NBA Legend Darryl Dawkins Passes Away at 58

The basketball world is in mourning with the loss of legendary dunker Darryl Dawkins, who passed away earlier today in Allentown, PA. He was 58. Although an autopsy will be conducted on Friday to determine an official cause of death, a family statement says Dawkins succumbed to a heart attack.

Dawkins entered the league in 1975 when he was picked 5th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. He earned the distinction of being the first NBA player to get drafted out of high school. From there “Chocolate Thunder” took the NBA world by storm with his powerful dunks and offensive prowess, averaging 12 points and 6.1 rebounds a game while shooting 57.2% in his career, good enough for 7th on the all-time list. His career spanned 14 seasons with the 76ers, New Jersey Nets, Utah Jazz, and Detroit Pistons.

But Dawkins’ legacy didn’t stop after his NBA career was over. Off the court he served as a kind-hearted ambassador to the game and was a very accessible figure to fans. He also had stints in coaching and playing in Europe, as well as a few tours with the Harlem Globetrotters.

Tributes for Dawkins poured in throughout the sports world, including from NBA commissioner Adam Silver. “The NBA family is heartbroken by the sudden and tragic passing of Darryl Dawkins,” Silver said. “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.”

Although Dawkins is no longer with us, fans will never forget him and his glass-shattering dunks. And with every power dunker in the game of basketball today, they have Darryl Dawkins to thank for paving the way.