Numerous media outlets have reported that NBA legend Darryl “Chocolate Thunder” Dawkins has died at age 58. So far no available report has listed the cause of death, but all list a confirmed source saying the Hall of Famer has passed away.
He made NBA history as the first player drafted straight from the high school ranks back in 1975 when he was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the fifth overall pick.
Dawkins’ time in the NBA was highlighted by dynamic dunks, including shattering two backboards during the 1979 season. He played his final NBA game in 1989 with the Detroit Pistons after playing with 76ers, Utah Jazz, and the New Jersey Nets. He continued to play basketball across the world including stint with the Harlem Globetrotters in 1994/95. He played his final professional game in the year 2000 at the age of 43 with the Winnipeg Cyclones of the International Basketball Association.