Greatest Jazz Names Ever

Reading Jody Genessy’s blog, a few days ago, about Jazz players on 10-day contracts, got me thinking – for some random reason — about player names.

The Jazz have had some good ones. Like, for instance, Sundiata Gaines. Have you noticed the announcers just love saying “Sundiata Gaines,” rather than just Gaines?

It rolls off the tongue.

“Sundiata Gaines is a nice addition in the backcourt!”

“Sundiata Gaines has paid his dues!”

And so on.

Which led me to thinking of some of my all-time favorite Jazz names, besides Gaines. Among them:

OLDEN POLYNICE. To me it always sounded like a name from the distant future, in a universe far, far away.

DARREN MORNINGSTAR. A great ’50s movie name.

RAFAEL ARAUJO. Best said when you drag it out: Arauuuuuuuujo.

WALTER BOND. Bond. Walt Bond.

And my No. 1 all-time favorite Jazz name: Rusty LaRue. Made me think of a wagon cook on “Death Valley Days.”

Any other great Jazz names to add to the list?