- Born
- Died
- Birth nameDarryl Ricardo Dawkins
- Nicknames
- Chocolate Thunder
- The Dawk
- Height6′ 11″ (2.11 m)
- Darryl Dawkins (January 11, 1957 - August 27, 2015) was an American professional basketball player, most noted for his days with the National Basketball Association's Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets, although he also played briefly for the Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz late in his career. His nickname, "Chocolate Thunder", was bestowed upon him by Stevie Wonder. He was known for his powerful dunks, which led to the NBA adopting breakaway rims due to his shattering the backboard on two occasions in 1979.
- IMDb mini biography by: NBA
- SpousesJanice Hoderman(October 12, 2001 - August 27, 2015) (his death, 2 children)Robbin Thornton(August 5, 1988 - 1998) (divorced)Kelly Barnes(September 1986 - November 1, 1987) (her death)
- Played Center in the NBA for 14 years for the Philadelphia 76ers (1975-1982), New Jersey Nets (1982-1987), Utah Jazz (1987), and Detroit Pistons (1987-1989).
- Known for damaging backboards with his dunks.
- Used to name his dunks. Some of his more memorable names: 'Yo Mama', 'Dunk You Very Much', 'Spine Chiller Supreme', 'Get Out of the Wayin', Backboard Swayin', Game Delayin', If You Ain't Groovin', You Best Get Movin'', 'Chocolate Thunder Flying, Glass Flying, Rump Roastin', Bun Toastin', Robinzine Crying, Glass Still Flying, Baby's Crying, Cat's Crying, Glass Breaker I Am Jam.'
- Joined the NBA straight out of high school in 1975.
- Patented the "Gorilla" dunk, where he would bring the ball behind his head with two hands, then throw the ball through the hoop with trmendous force.
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