The 2006 Pro Basketball Hall of Fame inductee received a standing ovation and chants of “Nique!” from the fans at State Farm Arena during the Hawks’ 113-87 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 21 when his selection was announced to the crowd. Wilkins sat courtside instead of at his usual seat at the broadcast table because the game was on national television, not the Hawks’ local station.
“The Human Highlight Film” finished his 16-season NBA career with 24.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. Although he’s most known for his jaw-dropping dunking ability and his dunk contest battles with Michael Jordan, he also had his fair share of legendary game moments. In 1988, Wilkins finished with one of the highest-scoring Game 7’s ever, as he poured in 47 points on the road against Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics. He also did the unprecedented at the time when he returned from a ruptured Achilles injury in 1992 and averaged 29.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and a steal per game at age 33.
“The number means nothing,” Wilkins said. “When you’re a part of greatness, you’re a part of the greatest players to ever play, it doesn’t matter what number you are. It’s just a special, elite group to be a part of and a lot of guys will never feel that type of emotion or that type of respect.”
