David Thompson

David Thompson is probably best known for his high wire acrobatic play, earning him the nickname of The Skywalker” with is laser quick moves and 44” vertical jump. It was rumored that he could take a quarter off the top of the backboard…and he’s only 6’3”.

David, who grew up in North Carolina, had a college career not many players ever have, wining nearly every single award a college basket ball player could win, while taking the North Carolina State Wolfpack to the NCAA Title in 1974.

He was drafted by both the NBA Atlanta Hawks and the ABA’s Virginia Squires; however, David opted for the ABA and the Denver Nuggets. David’s professional career was much like his college career; he lit up the nets like not many could. The only player more explosive and exciting in his day was Julius “Dr. J” Erving.

He was a 2-time ABA All-star and won the ABA All-Star game MVP in 1976. When the Denver Nuggets went to the NBA, his talents and prowess didn’t change. He became a 4-time NBA All-Start and won the MVP of the All-Star game in both 1977 & 1979. His jersey has been retired at every level he played…Crest High School (Charlotte), North Carolina State and the Denver Nuggets.

Tragically David’s spectacular career was cut short because of drug and alcohol abuse. David has since turned his life around is very active in youth organizations and charity work. David’s crowning achievement came when he was enshrined into the NBA Hall of Fame on May 6, 1996.