Former NBA veteran Darryl Dawkins has died at age 58. AP FILE PHOTO
Darryl Dawkins, one of the NBA’s most entertaining figures, passed away Thursday due to a heart attack at a hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He was 58.
CSNPhilly.com got confirmation of Dawkins’ death from a spokesman from Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement on Dawkins’ passing saying that the man affectionately called “Chocolate Thunder” would be missed and the league is with Dawkins’ wife Janice.
“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, 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,” Silver said in the statement, as per Bleacher Report.
“Darryl was beloved around the league and he will be deeply missed by his friends, family, teammates, and coaches, as well as the millions of fans who witnessed the high-flying brilliance of the one and only ‘Chocolate Thunder.’ Our thoughts and prayers are with Darryl’s wife Janice, and the entire Dawkins family during this difficult time.”
Dawkins not only had an entertaining nickname, which legendary singer Stevie Wonder gave him, he was also known for giving his rim-rattling dunks outrageous names like the “In Your Face Disgrace” and “Dunk You Very Much” to name a few.
It was in 1979 when Dawkins shattered two backboards with one completely breaking into thousands of pieces. It’s because of Dawkins’ rim-shattering dunks that the NBA modified its rims.
Dawkins averaged 12 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game during his 14 seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, Utah Jazz, and Detroit Pistons.
76ers Chief Executive Officer Scott O’ Neil said in a statement, as per Yahoo Sports, they will not only remember Dawkins for his dunks but also his personality brought on and off the court.
“The Sixers family is deeply saddened 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 of his thunderous dunks, but more importantly of his powerful presence and personality,” O’ Neil said in the statement.
“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 out thoughts and prayers.”
Bleacher Report shared the statement of Dawkins’ family.
“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our husband and father, Darryl Dawkins, who succumbed today to a heart attack. Darryl touched the hearts and spirit 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 respect our privacy as we grieve his loss.”
Sixers legend Allen Iverson also shared some of his thoughts on the big man.
“Condolences to the family of Darryl Dawkins, a great man! You’re smile, personality, and energy will be truly missed!!!” Iverson posted on Twitter.