Kristaps Porzingis, a name unlike any other in the NBA, has captured the imaginations of both Knicks fans and the NBA at large. The 7’3 Latvian native has taken the league by storm with his size, toughness, ball handling and pretty stroke. He was thought to be a project coming out of the draft, but he’s been a Rookie of the Year candidate since game one. His name and potential should clearly provide a consensus on an awesome nickname, but one has yet to emerge.
Since we can’t call him Zinger, we took it upon ourselves to collect the best suggestions internally and from around the internet to find the best nickname possible for KP.
Porzingod
Where is your pagan Porzingod now?
Zingis Khan
The Eastern Conference is just another fiefdom for Kristaps to conquer. Plus, at the height of Genghis Khan’s empire, Latvia would have fallen under his purview.
Porzeezus
If Porzingis can attain even 60 percent of Kanye’s confidence, he’ll be a Hall of Famer.
Kris Kringis
He comes bearing gifts to the Knicks faithful for (at least) 82 games a season. Hopefully, the Knicks get to play on Christmas at some point in the future since they’re not included in this year’s X-Mas Day quintuple header.
Special K
This name links him to the greatest meal of the day: breakfast. Then again, it’s also a pretty dangerous tranquilizer kids sometimes use recreationally, so this one is probably not gonna catch on.
‘Staps Raps
We got this one from ESPN True Hoop’s Henry Abbott during his recent chat with David Thorpe. There’s already a Latvian rap about him, too. But, it’s two words and while they rhyme, we’re just not sure it’ll work long term.
Krisp
This nickname is best for #brand purposes and brevity.
Three Six Latvia
This is one is great on multiple fronts. It’s an ode to the seminal Memphis rap group Three Six Mafia and it can be used every time he hits a three. Also, his jersey number is neatly incorporated into the name. Plus, the song that net Da Mafia 6ix an Oscar for best soundtrack, is a good backing track for his rookie season.
Darth Zingis
If Kristaps ever leaves the Knicks in free agency by announcing his decision on national television at a Boys & Girls Club, this will be the best nickname.
Latviathan
Kristaps is the closest thing we have to a large sea monster. But the sheer volume of syllables may make this one too garbled for excited tweets.
Hopefully by season’s end the basketball community can settle on a nickname for the Latvian wonder, because writing out Kristaps Porzingis is starting to become a chore. He’s a fun, young player deserving of a fun nickname. For now, KP will do, but what would you go with?
