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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, Wally Szczerbiak
Wally Szczerbiak of the Minnesota Timberwolves. (Photo by: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

The Second Unit: Best name-related Minnesota Timberwolves nicknames

These didn’t make the best overall nicknames in team history, but the creative inclusion of the name put them as first off the bench.

Mark Madsen: Mad Dog

‘Mad Dog’ Mark Madsen makes the reserve unit.

If you have the nickname ‘Mad Dog’ you have gotta be doing something crazy or with extreme energy, and that’s exactly what Madsen was all about.

The nickname dates back to when Madsen was in fifth grade and his gym teacher was handing out nicknames, and as it turned out, his stuck. The nickname ‘Mad Dog’ carried through college and his professional career for his aggressive defense and effort on the boards.

Tyus Jones: Tyus Stones

Playing big in big games and coming up clutch in key moments is exactly how one gets his last name changed to Stones.

Jones had a phenomenal run at Duke. During the Blue Devils’ visit to the White House, President Barack Obama even called him “Tyus Stones.”  Simply put, when the president is using your nickname, you get the top spot of the category.

Andrei Kirilenko: AK-47

This one was a given. Having the initials AK and wearing the number 47 was pristine marketing.

It was similar to Paul George’s ‘PG-13’, but better. Also: Kirilenko also happened to be born where the first AK-47 was assembled.

Wally Szczerbiak: Wally World

It’s Wally’s World and you’re just living in it.

Named after the fictional theme park, Wally takes fans on a thrill ride every night. But if it’s referring to Wal-Mart, then we have to mention Kevin Martin and the nickname ‘K-Mart’.  One of those is slightly better than the other.

Luol Deng: Deng-orous

Feeling dangerous while walking onto the court is a serious advantage in a game where confidence is key. Deng enjoyed a long career, potentially buying into his nickname to keep him going.

His time in Minnesota was short, but a nickname is a nickname, and it counts for our purposes.

Karl-Anthony Towns: KAT
Anthony Edwards: Ant-Man
D’Angelo Russell: D’Lo
Stephon Marbury: Starbury

These four are combined into one for the name inclusion category. This is because of the brand upside to their names.

KAT and his cat products and memes. Ant and Bally Sports North play-by-play announcer Dave Benz making every ant pun possible during games probably will lead to ant gear. D’Lo/D’Loading has his own brand and is known specifically by his nickname. And Starbury being the ultimate guide for brand representation with his shoes and clothes all being affordable.

What would Towns be known by if his name didn’t spell KAT? What if Edwards’s first name was just Tony? Their name is their brand.

The Bench Unit: Coolness Factor

The bench unit is a bunch of guys whose nicknames make them seem like the coolest guy on the block.  And when put into rotation, will fit in effortlessly.

  • Jaylen Nowell: Big Tymah
  • Chauncey Billups: Smooth
  • Malik Sealy: Silk
  • Doug West: Fresh
  • Allen Crabbe: Cool Breeze

Honorable Mention

  • Jaden McDaniels: Jaden McDenials
  • Robert Covington: Robert Glovington
  • Michael Olowokandi: Kandi Man