Darryl Dawkins

Darryl Dawkins (January 11, 1957 – August 27, 2015) was an American professional basketball player. He was known for his days with the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets. He also played briefly for the Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz late in his career. His nickname was "Chocolate Thunder". It was given to him by Stevie Wonder. He was known for his powerful dunks, which led the NBA to adopt breakaway rims because he shattered the backboard two times in 1979.

Dawkins died on August 27, 2015 from a heart attack in Allentown, Pennsylvania, at the age of 58.

References

Category:1957 births
Category:2015 deaths
Category:African-American basketball players
Category:American basketball players
Category:Centers (basketball)
Category:Deaths from myocardial infarction
Category:Detroit Pistons players
Category:Disease-related deaths in Pennsylvania
Category:National Basketball Association high school draftees
Category:New Jersey Nets players
Category:Philadelphia 76ers players
Category:Sportspeople from Orlando, Florida
Category:Utah Jazz players