Dr. A's weekly risers and fallers: Jeremy Sochan, Christian Wood make the list, NBA Power Rankings: Kevin Durant's return could rock the West, What NBA Finals runs from LeBron, Giannis can teach Jayson Tatum, They said it! Former 76ers star Allen Iverson tweeted: Condolences to the family of Darryl Dawkins, a great man! Dawkins' autobiography Chocolate Thunder: The Uncensored Life and Times of Darryl Dawkins (co-authored with Charley Rosen)[31] chronicles his on- and off-the-court life as an NBA star. He saw the look in Dawkins eyes as he brought the ball behind his head with both hands and knew what was coming. August 30, 2015. He claimed to have come from a planet called Lovetron and called named himself Chocolate Thunder, claiming the nickname was given him by Stevie Wonder. The first of Dawkins famous two dunks happened on November 13, 1979, in the Municipal Auditorium which was home to the Kansas City Kings. Dawkins also gave his time to charity and community efforts, including the Autism Speaks campaign and the Special Olympics. Over 600 people attended his public casket viewing. We ask that the public please respect our privacy as we grieve his loss.". "It's an extremely high priority for us," Silver said. Former 76ers, Nets star Darryl Dawkins dead at 58 Darryl Dawkins' Estranged Wife, 28, Found Dead in the New Jersey Home NBA commissioner Adam Silver loved seeing Darryl Dawkins in his official role as an NBA Legend. And with that, he became the answer to a trivia question. Lovetron beckons: legendary dunk artist Darryl Dawkins dies at 58 Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum top NBA quotes of the week, Shaken by deaths, union to help retired players, MacMullan: How Moses Malone mentored a young Charles Barkley, Recipient of Basketball Hall of Fame Curt Gowdy Media Award. The station did not report a cause of death. The Nets' 4933 record that year was their best record since the ABANBA merger, and remained their best record until the 200102 season.[8]. [35], Dawkins died on August 27, 2015, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, at the age of 58. Dr. Alfred Bove, physician emeritus at Temple University School of Medicine and a former Philadelphia 76ers team doctor, dismissed the notion that NBA stars are at higher risk for cardiac-related deaths than the general population. But you are in a better place. Darryl Dawkins was selected with the 5th overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1975 NBA draft. And Ill get to that in a moment. But you are in a better place. We will remember him forever. The Lehigh County coroner's office announced that an autopsy would be performed on August 27; but according to a statement released by Dawkins' family, the cause of death was 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 said. "I was trying to help one of my grandkids learn how to ride a bike," Lanier said, "but I couldn't keep up to balance her because my joints hurt so much. The Lehigh County, Pennsylvania coroner's office confirmed that Dawkins died Thursday morning at a hospital. Then the team had an opportunity to upgrade at the center position. "I will tell you we hope to have something sooner than later. He would coach there for five years before dying of a heart attack in 2015 at the age of just 58. Darryl Dawkins, NBA Dunk Legend, Dead at 58 - Rolling Stone [6] At age 25, Dawkins joined a Nets club that included Albert King, Buck Williams, and Otis Birdsong. Haywood attended the union meetings in Vegas and informed Paul and James that elite players of his generation made no more than $50,000 or $75,000 at the height of their careers. The family has asked for privacy as they grieve his loss. After his NBA career, Dawkins played several seasons in Italy before taking several coaching positions and serving as an ambassador for the NBA. "This is a new age in treating the heart. Darryl Dawkins, a.k.a. 'Chocolate Thunder,' dies at 58 This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. 'Whatever seed we are, we're ready': Is there room for Cleveland among the East elite? Dr. A's weekly risers and fallers: Jeremy Sochan, Christian Wood make the list, NBA Power Rankings: Kevin Durant's return could rock the West, What NBA Finals runs from LeBron, Giannis can teach Jayson Tatum, They said it! He remained enormously popular after his playing days were done, even during his stint as a member of the Harlem Globetrotters. Dawkins died on August 27, 2015, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, at the age of 58. He was also known as Dr. Dunkenstein, Double D, or Sir Slam. "Darryl touched the hearts and . He averaged 12 points and 6.1 rebounds in 726 career regular-season games. While there was an obvious benefit to exercising, there was also data, according to O'Keefe, that showed some marathoners who engaged in "extreme" exercise over many years developed enlarged hearts and scarring from tearing of tiny heart muscles. Or the Spine-Chiller-Supreme? Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Well, hes famous because of two dunks in late 1979. Each time he shattered the glass into little shards that looked like tiny bits of ice strewn around the court. TRENTON, N.J. (AP) _ Police were investigating the death Sunday of the estranged wife of professional basketball player Darryl Dawkins. No cause was of death was given, an inglorious end to an oversized life. Dawkins' role in helping the Sixers win the Eastern Conference championship established him as one of Philadelphia's top players, on a team that included Julius Erving, George McGinnis, Lloyd Free, and Doug Collins. Darryl Dawkins was born in Orlando on Jan. 11, 1957. Being a bunch of comedians, the folks at Saturday Night Live announced their selection for the Man of the Millennium as none other than Darryl Dawkins. Dawkins was traded to the Utah Jazz in a seven-player, three-team trade during the 1987 offseason. Maurice Lucas of the Trail Blazers hauling down a rebound as Philadelphia's Darryl Dawkins battles for position during their NBA championship . Man charged with gun possession after fatal mass shooting jailed Across town, National Basketball Players Association executive director Michele Roberts mourned the player she celebrated as a young basketball fan growing up in the Bronx. 'I'm smelling something burning. Darryl Dawkins, known for his thunderous dunks and flamboyant nickname, has died. Not bad for a kid from Lovetron who never went to college. He tried again with the Celtics and did not make that team, either. 2009. At the time of his death he survived by his large extended friends and family. He was heavily recruited by Division I colleges across the country, and he narrowed his choices to Florida State, Kansas, and Kentucky. Dawkins died Thursday at a hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania, according to the Lehigh County coroner's office. Nicknamed "Chocolate Thunder," Dawkins played 13 seasons in the NBA after being drafted out of high school by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1975. His endearing charm, infectious smile and unparalleled sense of humor will be sorely missed. He was the first high school player to be taken in the first round of the draft. See, for that joke to work, people have to know who Darryl Dawkins, or Chocolate Thunder, is. Dawkins languished on the Sixers' bench for his first two seasons. Trenton police said Kelly Barnes Dawkins, 28, died . No cause of death has been determined; an . 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The cause of death is said to be a heart attack, according to Dawkins' family. His two ferocious dunks in 1979 caused the league to switch over. 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.". It took the arena crew over an hour to clean everything up and bring out a whole new basket support. Rest easy OG. Dubs' Curry (leg) could return as soon as Sun. His family said the cause of death was a heart attack. By Comfort Omovre. 5 overall in the NBA draft by the . [citation needed], At one point, Dawkins claimed to be an alien from the planet Lovetron, where he spent the off-season practicing "interplanetary funkmanship" where his girlfriend Juicy Lucy lived. He also appears in NBA Live Mobile as a Legend based on his 19791980 season with the Sixers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Sports History Network is not affiliated with, licensed, sponsored, authorized, or endorsed by any college, university, team, league, artist, athlete, venue, other brand, or any licensing entity. RIP Chocolate Thunder: Former NBA star Darryl Dawkins dead at 58 That's because people [my size] don't live that long. Former NBA star Darryl Dawkins' family says he died of heart attack And seriously, go to YouTube and search for Darryl Dawkins or Chocolate Thunder if you want to see some of his amazing dunks. I can't believe that you're gone. Of course, this is true of nearly every NBA player when he was in high school. Darryl Dawkins, nicknamed by Stevie Wonder, dies at 58 The Lehigh County Coroner's Office confirmed that Dawkins died Thursday. "[26] He named other dunks as well: the Rim Wrecker, the Go-Rilla, the Look Out Below, the In-Your-Face Disgrace, the Cover Your Head, the Yo-Mama, the Spine-Chiller Supreme, and the Greyhound Special (for the rare occasions when he went coast to coast). He would name his dunks - the "look out below," the "yo-mama" and the "rim wrecker" among them - and often boasted that he hailed from the "Planet Lovetron.". But his most famous nickname was actually given to him by Stevie Wonder, and that nickname is Chocolate Thunder. Johnny Dawkins - Wikipedia Darryl Dawkins's ferocious dunks became his calling card . Darryl Dawkins, the first high school player to go straight to the National Basketball Association when he was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1975, died Thursday at a hospital in Allentown, Pa. Snubbing the King: Why Don't Big Stars Want to Perform at Charles' Coronation? His final choices for college were Kentucky, Kansas, and Florida State. Because his condition was detected early, Haywood said, he's expected to enjoy a full recovery. ILLUSTRATION: Associated Press. He had recently worked as an NBA Nation Ambassador, andtraveled the country in a promotional role for the league. So, Dawkins is the first player to enter the NBA straight from high school. Darryl Dawkins, NBA's 'Chocolate Thunder,' Dies At 58 : NPR Dawkins died on August 27, 2015, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, at the age of 58. The nomenclature-obsessed basketball lifer known for his ferocious dunking ability and outsized personality was truly one of a kind. . When he finally established himself, injuries kept him from basketball greatness. Dawkins died Thursday in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania hospital. Backboard-Shattering 76ers Legend Darryl Dawkins Dies at 58 A few days after that the NBA created a new rule that breaking a backboard was an offense that would result in a fine and suspension. 