Darryl Dawkins: former NBA player nicknamed 'Chocolate Thunder' dies of heart attack at 58

Former NBA player Darryl Dawkins, the backboard-shattering big man nicknamed “Chocolate Thunder,” died on Friday at Leigh Vally Hospital-Cedar Crest. Dawkins, who passed away at 58 years old, was confirmed to have suffered a heart attack, according to a statement released by his family.

Dawkins, who became the first high-school player to ever play straight to the NBA, was drafted fifth overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1975. The 6-foot-11 centre helped the Sixers reached three NBA finals, before being traded to the New Jersey Nets in 1982.

The Sixers, the team where Dawkins spent most of his career, issued a statement on the former NBA player’s passing. Philadelphia’s chief executive officer Scott O’Neil said that the Sixers family is deeply saddened to hear Dawkins’ death and that the Sixers organization will always see Dawkins as an iconic figure on and off the court.

The Brooklyn Nets, for whom Dawkins played when the team was located in New Jersey from 1982-1987, also expressed sadness upon hearing the big man’s death. The Nets said in a statement that Dawkins had an amazing personality and touched everyone in a positive way.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Dawkins family and to all those who had the pleasure of knowing Darryl. He will be deeply missed,” the Nets wrote, reports Yahoo Sports.

Dawkins made his ferocious dunks his calling card in the NBA. The 15-year veteran has twice broke backboards dunking in games, prompting the league to introduce collapsible rim. Dawkins has a career average of 12.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks.

While his stint with the Sixers looked promising, injuries begun to destroy Dawkins’ career, limiting him to just 116 games over his final five NBA seasons. He transferred from New Jersey to Utah Jazz, then to Detroit Pistons, before playing for several clubs in Italy.

Dawkins left behind his wife Janica and four children. The Dawkins family also issued a statement, saying that while the ferocious dunker accomplished many things in his basketball career, Dawkins was most proud of his role as husband and father.

“It was with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Darryl Dawkins, who succumbed today to a heart attack. Darryl touched the hearts and spirits of so many with his big smile and personality, ferocious dunk, but more than anything, his huge, loving hear,” the statement said, reports WFMZ.

Video courtesy: Youtube/ElOsoQueBaila

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