The family released a statement, saying Dawkins died of a heart attack.

Dawkins was the first NBA player to be drafted directly out of high school. He played in the NBA for 15 seasons, mainly with the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Nets.

Nicknamed “Chocolate Thunder” by Stevie Wonder, he is best remembered for shattering two backboards with his powerful dunks.

Dawkins coached after retiring from the NBA.

He was active on Twitter, where he was known by the handle, @Thunderdunk53. His last post was the day before he was reported dead.

Fans quickly turned to social media to express their shock and sadness.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson had a triple-double by the end of the first half, but it wasn't enough as the Hawks couldn't hang on to a 9-point fourth-quarter lead against the Denver Nuggets. (Erik Rank/AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

Former Fulton County election worker Ruby Freeman talks to her daughter, Wandrea ArShaye "Shaye" Moss, a former Georgia election worker, after she testified before the U.S. House Select Committee at its fourth hearing on its Jan. 6 investigation on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. (Yuri Gripas/Abaca Press/TNS)

Credit: TNS