As we celebrate the 65th birthday of Dominique Wilkins, we reflect not only on his legendary basketball career but also on his roots and the journey that shaped him into one of the greatest players to ever step onto the court. While most NBA fans know him for his thunderous dunks, his remarkable longevity, and his time as a nine-time All-Star, there’s much more to Wilkins than the soaring slam dunk. His legacy is etched in hard work, dedication, and an unwavering passion for the game—qualities that began to define him long before his days as a professional basketball icon.
Born in Paris, France, on January 12, 1960, Dominique’s early years were marked by his family’s military lifestyle, which saw them moving across the globe before eventually settling in Baltimore, Maryland. Growing up in the tough neighborhoods of Baltimore, Dominique learned resilience, toughness, and the value of hard work—skills that would serve him well on the basketball court. It was in the rough streets of Baltimore that he honed his game, shaping a playing style that was both fluid and aggressive, a mix of finesse and power that would set him apart from many others in the NBA.
By the time he reached high school, Wilkins had developed into a standout player, first at Washington Pam Pack in Washington, North Carolina. His team boasted an impressive record of 76-1 during his three years there, securing back-to-back state titles (including a crushing defeat of the mighty Burlington Cummings Cavaliers) and leaving a legacy that would be remembered for generations. It was clear to everyone who watched him play that Wilkins was destined for greatness.
The Journey to the NBA
Although he was born in Paris to a military parent, Wilkins’ basketball journey truly began in the southern states, where his high school success caught the attention of college recruiters. Wilkins initially committed to North Carolina State, but in a move that would later define his career, he chose to attend the University of Georgia instead. He wasn’t interested in being just another piece of a championship-caliber team; he wanted to carve out his own identity.
In 1982, after an outstanding collegiate career, Wilkins entered the NBA Draft, where he was initially considered a likely first overall pick. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the Los Angeles Lakers selected James Worthy instead, and Wilkins was drafted third overall by the Utah Jazz. It was here that his fire and determination truly began to show. Wilkins famously told the Jazz that if they were going to make him play power forward—an unnatural position for the 6’8” Wilkins—he’d rather be traded. The rest, as they say, is history.
Wilkins found his home in Atlanta, where his career truly blossomed. He would go on to become the face of the Atlanta Hawks, becoming “the human highlight” film and show in a franchise and city that would embrace him as their own for over a decade.
The NBA Career: Dunks, Rivalries, and Triumphs
Wilkins’ playing style was electrifying. Known for his high-flying dunks, he became a highlight reel regular, often leaping above defenders with a grace and power that left crowds in awe. But to reduce Wilkins to just his dunking ability would be to ignore his full range of talents. He averaged 24.8 points per game for his career and was known for his scoring versatility. He could shoot mid-range jumpers, post up, and get to the free-throw line with regularity. His defensive skills, while often overshadowed by his offensive fireworks, were also a crucial part of his game.
He was a fierce competitor, playing against the NBA’s best. In the 1980s, the Eastern Conference was stacked with Hall of Fame talent: Julius Erving, Larry Bird, Bernard King, and others. Wilkins faced off against them regularly, battling them in some of the greatest playoff series the league has ever seen, including his iconic matchup with the Boston Celtics in the 1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals. Wilkins dropped 47 points in a Game 7 against Boston, but despite his heroics, the Hawks fell short, an outcome that haunted him for years. That series, however, solidified his place in NBA lore.
Wilkins’ rivalry with Michael Jordan was another defining aspect of his career, two storied North Carolina High School hoops legends, culminating in their legendary showdown in the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest. Though Jordan ultimately edged him out in the contest, the two shared a mutual respect for each other’s talents. The contest itself was a symbol of the pure competition that defined an era of NBA stars.
Overcoming Adversity
In 1992, after a series of injuries and some difficult years with the Atlanta Hawks, Wilkins suffered a devastating Achilles tendon injury—one that many believed would end his career. But Wilkins defied expectations. With unwavering dedication, he worked tirelessly for months to recover. He returned to the NBA not just as a shell of his former self but as one of the league’s most formidable players, averaging nearly 30 points per game in his comeback season.
This was the heart of Dominique Wilkins: a relentless work ethic, an unyielding drive to prove the doubters wrong, and a passion for the game that kept him going even when most would have given up. He didn’t just come back from his Achilles injury; he came back better than before.
Life After Basketball: Giving Back and Staying Involved
After retiring from playing, Wilkins remained closely tied to the NBA, becoming a Senior Advisor to the CEO and Vice President for the Atlanta Hawks while also serving as an analyst for Fox Sports. His contributions off the court have been just as impactful, particularly in the realm of philanthropy. Wilkins works tirelessly to raise awareness for diabetes, a disease that has personally affected his family, and he continues to support various causes, including those related to spinal bifida.
He is also deeply involved in the community and is widely respected for the integrity and character he displayed throughout his career.
The Statue and the Legacy
As a testament to his impact on the game and his contribution to Atlanta’s basketball culture, Wilkins was honored with a statue outside the Philips Arena dedicated on March 2, 2015. The statue immortalizes the high-flying, powerful image that made him a beloved figure in the city. It serves as a reminder of all that Wilkins accomplished on the court—and the lasting mark he left on the sport of basketball.
In remembering Dominique Wilkins, we celebrate more than just his dunks or his accolades. We celebrate a man who grew up in adversity, who worked tirelessly to reach the pinnacle of his sport, and who never stopped giving back to the community that supported him. A player who truly elevated the game—and the players who came after him.
Happy birthday, Dominique Wilkins! Yes, I’m still mad that you beat my favorite team, my sister Anita Kay Burnette-Wlliams’ senior class at Cummings High in 1978, but your impact on the game of basketball is forever.
