According to a report from WFMZ-TV, former 76er Darryl Dawkins has passed away at the age of 58.
Dawkins played in Philadelphia from 1975-82, becoming known for his nickname "Chocolate Thunder," given to him by musician Stevie Wonder, and for shattering backboards via slam dunks, doing so on two separate occasions in 1979. After the second instance, the NBA instituted a new rule that breaking backboards was a fineable offense.
Born in Orlando, Dawkins was the first NBA player to be drafted directly out of high school. He would go on to a celebrated 15-year career in the league.