Former 76ers, Nets star Darryl Dawkins dead at 58

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - 1983: Darryl Dawkins #53 New Jersey Nets battles for a rebound against his former teammates the Philadelphia 76ers during an NBA game in 1983 at Brendan Byrne Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1983 NBAE (Photo by Jim Cummins/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Darryl Dawkins, Philadelphia 76ers is shown in 1980. (AP Photo)
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The backboard shatters after Darryl Dawkins of the Philadelphia 76ers slammed in a dunk shot.
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BOSTON, MA - 1981: Darryl Dawkins #53 of the Philadelphia 76ers grabs a rebound against a rebound during a game against the Boton Celtics circa 1981 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1981 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
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PUBLISHED: August 27, 2015 at 5:58 p.m. | UPDATED: April 9, 2018 at 5:38 a.m.

Darryl Dawkins, a high-scoring, big-dunking center who played the bulk of his 15-year NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets, has died at the age of 58.

A Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest spokesperson confirmed to the Daily News that Dawkins died there at 11:19 a.m. Thursday morning. His family released a statement later in the day listing the cause of death as a heart attack.

BONDY: DAWKINS A QUOTABLE, LOVABLE CHARACTER LIKE NO OTHER

“Darryl touched the hearts and spirits of so many with his big smile and personality, ferocious dunks, but more than anything, his huge, loving heart,” the statement read.

“His family, wife Janice, children Dara, Tabitha, Nicholas and Alexis, along with countless family, friends, and fans, all mourn his loss.”

Nicknamed “Chocolate Thunder” by Stevie Wonder, Dawkins was selected fifth overall by the 76ers straight out of high school in the 1975 NBA Draft and became legendary for his ferocious dunks – once shattering two backboards in a three week span in 1979.

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This display led the NBA to pass a rule that made backboard breaking an offense punishable by a fine and/or suspension.

After spending seven seasons with the Sixers, Dawkins was traded to the Nets in 1982. Injuries, however, would soon take their toll on the 6-11 big man, who played his last complete season during the 1983-84 campaign. Stints with the Utah Jazz (1987) and Detroit Pistons (1987-89) followed before Dawkins was out of the NBA.

He remained active in basketball for another decade, playing in Italy for two years before landing with the Harlem Globetrotters. There were also stints with Continental Basketball Association and International Basketball Association before he retired in 2000.

Dawkins made the transition to coaching, most recently as head coach of Lehigh Carbon Community College’s men’s basketball team.

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An outpouring of grief followed the news of Dawkins’ sudden death, with basketball luminaries past and present like Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Isiah Thomas, Allen Iverson, Dwight Howard and Jahlil Okafor, among others, sending their condolences via Twitter.

The Brooklyn Nets also released a statement Thursday afternoon, remembering Dawkins for the way he “entertained fans on the court with his powerful dunks and effervescent personality” while also making an “enormous impact in the community.”

“He had an amazing personality and touched everyone in a positive way. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Dawkins family and to all those who had the pleasure of knowing Darryl. He will be deeply missed.”