Darryl Dawkins, who spent the bulk of his career with the Philadelphia 76ers
and New Jersey Nets, has died at the age of 58, according to his family.
Through the NBA, his family released a statement:
“It is 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 dunks, but more than anything, his huge, loving heart. His family,
wife Janice, children Dara, Tabitha, Nicholas and Alexis, along with
countless family, friends, and fans, all mourn his loss. More than anything
Darryl accomplished in his basketball career as the inimitable ‘Chocolate
Thunder,' he was most proud of his role and responsibility as a husband and
father. We ask that the public please respect our privacy as we grieve his
loss.”
Sixers CEO Scott O'Neil, also issued a statement:
“The Sixers family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of an absolute
legend, Darryl Dawkins. We've lost a dear friend and an iconic figure, both
on and off the court. We remember fondly not only his thunderous dunks, but
more importantly his powerful presence and personality. Simply put, Darryl
Dawkins was beloved—by his family, friends, former teammates and his fans
all over the globe. His endearing charm, infectious smile and unparalleled
sense of humor will be sorely missed. ‘Chocolate Thunder' will always have a
special place in our hearts. His family is in our thoughts and prayers.”
Dawkins played for four teams during his 14-year NBA career, making a name
for himself with backboard-shattering dunks and a larger-than-life
personality. Most recently, Dawkins was coaching basketball at Lehigh Carbon
Community College, but he has always stayed close to the NBA, acting as an
ambassador for the game and appearing at league events.
The legend of Dawkins, who averaged 12 points and 6.1 points for the Sixers,
Nets, Jazz and Pistons, took off when he became a backboard-wrecking machine
in the mid-70s.
Another all-time Dawkins memory came in the 1977 NBA Finals, playing for the
Sixers vs. the Bill Walton-led Portland Trail Blazers. During the second
quarter of Game 2, a fight broke out