In the world of basketball, there is a fascinating tale behind the viral nicknames that grace the pages of Basketball Reference. These monikers, like “The Crisco Kid,” “Goodtime Blimp,” and “Leaning Tower of Pizza,” may seem too outlandish to be true, but each one has a unique origin story that adds to its mystique.
“It’s a thing. People enjoy them,” remarked Sports Reference data developer Charlotte Eisenberg in an interview with Sports Illustrated. Eisenberg, who joined Sports Reference as an intern in 2018 and now works there full time, plays a crucial role in curating the nicknames that adorn each player’s page on Basketball Reference.
After the NBA draft, Eisenberg and her team diligently add new player pages to the website, complete with bio information and, of course, the all-important nicknames. However, these nicknames are not chosen haphazardly; Eisenberg scours various sources like newspapers, social media, and news articles to find monikers that meet Sports Reference’s criteria for inclusion.
But the nicknaming process doesn’t end there. As players make their mark in the league, new nicknames are organically added to their profiles based on feedback from teammates, coaches, viral moments, and fan submissions. Just recently, Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards was responsible for christening his teammates Mike “Bite Bite” Conley and Rudy “Big Ru” Gobert.
These nicknames hold significance not only for fans but also for players and organizations. The Washington Wizards even went as far as reaching out to Basketball Reference to request the addition of “Turbo” to former first-round pick Deni Avdija’s page. Agents have also intervened to have nicknames removed.
One of Eisenberg’s personal favorites is the nickname given to Phoenix Suns guard Monte Morris -“Count of Monte Assist/TO.” This clever moniker, inspired by Morris’s stellar assist-turnover ratio, showcases the creativity and humor behind the nicknaming process.
The world of basketball nicknames is a vibrant and ever-evolving one, with each player’s profile telling a unique story through the nicknames they acquire. From LeBron James’s “Captain LeMerica” to Josh Giddey’s “Himothee Chalamet,” these monikers add a layer of personality and fun to the game we all know and love.
