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76ers Great Darryl Dawkins Dies at 58

By Jake Hyman

Feb 12, 2015; New York, NY, USA; NBA former player Darryl Dawkins shows his score for a dunk in the Sprit Slam Dunk Showdown at Skylight at Moynihan Station. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 12, 2015; New York, NY, USA; NBA former player Darryl Dawkins shows his score for a dunk in the Sprit Slam Dunk Showdown at Skylight at Moynihan Station. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sad news today for the Philadelphia 76ers and the NBA community as Sixers legend Darryl Dawkins died today at the age of 58 per wfmz.com in the Lehigh Valley.

Dawkins, famously known as “Chocolate Thunder”, was selected with the No. 5 pick in the 1975 draft by the Sixers and played his first seven season in the City of Brotherly Love. Thunderous dunks and athleticism highlighted playing style.

Dawkins had nine consecutive seasons averaging 11 PPG or more and was a consistent board cleaner during his career with the Sixers. He also played with the Nets, Jazz, and Pistons. Dawkins was one of the most efficient big men of all-time with four seasons ranked in the top five in field goal percentage and finished seventh all-time in the aforementioned category per sports-reference.com.

Dawkins played with superstars in both Philadelphia and Detroit sharing the court with “Dr. J” Julius Erving and Isiah Thomas. Another legend off the court, musician Stevie Wonder, gave Dawkins the nickname “Chocolate Thunder”.

Dawkins skied above the rim for put back slams and even broke backboards due to his imposing build. He was a giant with a calming personality off the court.

Per Derek Bodner, the Sixers Chief Executive Officer Scott O’Neill made a statement and reflected on the passing of Dawkins as did his family:

"“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.”"

Per WFMZ, Dawkins coached the American Basketball Association’s Newark Express and the Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs in his hometown of the Lehigh Valley. Darryl Dawkins will be missed by all.

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