The Servant, Black Mamba and Other Athlete Nicknames

Kevin Durant recently announced his new nickname.

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"My Name Is My Name" - Oklahoma City Thunder baller Kevin Durant is one of the league’s top scorers. He’s known as “KD” and the “Slim Reaper,” but now the All-Star is changing his nickname and wants to be known as “The Servant.”  Check out nicknames for other star athletes. — Dominique Zonyéé (@DominiqueZonyee)(Photo: Lynne Sladky/AP Photo)

Kobe Talks About the Lakers’ Future - Now that Kobe Bryant is out for the rest of the season, the Lakers' veteran has a few words for the front office. —Dominique Zonyeé (@DominiqueZonyee)Kobe Bryant has some ideas about the Lakers' future, and according to him change needs to "start at the top." "You got to start with Jim and Jeanie and how that relationship plays out. It starts there and having a clear direction and clear authority," Bryant said. (Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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Kobe Bryant, “Black Mamba” - Kobe Bryant is known to strike at any moment, driving to the basket or shooting a three-pointer and essentially “killing the competition.” It is no wonder he was named after one of the most venomous and deadly snakes in the world.(Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

On-the-Field Antics - In 2009, the former Cincinnati Bengals star was fined $20,000 for taunting an official with a dollar bill during a replay challenge in what Johnson called a joke to "bribe" the referee. One year later, the NFL fined him $25,000 for tweeting during a preseason game in 2010.(Photo: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

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Chad Johnson, “Ochocinco” - Chad Johnson was one of the stars on the Cincinnati Bengals. He loved his team and number so much that he legally changed his last name to Ochocinco to represent his jersey number, 85. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

LeBron James Wins AP Male Athlete of the Year Award - LeBron James has done it again. He is up there with the likes of Michael Jordan and Larry Bird becoming the third NBA athlete to be named the Associated Press’ male athlete of the year on Dec. 27. "I'm chasing something and it's bigger than me as a basketball player," James told the AP.  (Photo: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

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LeBron James, “King James” - When you are pegged to go down in history as one of the greatest players in the NBA, what else would your nickname be? James even refers to himself as King James off the court.(Photo: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Marshawn Lynch, “Beastmode” - Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch may be mum with the media, but when it’s game time he goes H.A.M., transforming into “Beastmode.”(Photo: Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

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Marshawn Lynch, “Beastmode” - Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch may be mum with the media, but when it’s game time he goes H.A.M., transforming into “Beastmode.”(Photo: Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

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Chris Anderson, “Birdman” - Denver Nuggets center Chris Anderson got his nickname “Birdman” during NBA summer league. The name is derived from his playing style where he flies in the air to block shots. After a great play, you can catch Birdman living up to his name with a celebratory arm flap.(Photo: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

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Chris Anderson, “Birdman” - Denver Nuggets center Chris Anderson got his nickname “Birdman” during NBA summer league. The name is derived from his playing style where he flies in the air to block shots. After a great play, you can catch Birdman living up to his name with a celebratory arm flap.(Photo: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Vince CarterSigned Three-Year $12 Million Deal With Memphis GrizzliesB - It’s safe to say that Vince Carter earned this three-year, $12 million contract from the Memphis Grizzlies after having a solid post season with the Dallas Mavericks this past year. The veteran shooting guard averaged nearly 13 points per game in helping the Mavs push the eventual-champion San Antonio Spurs to the limit.  (Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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Vince Carter, “Half Man, Half Amazing” - If you have ever seen Vince Carter enter the air for one of his dunks or a block, then you understand why the Dallas Mavericks guard is known as “Half Man, Half Amazing.”(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Mariano Rivera Retires - After 19 seasons, one of the best closers in Major League Baseball, Mariano Rivera announced his retirement in March. The all-time saves leader, with 652 saves, played the last game of his career in September.(Photo: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

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Mariano Rivera, “Sandman” - Although he retired from baseball and the New York Yankees in 2013, closer Mariano Rivera is arguably one of the best in MLB history. He got his nickname from his walk out music, Metallica’s 1991 hit “Enter Sandman.” (Photo: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Glen Davis: January 1  - The Los Angeles Clippers forward hits the big 3-0.(Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

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Glen Davis, “Big Baby” - Orlando Magic forward Glen Davis mainly lives up to his nickname “Big Baby” by throwing tantrums and acting like a big baby. He was caught on camera in 2013 trashing a hotel lobby because they didn’t have a room for him. (Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

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Floyd Mayweather Jr., “Money Mayweather” - Besides having an impeccable boxing career, including being undefeated for more than a decade, Floyd Mayweather is one of the highest paid athletes in the world.(Photo: Al Bello/Getty Images)