SI's Best Photos of Darryl Dawkins
Former NBA star Darryl Dawkins has died at age 58. A 6'11" center, Dawkins earned the nickname “Chocolate Thunder” during his playing days for his high-flying, powerful dunks. He famously broke two backboards in 1979, one with with a slam he dubbed the "The Chocolate-Thunder-Flying, Robinzine-Crying, Teeth-Shaking, Glass-Breaking, Rump-Roasting, Bun-Toasting, Wham-Bam, Glass-Breaker-I-Am-Jam." A native of Orlando, Dawkins became the first player drafted to the NBA straight out of high school when he was selected by Philadelphia with the fifth pick of the 1975 draft. He appeared in three NBA Finals with the 76ers. In 14 NBA seasons, Dawkins averaged 12 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. His final seasons were plagued by injury.
SI's Best Photos of Darryl Dawkins
Darryl Dawkins
Manny Millan for Sports Illustrated
Darryl Dawkins
Manny Millan for Sports Illustrated
Darryl Dawkins
Manny Millan for Sports Illustrated
Darryl Dawkins
Walter Iooss Jr. for Sports Illustrated
Darryl Dawkins and Julius Erving
John Iacono for Sports Illustrated
Darryl Dawkins and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Manny Millan for Sports Illustrated
Darryl Dawkins and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Manny Millan for Sports Illustrated
Darryl Dawkins, Mark Landsberger and Jim Chones
Manny Millan for Sports Illustrated
Darryl Dawkins and Mark Landsberger
Manny Millan for Sports Illustrated
Darryl Dawkins and Caldwell Jones
Heinz Kluetmeier for Sports Illustrated
Darryl Dawkins
Jerry Wachter for Sports Illustrated
Darryl Dawkins
John Iacono for Sports Illustrated
Darryl Dawkins and Manute Bol
Bill Frakes for Sports Illustrated
Darryl Dawkins and Manute Bol
Bill Frakes for Sports Illustrated
Darryl Dawkins
Greg Nelson for Sports Illustrated