5 Things You Didn't Know About Darryl Dawkins - CBS New York Dawkins spent parts of 14 seasons in the NBA with Philadelphia, New Jersey, Utah and Detroit. Darryl Dawkins, NBA's 'Chocolate Thunder,' Dies - WSJ [19], Dawkins' personality was a natural fit on the "Bad Boys" Pistons team, and despite being limited to 14 games over two seasons, he was considered to be one of the leaders of the team. Darryl Dawkins - Wikipedia "I'd like to be able to answer the question, 'What does a retired basketball player's heart look like?'". The crowd couldnt believe it. So just three weeks later back at home in The Spectrum against the San Antonio Spurs, Dawkins does it again. "When I heard about Darryl, I thought, 'That's not supposed to happen,' Roberts said. He then tried to make an NBA comeback where he went to training camp with the Orlando Magic but didnt make the team. Prayers go up for the Dawkins family. Currently Reading. You were the originator of the dunk. Roberts and her staff presented their vision of comprehensive screening for retirees to current players at their annual Las Vegas meeting in July. NBA legend Darryl Dawkins dies - Chron A spokesperson for Lehigh Valley . tyson jost dad; sean penn parkinson's disease; mockingbirds attacking my cat Darryl Dawkins, 58; former NBA star - The Boston Globe During this season, the Skyforce's games against the Florida Beach Dogs were broadcast nationally by ESPN, as the Beach Dogs included another former NBA player, Manute Bol. Date of death: August 27, 2015, Died Place: Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States: Nationality: . Death. The NBA introduced collapsible rims not long after that, leaving Dr Dunkenstein to perform more traditional assaults on basketball rims. He then went on to play a number of years in Italy where he was a very popular player. Sometimes, Dawkins would also shave his head and have it oiled along with wearing an earring. R.I.P. While there still may be potentially acrimonious labor negotiations looming between Silver and Roberts over the current collective bargaining agreement, which includes an opt-out for both sides in 2017, the sudden death of two of the NBA's biggest brethren has linked Roberts and Silver in a joint effort to ease the health concerns of its retired players. The 1950s is often viewed as "baby boom" and a period of conformity, when young and old alike followed group norms rather than striking out on their own. Jim Spanarkel played with Dawkins in Philadelphia during Spanarkel's rookie season in 1979-80. "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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Taylor Hawkins: Drugs found in body of late Foo Fighters drummer And Dawkins is definitely a noteworthy player. Dawkins was traded to the Nets during the 1982 off-season in exchange for a first-round draft pick. The union's coffers will be replenished by a lucrative television deal with ESPN and TNT that kicks in for the 2016-17 season. He made this decision because he wanted to make enough money to help his grandmother, mother and siblings to escape poverty. You have permission to edit this article. He was 58. . His two backboard-shattering dunks came about a month apart early in the 1979-80 season, one against Kansas City, the other . 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Wild misses votes this week due to 'unexpected medical condition', Basketball doubleheader at Whitehall High School set for Friday, in big championship night for District XI, Former Penn State Berks soccer player among dead in violent Monroe County crash, Berks County Intermediate Unit receives $3.18 million in grants for Head Start programs, 'First in the nation' bill to provide free screenings for breast cancer to receive full Pa. Senate vote, Reading Area Water Authority looking for leak on North Heidelberg Township line, North Heidelberg Water System customers urged to suspend overnight water usage due to leak in system, Fireworks for Reading's 275th anniversary moved to new date, Former Pennsylvania health official will visit Kutztown University, Exeter celebrates boys basketball's 1st-ever title, Former NFL athlete Ross Tucker speaks at Olivet 'Leaders & Legends' dinner. Darryl R. Dawkins (January 11, 1957 August 27, 2015) was an American professional basketball player. His sudden death in 2015 due to a heart attack was a sad day for lovers of the game and caused ripples . Well, probably not the only thing. Over the next three seasons, Dawkins and Caldwell Jones split time at the center and power forward positions. Dawkins averaged 14points and 7.2rebounds for the year, but Philadelphia failed to return to the Finals. The deaths of Darryl Dawkins and Moses Malone raised red flags in league offices and among retirees, but specialists dismiss fears of higher risks for NBA players. He committed one more personal foul during his career than Michael Jordan, despite playing nearly 350 fewer games.[25]. #chocolate thunder, A photo posted by Dwight Howard (@dwighthoward) on Aug 27, 2015 at 12:31pm PDT, First published on August 27, 2015 / 4:07 PM. [36], Over 600 people attended his public casket viewing. Police said no other details of the death were available. Newsletters 5 in the 1975 draft by the 76ers. They cheered at the site of the rim sitting on the court. Dawkins, 58, had a . Dawkins died Thursday in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania hospital. [3], In a surprise move, Dawkins opted to directly enter the NBA draft out of high school instead of attending college.

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