I am JaVale...but they call me Lemonhead!

[keynote]

Unless the guy is a HOFer (e.g., Magic or the Mailman), the best and most ubiquitous basketball nicknames are quirky, and even a little disparaging (if the player is thin-skinned).

The best nicknames practically replace the guy's first name. And you'll notice that only a few of 'em are positive, or based on the players' style of play: for every "Magic," there are a number of guys like "Pooh," "Muggsy," "Sleepy," etc. They're not meant to instill fear in their opponents; they're just fun nicknames.

The next tier are nicknames used by sportwriters, commentators, and message board posters looking to add a little spice. These *are* usually complimentary, descriptive and/or "cool"; however, people rarely address the player directly using that name: The Glove. Plastic Man. The Rifleman. The Admiral. Tough Juice. Agent Zero.

To me, "Lemonhead" has a chance to supplant "JaVale"; "Eraser," or "Stretch Boardstrong," or "Mantis," or whatever, do not.

[doclinkin]

[It's probably worth noting McGee's status update at 7:13 p.m. yesterday: "JaVale is Playing CAll of Duty: World at war.......get on my level....BIGDADDYWOOKIE is my screenname if u tryna play me on ps3." Man, I love Facebook.]

I like Lemonhead fine. But Big Daddy Wookie is pimp. The BDW with the beatdown.

Linker.

[doclinkin]

Wookie McGee. Big Wookie. Wook Daddy. Wook-Daddy Longstroke.

Tha Bee Dee Dubba-Longstroke.

That's got potential.

[Kanyewest]

I like the choppa.

[some_rand]

hollywood and vegas on the same team

[hands11]

I like the choppa.

I think that is going to stick for now. It's young. It's cool.

That and The Big Secret.

The Wall - JaVale - If she starts blocking everyone's shot.
Mr Fantastic - If he gets an awesome all around game.
Rubberman - If he manages not to knock anyone up in the next 2 years.

But after tonights game. The winner man is

Mr Invisible - Cuz EJ couldn't see him sitting on the bench.

[other21]

I like using his family ancestry

Pedigree
Progeny
Offspring

[WizarDynasty]

upon further consideration, his face does look like a lemonhead. I don't know if anyone hate lemon head candies growing up but his face and head look exactly like the cartoon character on the box. Lemonhead it is. Alot better than javale..and its a good name for a rookie trying to prove himself.

But ultimately...the best big name...is BIG S for big secret, why because his mom has used that name to keep him motivated..and you don't want to stray far from what has propelled this one in a million big man from continuing to work hard and improve. Lemonhead..distracts him and makes him focus on his head instead of focusing on improving his skills.

[BLACKFEET]

Vali G.
i own the patent on that now so.......

[PeTBuLL]

Javale Mc Jesus, that´s alrady his nickname in my fantasy league!

[Dat2U]

Javale reminds me of a rubber band when he raises his arms and reaches out. Maybe the Rubberband Man or Elastic Man would work.

The name Lemonhead is just missing something IMO.

[Joe_Wiz]

To me, "Lemonhead" has a chance to supplant "JaVale"; "Eraser," or "Stretch Boardstrong," or "Mantis," or whatever, do not.

I think "Stretch" works at least as well as "Lemonhead" in this regard. Wookie ain't bad either. I think the nickname has to imply his something about his size, height, wingspan (Condor McGee?), or shotblocking ability. It does not have to be intimidating or imply a level of prowess that he might never achieve, but should not be completely unrelated to his presence on the court.

[MJG]

Not dealing with a nickname, but seems like a fair place to post: McGee has nudged into the top ten in ESPN's Top 50 Rookies. And maybe he'd be higher up if his minutes weren't so much lower than the rest of the top ten.