Darryl Dawkins, one of the most colorful characters in NBA history, has died, according to a television report out of the Philadelphia area.
WFMZ, an Allentown, Pa., TV station, reported that Dawkins died Thursday, citing a source. He was 58.
In 1975, Dawkins became the first player drafted directly from high school to the NBA. He played 15 years in the league with Philadelphia, New Jeresy, Utah and Detroit. The bulk of Dawkins' success came with the 76ers, with whom he started his career and spent seven seasons.
Dawkins missed out on the 76ers' 1983 championship, as he was traded before the season to New Jersey after Philadelphia signed Moses Malone from the Rockets.