Chocolate Thunder, RIP

[revo]

Darryl Dawkins, who spent the bulk of his career with the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets, has died at the age of 58, according to his family.

Dawkins played for four teams during his 14-year NBA career, making a name for himself with backboard-shattering dunks and a larger-than-life personality. Most recently, Dawkins was coaching basketball at Lehigh Carbon Community College, but he has always stayed close to the NBA, acting as an ambassador for the game and appearing at league events.

[Judge Jude]

ex-Nets who did not reach age 60 (many did not reach 30 or 40 or 50, either):

Dawkins, Ray Williams, Woolridge, Petrovic, Dare, Schintzius, Gilliam, Haley, Mason.....

[swampdragon]

Darryl Dawkins, who spent the bulk of his career with the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets, has died at the age of 58, according to his family.

Dawkins played for four teams during his 14-year NBA career, making a name for himself with backboard-shattering dunks and a larger-than-life personality. Most recently, Dawkins was coaching basketball at Lehigh Carbon Community College, but he has always stayed close to the NBA, acting as an ambassador for the game and appearing at league events.

I had a chance to meet him about 10 years ago and hang out with him at a Nets party. He was the size of a large Armoire in a yellow/green Hawaiian shirt. My son (then 10) was the only kid there from a while. Dawkins shook my sons hand and said to him "Are you the kid that owes me 50 bucks - there is a kid here that owes me 50 bucks" - he then spent the rest of the night hanging out with us. Extremely friendly guy and an ambassador for the game. HE said "I couldn't believe that I got paid for playing basketball. now I show up at parties, eat great food or maybe play golf and I get paid for that."

Really affable guy!!!

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sport...fans/flash.htm

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sport...an-focus_x.htm

[Judge Jude]

good story - and thousands and thousands of people were lucky enough to have that experience. I met him myself as well, and every time was memorable. he was magical....

[onejayhawk]

I had not heard that Shin Splintz died. Wow.

J

[Wonderboy]

I just hate that these pro athletes die so young. They really pay a price.

[Erik]

Sucks. I know several people who knew him and they said he was awwsome. Wish he could have gotten a ring with the Sixers but it wasn't to be.