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Minnesota Timberwolves: Top All-Nickname Teams in Wolves history

By Austin Wallert

DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 20: Nikola Pekovic #14 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles the ball against Zaza Pachulia #27 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at American Airlines Center on January 20, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 20: Nikola Pekovic #14 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles the ball against Zaza Pachulia #27 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at American Airlines Center on January 20, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Timberwolves, Nikola Pekovic
Nikola Pekovic of the Minnesota Timberwolves: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images /

Since 1989, there have been 269 players to suit up for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Of those 269, only seven of them made an All-Star team.

While the Timberwolves wouldn’t stack up with the best All-Time teams in the league, they might have one of the best All-Nickname Teams.

You know Big Ticket. You know KAT and D’Lo. But there’s plenty more.

Let’s dive in.

The starting five of Minnesota Timberwolves nicknames

Nikola Pekovic: The Godfather

Weighing a hefty 307 pounds — most of which was muscle — Pek was a brick wall on screens and an immovable object down low.

He even had the look of a tough guy that you just would not want to bump into in a dark alley.  I’d be willing to place a bet he is the strongest pound-for-pound player in NBA History. Pek may have taken the nickname ‘The Godfather’ to heart after his playing days, as a car registered to Pekovic was involved in some arrests and Pek himself is rumored to have connections with the Serbian mob.

James Johnson: Bloodsport

Although most NBA players would be able to beat up the Average Joe, James Johnson could potentially end our lives.

Nicknamed ‘Bloodsport’, Johnson has a perfect 20-0 record in kickboxing matches and is known as an enforcer around the league. So if you have beef with James Johnson, no you don’t.

Naz Reid: Big Jelly

The only member of the Jelly Fam movement to make the league, Reid earned his nickname ‘Big Jelly’ by adding flair to his finger rolls and playing the big man position like a guard.

If you watched the Timberwolves these past two seasons, you can see the skill set/bag Reid has down low. The nickname ‘Big Jelly’ also makes the best overall group just because of its fit. Naz was a bigger, squishier guy his rookie season and his pick-and-rolls could have been jelly rolls.

But over the past year-plus, Reid has slimmed up. Now, he’s sugar-free jelly.

Jamal Crawford: JCrossover

When you are named after the action of getting open you make the list.

JCrossover definitely lived up to the nickname with some of the best dribble highlights you will ever see. The nickname dates back to his high school days with his signature behind-the-back hesitation. The ageless wonder might be breaking ankles for as long as he lives.

Kevin Garnett: The Big Ticket

KG rounds out our top five with his nickname ‘The Big Ticket’.

Brought to light by former Timberwolves announcers Kevin Harlan and Trent Tucker, Garnett was the main attraction and the reason you bought your ticket. Having a sort of, “Welcome to the Show” nickname solidifies a top-five spot.