Phoenix Suns: 20 best player nicknames in team history

1. “The Matrix” Shawn Marion

For my money, “The Matrix” is the perfect nickname. It’s one of those names that does not make a ton of sense on the surface, but if you’re of a certain age where the 1999 cinematic classic changed your life, the name feels like a gift from an Oracle.

Kenny “The Jet” Smith first dubbed Shawn Marion “The Matrix” during the preseason of his rookie year while Neo and Morpheous were still setting minds free in theaters. Marion earned the nickname because of his versatility, and presumably, his ability to dodge bullets.

Marion was didn’t make his first jump (no one does), but people believed in him and his versatility made him grow into one of the best players on one of the best teams the Suns have ever seen.

By the end of his career, it got to the point where Marion no longer dodged bullets. He didn’t have to.