Legendary Dunker Darryl Dawkins Dies!!!

Yes its true, Legendary Dunker Darryl Dawkins Dies, who earned him the moniker “Chocolate Thunder” and helped pave the way for breakaway rims, has died. He was 58.

CelebNMusic247.com has learned via ESPN that the former NBA player for Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets, Darryl Dawkins’ family said in a statement Thursday, saying:

“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.”

“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.”

The Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, coroner’s office said Dawkins died Thursday morning at a hospital. An autopsy was scheduled for Friday.

Dawkins spent parts of 14 seasons in the NBA with Philadelphia, New Jersey, Utah and Detroit. He averaged 12.0 points and 6.1 rebounds in 726 regular-season games. His 57.2 field goal percentage is seventh best in NBA history.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement:

“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 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.”

Dawkins was selected No. 5 in the 1975 NBA draft by the 76ers. He was the first high school player to be taken in the first round of the draft.

Dwight Howard paid his respect to Darryl Dawkins, writing:

[rpi]

Dawkins was as revered off the court as he was on it. He remained enormously popular after his playing days were done, even during his stint as a member of the Harlem Globetrotters.

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.”

His “Chocolate Thunder” nickname, Dawkins often said, was given to him by legendary singer Stevie Wonder — who is blind.

Dawkins said in a 2012 interview:

“People don’t want to believe it. … A guy who never saw me gave me the name Chocolate Thunder.”

Dawkins will be missed. Our condolences goes out to his family.

Thoughts?