National Basketball Association

15 Best Fantasy Basketball Team Names For 2016-17

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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With the 2016-17 NBA season just around the corner, it’s time to determine your fantasy basketball team name. We’ve got you covered with some of the year’s best.

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

As you probably know by now, the 2016-17 NBA campaign is nearly upon us. That means it’s just about time to come up with fantasy basketball team names for this year’s squad.

Instead of forcing you to use your imagination, I’ve put together a list of some of the best team names for 2016-17. There are a lot of great names out there, but I’m confident this list will include at least one that fits your fancy with the regular season just around the corner.

We all know that having an epic team name can make a big difference–at least in our minds. They give us confidence in our teams, even when our draft doesn’t go quite as planned. It’s also a way to set the tone among our friends and foes, because having a great team name obviously means you know what you’re doing.

You know the value of a great name, which is why I put together this list in the first place.

So here it is: my list of 15 of the best fantasy basketball team names for the 2016-17 season.

Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Por Some Zingis On Me

Player: Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks

Current ADP: 33.0

2015-16 Stats: 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.9 blocks, 0.7 steals

I’m sure there are going to be a lot of folks using this one in 2016-17. I’m not entirely sure why, but it just flows so well, especially considering how awkward Kristaps Porzingis’ name can sound at times.

And yet, here we are, with Por Some Zingis On Me as one of the top fantasy basketball team names of the year.

It also helps that there’s a lot to like about Porzingis’ fantasy outlook for the upcoming campaign. The young Knicks star surprised as a rookie last season, showing off unexpected polish and effectiveness for a 19-year-old international prospect.

Look for more of the same from Porzingis in Year 2, as he tries to help the Knicks turn their offseason spending into actual success on the court.

Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Tickle Me And Rub My Belinelli

Player: Marco Belinelli, Charlotte Hornets

Current ADP: N/A

2015-16 Stats: 10.2 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0 rebounds, 0.5 steals

Let’s be honest, this is an awesome fantasy basketball team name. It’s playful, doesn’t take itself too seriously and just has an amazing ring to it. Every time I read it, I crack a little smile.

Unfortunately, the player it references is far from fantasy relevant heading into the 2016-17 campaign.

Marco Belinelli is a solid scoring option off the bench, and little else. As you can tell by last season’s stats, he doesn’t do much outside of put the ball in the basket. It’s great when you need a scoring boost from the second unit, but it doesn’t do much for fantasy owners.

I’d advise you to stay clear of Belinelli when it comes to your fantasy basketball team. However, if you’re just looking for a clean name for your squad, this could very well be the best option for you.

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Everybody Loves Draymond

Player: Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors

Current ADP: 21.7

2015-16 Stats: 14 points, 9.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.4 blocks, 1.5 steals

While the name itself may not be true, this is still an awesome fantasy basketball team name that has a great ring to it.

Obviously it’s a spin on the classic show “Everybody Loves Raymond,” starring Ray Romano. Just about everyone has seen at least an episode or two of the show revolving around the sports writer and his quirky, often-obnoxious family. It also seems fitting for a guy like Green, who loves to get on people’s nerves.

So if you’re a Warriors or Green fan, this could very well be the eam name for you. Plus, you’ll be sitting pretty if you can get Green on your team too, as he’s looking like a strong candidate to average a double-double this season. He may even flirt with a triple-double average based on his stats from a year ago.

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

All About The Ben Simmons

Player: Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers

Current ADP: 62.7

2015-16 Stats: 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.8 blocks, 2 steals (at LSU)

You get it, right?

Well either way, Ben Simmons was looking like a money fantasy basketball selection up until he fractured his foot. He’s expected to miss about 10-12 weeks (according to orthopedic surgeon Daniel Cuttica) after undergoing surgery, but should return for the 76ers just in time for their playoff run (just kidding).

Realistically, the 76ers won’t rush him back into the lineup unless they actually look like contenders early. Regardless, he’s little more than a bench stash from a fantasy perspective.

Still, if you’re a Philadelphia fan and can’t come up with anything better, this may be the name for you. Or maybe you just really like the former LSU star and potential NBA superstar. Whatever works for you.

Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Bros Before Hawes

Player: Spencer Hawes, Charlotte Hornets

Current ADP: N/A

2015-16 Stats: 6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.5 blocks, 0.4 steals

For some, this may be a little crass. However, as some of us male NBA fans know, it can be a way of life — until you get married and have kids. Anyways, what was I talking about, again? Right, fantasy basketball.

