NBA Superstars Have Nicknames In China (Full List)

Shaquille O’Neal — “The Giant Shark”

Shaq’s nickname, “The Giant Shark” makes plenty of sense. Obviously, Shaq is one of the most giant dominant forces in NBA history, and has no fear of his opponents, much like a shark with their competition in the water.

Kapur mentioned that his nickname derives from the fact that the first sound in the Chinese word for “shark” (shayu) sounds like the first sound in “Shaquille.” Kapur also explains that towards the end of Shaq’s career, the Chinese called him “O’Fat” which is a play on “O’Neal.”

Kobe Bryant — “Snail Shell”

Bryant was very popular in Chinese culture, so it’s only right he has a nickname. Kobe’s nickname in Chinese is an exact representation of him in America. He is tough as the shell of a snail when competing against his opponents.

Kobe’s nickname also rhymes with “My [guy] Kobe” in Chinese. Kapur tweets that when he was young, they called him “Peter Pan” which literally means “Little Flying Warriors” and towards the end of his career, he became “Chatterbox, Gossip” which rhymes with “Old Kobe” in Chinese.