Darryl Dawkins, also known by the nickname Chocolate Thunder, played for the professional basketball teams of Philadelphia (76ers) and New Jersey (Nets). He became well-known for his powerful slam dunks – he even shattered the backboard twice. The legendary player succumbed to a heart attack on Thursday at the age of 58.
An Incredible Career
Along with his incredible athleticism, Dawkins became famous for his larger than life personality. He was so famous that his Chocolate Thunder nickname originated from Stevie Wonder. “A guy who never saw me gave me the name Chocolate Thunder,” Dawkins said proudly in an interview. Dawkins played for seven seasons with Philadelphia and for five with New Jersey. He also temporarily played with the Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons, and the Harlem Globetrotters. After he finished playing basketball, he became an NBA ambassador. He then became a professional head coach with the Lehigh Valley’s Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs and the Lehigh Carbon Community College men’s team.
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Missed By Many
Philadelphia 76ers Chief Executive Officer Scott O’Neill said in 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.”
Forever Remembered For His Talent
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also issued a statement: “The NBA family is heartbroken by the sudden and tragic passing of Darryl Dawkins. We will always remember Darryl for his incredible talent, his infectious enthusiasm and his boundless generosity. He played the game with passion, integrity and joy, never forgetting how great an influence he had on his legions of fans, young and old.”
Admired By Everyone
Kevin Foley, the head coach at Lehigh Carbon Community College before Dawkins, noted that he was also an amazing father. “I’ve never seen someone so natural with kids,” he said. “He was a great guy. My kids absolutely adored him.” He was also a great friend – “Honest to God, he’d do anything you’d ask him to do,” Foley said. “I said to my wife many times that I don’t know how he does it. He’d come to a summer league basketball game at North Whitehall, and naturally people were attracted to him, and Darryl would talk to all of them as if they were the only people in the room. Other than refs — he’d give refs a hard time no matter what the level — he liked everybody.”
