David Thompson (basketball player)

David O'Neil Thompson (born July 13, 1954 in Boiling Springs, North Carolina) is an American professional basketball star who played for the Denver Nuggets of both the NBA and ABA, as well as the Seattle Supersonics. He led North Carolina State University to an NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship in 1974.

Related Topics:
July 13 - 1954 - Boiling Springs, North Carolina - American - Basketball - Denver Nuggets - NBA - ABA - Seattle Supersonics - North Carolina State University - NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship - 1974

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Thompson is widely considered the greatest ACC player in history and one of the greatest college players ever. His nickname was Skywalker because of his incredible 44-inch vertical leap.

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He was enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a player on May 6, 1996.

Related Topics:
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame - May 6 - 1996

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In 1978, Thompson signed a record-breaking $4 million five-year contract, more than any basketball player had previously been paid. And, as he soon discovered to his cost, that sort of money can buy an awful lot of cocaine and alcohol. His addictions had an inevitable destructive effect on his career, eventually landing him in prison.

Related Topics:
1978 - Cocaine - Alcohol

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With encouragement from the prison pastor, he became a committed Christian and put his life back in order. Thompson now devotes his time to working with young basketball players, helping them to aspire to his achievements and avoid his mistakes. His autobiography, Skywalker, charts the highs and lows of his eventful life.

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