Dominique Wilkins

Date of Birth: January 12, 1960

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Biography

Dominique Wilkins, born Jacques Dominique Wilkins, is a retired professional basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest dunkers in NBA history. Born on January 12, 1960, in Paris, France, Wilkins grew up in Washington, North Carolina. He played collegiate basketball at the University of Georgia before being drafted third overall by the Utah Jazz in the 1982 NBA Draft. However, he was quickly traded to the Atlanta Hawks, where he spent the majority of his career. Wilkins’ career was marked by his scoring prowess, athleticism, and spectacular dunking ability, earning him the nickname “The Human Highlight Film.” Over his 15-season NBA career, Wilkins was a nine-time All-Star and led the league in scoring during the 1985-86 season. He played for several teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, and Orlando Magic. Wilkins also had stints overseas, playing in Greece and Italy towards the end of his career. Wilkins was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. Post-retirement, he has been involved in various business ventures and charitable activities, as well as serving as the Vice President of Basketball for the Atlanta Hawks.

5 Interesting Facts about Dominique Wilkins

1. Dominique Wilkins won two NBA Slam Dunk Contests, in 1985 and 1990.

2. He scored a career-high 57 points in a game against the New Jersey Nets on December 10, 1986.

3. Wilkins has his No. 21 jersey retired by the Atlanta Hawks.

4. He played professional basketball in Greece and Italy after his NBA career, winning the EuroLeague title in 1996 with Panathinaikos.

5. Dominique Wilkins is a diabetic and is an advocate for diabetes awareness and research.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dominique Wilkins

1. “You are responsible for how people remember you—or don’t. So don’t take it lightly.”

2. “I always say that the greatest and worst things that happened to me were the same thing. I got cut from my high school team, and it made me work that much harder.”

3. “Every time you compete, try harder to improve on your last performance. Give nothing short of your very best effort.”

4. “I’ve always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come.”

5. “You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.”