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North Carolina State University basketball player David Thompson from the 1974 鈥淎gromeck鈥� yearbook. photo sourced from

Top 10 Interesting Facts about David Thompson

David Thompson, nicknamed “Skywalker,” wowed everyone on the basketball court with his extraordinary abilities. He was known for his work ethic, teamwork, and poise. His incredible leaping ability, scoring prowess, and athleticism set him apart from other regular players.

He was a dominant force and one of the most sought-after athletes in the NBA during his tenure. The 6’4″ shooting guard was so explosive that he posed a threat to opposing teams’ defence. His high-flying abilities are unparalleled, as few players can reach the heights he achieved on the court.

He was an athletic freak with solid jumps that ensured victory for his teams. Because of his record-breaking achievements, he is widely regarded as a hero among former and current NBA players. Throughout his playing career, he struggled with drug addiction, which nearly ruined his achievements. Fortunately, he was able to overcome it and live a healthy life thereafter. Let us take a look at the top 10 interesting facts about David Thompson.

1. He attended Crest Senior High School 

Thompson was born in Shelby, North Carolina on July 13, 1954. For four years, Thompson competed in the Varsity Basketball program at Crest Senior High School. In 1971, he was a prominent player in the East-West All-Star Basketball Game of the North Carolina Coaches Association. Alvin Gentry and Thompson are first cousins growing together in Shelby, North Carolina.

Check out: 30 Best High School Basketball Players of all time.

2. He guided North Carolina State University to an undefeated season

American basketball player David Thompson photo by United Press International –

From 1972 to 1975, he was a basketball player at North Carolina State University. Thompson guided North Carolina State University to an undefeated regular season (27-0) in 1973. However, the Wolfpack was barred from the post-season game that year owing to the NCAA rules infractions involving Thompson’s recruitment. In 1974, he led the Wolfpack to win the NCAA Men’s Division Basketball Championship by achieving a record of 30-1 that season.

Find out: 10 Famous Basketball Players who played for UNC.

3. He was selected first overall in the 1975 NBA draft

Thompson was selected first overall by both the National Basketball Association (Atlanta Hawks) and the American Basketball Association (Virginia Squires) in their respective 1975 drafts. He ultimately joined the Denver Nuggets of the ABA. Despite coming in second place to Julius Erving in the first-ever Slam-Dunk Competition, which was conducted at the 1976 ABA All-Star Game in Denver, he was given the award for MVP of the game. He won a credenza television set as his reward.

4. Thompson won the 1976 ABA Rookie of the Year award

The Nuggets won a tough seven-game series against the Kentucky Colonels to end the 1976 season 60-24 and go to the ABA Finals. In the championship game, the Nuggets lost to Erving and the New York Nets 4-2; Thompson averaged 28.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, including an almost-heroic 42 points to lead all scorers in a close Game 6 defeat of 112-106. Thompson received the 1976 ABA Rookie of the Year title following the conclusion of the season.

5. He signed a record $4 million contract extension after the 1977-78 season

Professional basketball players David Thompson (left) and Julius Erving (right) photo by United Press International –

The 6-foot-4-inch star from Denver, who averaged a large number of points, set a record when he agreed to a contract extension that would pay him $4 million over five years, making him the highest-paid player in NBA history in 1978. He missed the final 36 games of the 1979鈥�80 season due to a foot injury, but he returned the following year to average 25.5 points in 77 games. However, on June 17, 1982, the Nuggets dealt him to the Seattle SuperSonics for Bill Hanzlik and a lottery selection after his point total dropped to 14.9 in 1981鈥�82.

6. He was selected twice in the ABA All-Star 

David is a two-time ABA All-Star and managed this feat during his time with ABA’s Denver Nuggets in the 1975- 1976 and 1976 – 1977 seasons. In the 1975-1976 season, he averaged 26.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game which fueled his selection to the ABA All-Star team. In 1976 – 1977, he averaged 25.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.

7. Thompson was selected four times in the NBA All-Star

NBA All-Star Game 2010 photo by Rondo Estrello –

Thompson is a four-time NBA All-Star whereby he was selected to the All-Star in 1977,1978,1970 and 1981. He was among the most formidable shooting guards in the league during his time with the Denver Nuggets. Thompson was named to two All-NBA Second Teams in 1977 and 1979 and also to the 1978 All-NBA First Team.

8. Thompson overcame a drug addiction problem

Following a foot ailment that caused him to become isolated and lonely in 1979鈥�1980, he developed substance abuse issues. He entered a Denver rehab centre in 1983, following erratic events that initially came to light following his chaotic debut season in Seattle. Following an unsuccessful 1985 tryout with the Indiana Pacers, he was jailed that evening for public intoxication.

His career-ending 1984 knee injury was the result of his being shoved down a stairwell during a brawl at Studio 54. According to reports, Thompson was buying $1,000 worth of cocaine every day by 1986, and as a result, he entered a Kirkland, Washington, recovery facility that year. Thompson changed his life and became a devout Christian after his 1987 180-day jail term for beating his wife. He also restructured his life and overcame drug addiction.

9. Thompson was a member of the Charlotte Hornets’ community relations team 

In 1990, Thompson was a member of the Charlotte Hornets’ community relations team. In 2003, he went back to North Carolina State to finish his sociology degree. He began filming an autobiographical movie called Skywalker the next year. On May 6, 1996, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. In 2009, he introduced Michael Jordan during his induction.

10. Thompson was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996

In 1996, he was honoured with a Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame induction. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame history museum not only promotes and preserves basketball’s history but also acts as the sport’s most comprehensive library. There is no question as to why Thompson earned his place in basketball history given what he accomplished during his career.

Read more: 60 Best College Basketball Players of all time.