He went too soon: Darryl Dawkins, aka Chocolate Thunder, aka Dr. Dunk,
died Thursday at age 58.
His combination of personality and backboard-shattering dunks made him a player no hoops fan could forget. So it's only natural that a social media outpouring followed the news, featuring current and former Philadelphia 76ers, big-time dunkers, other stars past and present, and even those who never played in the NBA:
RIP Chocolate Thunder
pic.twitter.com/WFFCPqeELk— Allen Iverson (@alleniverson)
August 27, 2015Rest In Peace Darryl Dawkins aka Chocolate Thunder
pic.twitter.com/0FPKTUel6I— SHAQ (@SHAQ)
August 27, 2015R.I.P to Orlando florida's own "Chocolate Thunder" Darryl Dawkins. You will be missed my friend. You paved ...
http://t.co/NXoiej1nDP— Vince Carter (@mrvincecarter15)
August 27, 2015So sad to hear that my friend, NBA Legend Darryl Dawkins aka "Chocolate Thunder" passed away.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson)
August 27, 2015Darryl Dawkins' bigger than life personality will be missed by all. He was a good friend and I will miss him dearly.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson)
August 27, 2015I couldn't wait to see Darryl at every NBA All-Star Weekend. He was always the life of the party!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson)
August 27, 2015#RIP #ChocolateThunder pic.twitter.com/PsHPFl7UCO— Chris Paul (@CP3)
August 27, 2015#RIPDarrylDawkins #ChocolateThunder— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant)
August 27, 2015RIP Darryl Dawkins
#chocolatethunder! All my prayers to family.
— Isiah Thomas (@iamisiahthomas)
August 27, 2015 Rest in peace OG. You were one of my favorite players of all time. You were very inspirational to a lot of young players. Thank u for the long talks and great memories. I can't believe that you're gone. But you are in a better place. You were the originator of the dunk. The names you came up with were creative and on point. Prayers go up for the Dawkins family. Rest easy OG. #chocolate thunderA photo posted by Dwight Howard (@dwighthoward) on Aug 27, 2015 at 12:31pm PDT
SAD SAD SAD, thoughts and prayers to the Dawkins Family.. Your smile will be missed my friend.. #ChocolateThunder #RimBreaking #BackboardBreakingA photo posted by Reggie Miller (@reggiemillertnt) on Aug 27, 2015 at 12:23pm PDT
I can't believe the news about my friend Darryl Dawkins. A fun spirited, loving and family man I hope you rest easy. Praying for your family
— Tyrone Muggsy Bogues (@MuggsyBogues)
August 27, 2015RIP to Darryl Dawkins aka "Chocolate Thunder" - a great man, entertainer, athlete and ferocious dunker. He will be missed but not forgotten.
— Kevin Johnson (@KJ_MayorJohnson)
August 27, 2015Darryl Dawkins was an icon, as a Sixer legend but more as a person. He will be truly missed by all. RIP
#ChocolateThunder— Jahlil Okafor (@JahlilOkafor)
August 27, 2015I'm going to miss you so much Uncle Darryl. There will never be another Chocolate Thunder. Love you so much and going to miss you so much..
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns)
August 27, 2015RIP Darryl Dawkins... Dr Dunk... Chocolate Thunder... one of THE nicest men... you will be missed. Prayers to his family, friends & fans
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu)
August 27, 2015R.I.P Darryl Dawkins "Chocolate Thunder"
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco)
August 27, 2015Rest in peace Darryl Dawkins. Wonderful memories of the 1980 Championships vs. Philadelphia. You had your own style.
#ChocolateThunder— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss)
August 27, 2015