Darryl Dawkins aka “Chocolate Thunder” turns 56 today. Darryl Dawkins was one of the first players to bypass college basketball and go straight to the NBA. The great Moses Malone paved the way for Dawkins who in 1975 was the first round -fifth overall pick in the draft- selection by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Dawkins was best known for his powerful dunks. He would play 14 seasons in the NBA. He’s most known as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers- from 1975 until 1982. Dawkins was 6’11” 250. As an NBA player it is hard to judge him. He wasn’t a total flop, he had his moments of brilliance but he never developed any consistancy. He averaged 12 points and 6.1 rebounds a game over his career but never became the superstar that many people predicted.

The moment Dawkins is most remembered for was his backboard shattering dunk against the Kansas City Kings and over King’s Bill Robinzine. Dawkins who named his dunks called that dunk  “The Chocolate-Thunder-Flying- Robinzine-Crying, Teeth-Shaking, Glass-Breaking, Rump-Roasting, Bun-Toasting, Wham-Bam, Glass-Breaker I Am Jam’ He also claimed that he was an alien from the planet Lovetron. Dawkins always seemed like a likeable and entertaining guy. Maybe he would have been more successful if he had put more energy into improving his play instead of being entertaining. I always disliked those 76er teams from the late 1970’s-early 80s’ {although I did love watching the great Dr.J.}