Dominique Wilkins has one of the best nicknames in basketball history. It may also be why his game gets shortchanged.
“The Human Highlight Film” brings the windmills and soaring finishes to mind. Those plays earned their place in NBA history. But Wilkins was an elite scorer night after night, for more than a decade. He averaged at least 20 points per game in 11 consecutive seasons, from 1983–84 through 1993–94. In eight of those seasons, he averaged at least 25. (StatMuse)
This was a nine-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA selection who won the 1985–86 scoring title at 30.3 points per game. Atlanta won 50 games in four straight seasons during his prime. Wilkins gave the Hawks a star who could carry an offense and make them a threat in the East. (NBA.com)
If someone thinks Dominique was just a dunker, show them Game 7 against Boston in 1988. With the Hawks’ season on the line, he scored 47 points on 19-for-23 shooting in a two-point loss to Larry Bird’s Celtics. That performance deserves to be remembered as much as any dunk contest. (NBA.com)
Then came the Achilles injury in 1992. For a player whose explosiveness was such a big part of his reputation, it could have changed how the rest of his career looked. Wilkins returned the next season and averaged 29.9 points per game. He followed that with 26.0 in 1993–94, his 11th straight 20-point season. (NBA.com)
S³ verdict: Dominique Wilkins is celebrated as an entertainer. He should be discussed just as often as one of the great scorers of his era. The highlights made you watch; the production is why he belongs in the conversation.
