[jwplayer DUqQzPy5-z6KDnl0B]
The Philadelphia 76ers just finished up the 1974-75 season at 34-48 and they missed the playoffs as they continued their rebuild. They did land the number 5 pick in the draft and they were able to get an athletic big man by the name of Darryl Dawkins.
Dawkins came straight out of high school in Orlando, Florida as he was able to show off some legitimate NBA game. It took him a few seasons to develop, but he finally broke out in his third season averaging 11.7 points and 7.9 rebounds.
He would continue to put up similar numbers throughout his career and he earned the nickname “Chocolate Thunder” for his rim-rattling dunks and physical play. He averaged 11.2 points and 6.7 rebounds in seven seasons in Philadelphia.
Dawkins was traded to the New Jersey Nets in 1982 for a draft pick that turned out to be Leo Rautins in 1983. He then played for the Utah Jazz and the Detroit Pistons before leaving the NBA in 1989 to play overseas in Italy. He stopped playing basketball in 1994.
Dawkins passed away in August of 2015, but he will always be remembered fondly by Sixers and NBA fans alike. He was a special player to watch and he was known as an even better human being. [lawrence-related id=38558,38553,38550]