Former National
Basketball Association (NBA) star Darryl Dawkins, 58, passed away on
Friday (August 27) after succumbing to a heart attack.
His passing was announced by members of the Dawkins family in a written statement released through the NBA’s website.
“Darryl touched the hearts and spirits of so many with his big smile and personality, ferocious dunks, but more than anything, his huge, loving heart,” read the statement.
"Chocolate Thunder" was known throughout his career as a powerful dunker, which forced the NBA to start adopting breakaway rims after Dawkins literally shattered two backboards on two separate occasions in 1979.
Dawkins first shattered a backboard in a game against the then-Kansas City Kings after throwing down a massive dunk that sent the glass showering to the ground.
"Dr. Dunkenstein" would repeat the feat once more just three weeks later in a home game against the San Antonio Spurs.
The high-flying center came into the NBA straight after high school, after being drafted 5th overall in the 1975 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Dawkins would go on to have a 14-year NBA career with stints with the New Jersey Nets, Utah Jazz, and Detroit Pistons.
Dawkins finished his career in the NBA with career averages of 12.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.
His passing was announced by members of the Dawkins family in a written statement released through the NBA’s website.
“Darryl touched the hearts and spirits of so many with his big smile and personality, ferocious dunks, but more than anything, his huge, loving heart,” read the statement.
"Chocolate Thunder" was known throughout his career as a powerful dunker, which forced the NBA to start adopting breakaway rims after Dawkins literally shattered two backboards on two separate occasions in 1979.
Dawkins first shattered a backboard in a game against the then-Kansas City Kings after throwing down a massive dunk that sent the glass showering to the ground.
"Dr. Dunkenstein" would repeat the feat once more just three weeks later in a home game against the San Antonio Spurs.
The high-flying center came into the NBA straight after high school, after being drafted 5th overall in the 1975 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Dawkins would go on to have a 14-year NBA career with stints with the New Jersey Nets, Utah Jazz, and Detroit Pistons.
Dawkins finished his career in the NBA with career averages of 12.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.
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