NBA legend Daryl Dawkins passed away today at the age of 58. Pennsylvania radio station WFMZ confirmed the news.
An autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause of death.
Dawkins was the first NBA player to break a backboard with a slam dunk during a televised game in the 1970s. his prowess above the rim earned him the nickname “Chocolate Thunder” (see video below).
Dawkins shattered so many backboards, that the NBA finally got tired of replacing them and ordered all NBA backboards replaced with shatterproof backboards.
Backboards were also refitted with “breakaway rims” to make them collapse under pressure rather than shatter.
Dawkins also made NBA history when he became the first player drafted out of high school.
He played most of his career with the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Nets
Thanks to loyal reader Marcella B. for the tip.
