Denver Nuggets: The Power of Nicknames and the Current Top 5

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Jan 31, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) and Los Angeles Lakers former player Magic Johnson talk before the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

A great nickname acts like a window into a player’s relationship with their fans.

"When was the last time you heard somebody say Earvin Johnson instead of “Magic” Johnson?"

Nicknames are most often derived from some sort of x-factor that the player brings into their game. They tend to symbolize an on-court personality.

Nicknames can help players and fans feel as if they know each other. Once established, that bond can be eternal; after all, when was the last time you heard somebody say Earvin Johnson instead of “Magic” Johnson?

Are great players simply rewarded with nicknames? Or do the two work together to create something more iconic than just another pro-athlete? Either way, if a player is commonly going by a nickname, then you can count on them bringing some attention to their team.

Next: So what does that mean for the Nuggets?

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