Darryl Dawkins, who spent the bulk of his career with the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets, has died at the age of 58, according to his family. Through the NBA, his family released a statement:

“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Darryl Dawkins, who succumbed today to a heart attack. 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.  His family, wife Janice, children Dara, Tabitha, Nicholas and Alexis, along with countless family, friends, and fans, all mourn his loss. More than anything Darryl accomplished in his basketball career as the inimitable ‘Chocolate Thunder,’ he was most proud of his role and responsibility as a husband and father.  We ask that the public please respect our privacy as we grieve his loss.”

Sixers CEO Scott O'Neil, also issued a statement:

“The Sixers family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of an absolute legend, Darryl Dawkins. We’ve lost a dear friend and an iconic figure, both on and off the court.  We remember fondly not only his thunderous dunks, but more importantly his powerful presence and personality. Simply put, Darryl Dawkins was beloved—by his family, friends, former teammates and his fans all over the globe. His endearing charm, infectious smile and unparalleled sense of humor will be sorely missed. ‘Chocolate Thunder’ will always have a special place in our hearts.  His family is in our thoughts and prayers.”

Dawkins played for four teams during his 14-year NBA career, making a name for himself with backboard-shattering dunks and a larger-than-life personality. Most recently, Dawkins was coaching basketball at Lehigh Carbon Community College, but he has always stayed close to the NBA, acting as an ambassador for the game and appearing at league events.

The legend of Dawkins, who averaged 12 points and 6.1 points for the Sixers, Nets, Jazz and Pistons, took off when he became a backboard-wrecking machine in the mid-70s.

Another all-time Dawkins memory came in the 1977 NBA Finals, playing for the Sixers vs. the Bill Walton-led Portland Trail Blazers. During the second quarter of Game 2, a fight broke out -- highlighted by Dawkins squaring off with notorious ABA and NBA enforcer Maurice Lucas. The Sixers, led by stars Julius Erving and George McGinnis, took a 2-0 lead in those Finals before the Blazers swept four straight for Portland's only NBA title.

Because of his gregarious nature, Dawkins was a fan favorite. He also was a physical presence who was effective, registering career highs of 16.8 ppg (1983-84 with the Nets) and 8.7 rpg (1979-80 with the Sixers), despite never really living up to being selected No. 5 overall in the 1975 NBA Draft.

In a 1988 article for Sports Illustrated, Dave Wohl summarized Dawkins' career and eye-popping athleticism like this:

"Most of us will judge him solely on what he could have been in the beginning or what he was when his career ended. Too many will be blinded by the flashes of brilliance that never materialized into consistent greatness. They will overlook much of Dawkins's career. No, it was not great. But it was solid. Perhaps he could have been more if he had had the inclination. There were times when he teased us with a hint of how he could dominate a game. And we went home in awe and yet sad because we knew of no spell to make it happen more frequently. But few players could make us feel that way even once."

Darryl Dawkins passed away Thursday at the age of 58. (Getty Images)
Darryl Dawkins passed away Thursday at the age of 58. (Getty Images)