Ever wondered what people commonly ask online about David Thompson? Well, you’ve come to the right place as we’ve gathered some of the most common Q&As on the internet. In this article, we will answer the 10 most frequently asked questions about the American former professional basketball player.
1. Who is David Thompson?
David Thompson is an American former professional basketball player who gained fame for his exceptional athleticism and scoring skills. He played for the Denver Nuggets and Seattle SuperSonics in both the ABA and NBA. Thompson’s career was marked by numerous accolades, including being named to the All-NBA First Team twice.
2. What was David Thompson’s early life like?
David Thompson was born in Shelby, North Carolina, and grew up with a passion for basketball. He attended Crest Senior High School, where he excelled in basketball, and later became a star player at North Carolina State University. During his time at NC State, Thompson led the Wolfpack to their first NCAA championship in 1974.
3. What made David Thompson famous in college basketball?
Thompson’s college career was highlighted by his incredible leaping ability and scoring talent. He was a three-time Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year and led NC State to an NCAA title. His impressive performance earned him the Most Outstanding Player award during the championship.
4. Why did David Thompson choose the ABA over the NBA initially?
Thompson chose to play in the ABA initially because he felt it had more talented players at the time, such as Julius Erving and George Gervin. He wanted to compete against the best, which led him to join the Denver Nuggets in the ABA.
5. What were David Thompson’s achievements in the ABA?
In the ABA, Thompson was named Rookie of the Year in 1976 and led the Denver Nuggets to the ABA Finals. He was also the MVP of the ABA All-Star Game that year. His impressive performance helped establish him as one of the league’s top players.
6. How did David Thompson perform after the ABA-NBA merger?
After the merger, Thompson continued to excel with the Denver Nuggets in the NBA. He was named to the All-NBA First Team twice and made four NBA All-Star appearances. His scoring ability was highlighted by his 73-point game against the Detroit Pistons in 1978.
7. What was David Thompson’s playing style like?
Thompson was known for his explosive athleticism, which earned him the nickname “Skywalker.” He was a versatile player who could score effectively both inside and outside, making him nearly unguardable. His ability to jump high allowed him to dunk with ease, and he was also a skilled shooter.
8. How did injuries affect David Thompson’s career?
Thompson suffered a significant foot injury during the 1979-80 season, which caused him to miss several games. However, he made a strong comeback the following year, averaging 25.5 points per game.
9. What are some of David Thompson’s notable records?
Thompson is one of the few players to have scored 70 or more points in an NBA game. He also came close to winning the NBA scoring title in 1978, losing by a narrow margin to George Gervin.
10. What is David Thompson’s legacy in basketball?
David Thompson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996, recognizing his contributions to the sport. His influence on later generations of players, including Michael Jordan, is often noted, as he was one of the first to showcase the importance of vertical leap in basketball.