Obviously drafting Spencer Hawes would not be the brightest idea. Over the past few years, he’s been a decent bench big man, but offers little fantasy value. That is, unless you’re absolutely desperate and play in a very deep league. Still, he’s a last-resort waiver wire option at best.

Despite his lack of fantasy value, there’s no denying the name will appeal to plenty. Many gentlemen live by this motto, and will surely enjoy making the rest of their fantasy basketball league aware of that fact.

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Fifty Shades Of Klay

Player: Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors

Current ADP: 32.7

2015-16 Stats: 22.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.6 blocks, 0.8 steals

Again, this one is a bit crass. It’s all in good fun, though, right?

Maybe it’s a great option for ladies who are keen to fantasy basketball. If not, I’m sure we all have that weird guy friend who would probably jump at the opportunity to reference something a little more risque with his fantasy basketball team name.

Either way, Klay Thompson is an intriguing fantasy option as always. While I don’t think he offers quite as much value as some of his Golden State brethren, he’s a deadly scorer who can rack up big points in a hurry when he gets hot. It’s just tough when he doesn’t pitch in too much outside of scoring.

If it floats your boat, go for it.

Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

D’Angeruss

Player: D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers

Current ADP: 69.7

2015-16 Stats: 13.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 0.2 blocks, 1.2 steals

This one is for the hoard of unwavering Lakers fans out there who are desperately hoping D’Angelo Russell develops into the superstar we all know he’s capable of being.

Obviously it’s a combination of his first name and his last name. It also happens to be a commonly used alias for Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, minus the apostrophe. It works in this case, and it just sounds so smooth.

I’m expecting a big leap from Russell in Year 2, especially with Kobe Bryant gone and the Lakers in need of a new face of the franchise. While some may be looking for Brandon Ingram to inherit that role, I believe the young point guard is primed to do so instead.

We’ll see how things unfold once the Lakers’ 2016-17 campaign gets under way.

Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

The Gobert Report

Player: Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz

Current ADP: 56.3

2015-16 Stats: 9.1 points, 11 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 2.2 blocks, 0.7 steals

As a big fan of the Stifle Tower, I figured he deserved a spot on this list one way or another. It just so happens his name slides right into place as an alternative to The Colbert Report, a snarky, satirical commentary on today’s events that came to an end in 2014.

Personally, I’m sad to have seen that show go. But there’s no need to live in the past. Instead, we should look forward to a 2016-17 campaign that could be big for Rudy Gobert.

Utah’s rim protector has quietly made a name for himself in recent years, but still hasn’t quite lived up to his potential. With an outstanding showing this season, though, he could finally force his way into the upper echelon of NBA centers.

He’s already got the rebounding and blocking down. Add some scoring and consistency to his game, and Gobert will be a household name in no time.

David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Bed Bath and Biyombo

Player: Bismack Biyombo, Orlando Magic

Current ADP: 119.3

2015-16 Stats: 5.5 points, 8 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 1.6 blocks, 0.2 steals

There are a lot of interesting fantasy basketball team names built around Bismack Biyombo out there. However, in my opinion, this is easily the best one.

First off, it’s a reference to something completely innocent and not at all related to basketball. Personally, I think that’s what we’re looking for in a team name — something off the wall that makes us laugh when we read it.

That’s exactly what this name does, at least for me. It just rolls off the tongue, doesn’t feel forced and perfectly incorporates his name into the phrase.

While Biyombo is little more than a late-round fantasy option, it’ll be intriguing to see how he develops with the Magic. He’s likely slated for a larger role, which could see him blossom into a rising star based on what we saw from him during the 2016 NBA Playoffs.

Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Better Call Gasol

Player: Pau Gasol, San Antonio Spurs

Current ADP: 39.3

2015-16 Stats: 16.5 points, 11 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 2 blocks, 0.6 steals

This is a simple one, but it strikes all of the right chords.

Pau Gasol’s name is an easy one to use, and it fits perfectly into the title of a spinoff of one of the greatest TV shows of all time, Breaking Bad. I’m not going to go into my thoughts on the Better Call Saul spinoff itself, but it sure works well when it comes to creating fantasy basketball team names.

As for Gasol himself, he’ll be an intriguing early-round option for fantasy owners this season. While he’s getting up there in age and may only have a few good years left in him, he proved last season he’s still got some gas in the tank.

