Just going to post some ideas here so I don't forget...
In honor of Malone....Eric the Clowns (all players named Eric...Seinfeld reference)
LEO(a)ders of the Pack (All Leo born zodiacs, I'm a Leo)
Defunct Teamers (Rochester Royals, Washington Bullets, San Diego Clippers and the like)
Nicknamers (Magic, Muggsy, Sleepy, Doc, stick with guys known by their "nicks" not referenced to like Wilt the Stilt or the Big O