Answer: Jerry West

Jerry West was more popularly known during his playing days with the LA Lakers (1960-1974) as "Mr Clutch," owing to his nerves of steel and infallible shooting during crunch time. When the NBA adopted his silhouette in 1971 for its logo, West became known simply as "The Logo."