Now in San Antonio, the Spaniard will look to remain a productive part of the frontcourt. He’s obviously still excellent at cleaning the glass, and can be deadly from midrange. The combination of this team name and Gasol on your team is a winning one, for sure.

Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Discount Otto Ports

Player: Otto Porter, Washington Wizards

Current ADP: 88.7

2015-16 Stats: 11.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.4 blocks, 1.4 steals

There really isn’t anything too special about this one, but it has a nice ring to it and gets Wizards fans involved.

Honestly, I just really like the way everything falls into place with this one. It’s a nice little play on words, and highlights an underrated player still waiting for his true breakout season in D.C.

While Otto Porter isn’t the most exciting of fantasy options, he’s a guy worth keeping in mind in the middle to late rounds of your draft. There are obviously only so many points to go around in an offense that includes John Wall and Bradley Beal, but Porter finds ways to keep his fantasy owners happy.

It’s too bad Porter doesn’t play for the Detroit Pistons, because this would be a fitting fantasy basketball team name for folks in the Motor City.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Yi Of Little Faith

Player: Yi Jianlian, Los Angeles Lakers

Current ADP: N/A

2015-16 Stats: Played overseas

Again, this appeals to the countless Lakers fans out there who may be struggling with their fantasy basketball team name.

While Yi Jianlian is a relative unknown at this point, he carries a lot of intrigue into the 2016-17 season. A former lottery pick of the Milwaukee Bucks, the China native bounced around the league for a few years before ultimately heading back to his homeland. Now back in the NBA, he’ll be looking to prove he wasn’t a complete bust.

The Lakers have liked what they’ve seen so far, and believe he has the tools to be an integral part of the frontcourt rotation in 2016-17. That’s why I love this fantasy basketball team name — there are so many doubters.

Have some faith that this Los Angeles team is on the rise, and that Jianlian will be a part of it.

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Duncan’s Donuts

Player: Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs (Retired)

Current ADP: N/A

2015-16 Stats: 8.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 blocks, 0.8 steals

Personally, I don’t get all of the love for Duncan Donuts. I lived in Chicago where the franchise is treated like royalty, and was far from impressed. Still, it helps make a pretty awesome fantasy basketball team name, and that’s what this list is all about.

Tim Duncan may be retired, but you know we’ll see his face around the Spurs organization sooner or later. Gregg Popovich has already stated that he misses his gentle giant, and will likely do everything in his power to land him a coaching gig in San Antonio very soon.

So while Duncan may not be playing anymore, there are plenty of NBA fans around the world who loved him. If you are one of those aforementioned fans, this may be the name for you.

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

James Of Thrones

Player: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Current ADP: 5.5

2015-16 Stats: 25.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 0.6 blocks, 1.4 steals

We couldn’t leave the King or Game of Thrones off of this list. It just so happens we can include them both at the same time.

LeBron James is one of the best NBA players of all time, and GoT is one of the best TV shows right now. It’s a match made in basketball heaven, and one that I’m sure plenty of fantasy owners would love for any number of reasons.

And if you happen to secure LBJ for your team, you’ll be sitting pretty. Not only is he the Cavaliers’ leader and top superstar, but he fills the stat sheet on a nightly basis. When he’s on his game, there are simply no players better than James.

So if you like James, this may be your best bet. Or maybe you hate basketball and got suckered into a league, but love GoT. At least you’ll be supporting a terrific TV show in the process.

Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Kobe-Wan Kenobi

Player: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers (Retired)

Current ADP: N/A

2015-16 Stats: 17.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.2 blocks, 0.8 steals

It’s going to be strange seeing a Kobe-less Lakers, but we all knew it couldn’t last forever. Instead of moping about it, though, you could instead choose to honor the legendary scorer with a sweet fantasy basketball team name.

Yes, this one incorporates Kobe into the name of a great Star Wars character — the wise, aging Obi-Wan Kenobi. He may have died in the original movie, but his presence lives on much like Bryant’s will this season.

Last year, we all said goodbye to yet another future Hall of Famer when Kobe hung them up. However, now we can watch a new era unfold in Los Angeles as the Lakers’ young core takes over. While not having Bryant in the lineup will certainly have some fans wary of this squad, it may actually mean the beginning of better things for the Purple and Gold.

I hope you found a team name you liked. If not, feel free to leave your own unique (and appropriate) ideas in the comments below.

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