Dominique Wilkins (Part 3)

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8 Mar 2024

Dominique Wilkins (Part 3)

In his 12th NBA season, Dominique Wilkins continued to demonstrate his scoring prowess and resilience, despite facing a midseason trade that marked a significant change in his career. After spending 11 and a half seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, Wilkins was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers on February 24 in exchange for Danny Manning. This trade was unprecedented in NBA history, as it involved a team in first place in their conference trading its leading scorer after the All-Star break.

Before the trade, Wilkins had been a vital contributor to the Hawks, averaging 24.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, leading the team to a 36–16 record. He also earned his eighth NBA All-Star Game appearance. The decision to trade Wilkins was met with speculation, with some suggesting financial motives as the primary reason behind the move, as Wilkins's contract was set to expire at the end of the season, and the Hawks may have been hesitant to commit to a long-term contract for a player nearing 35 years of age.
Despite the trade, Wilkins continued to excel on the court, averaging 29.1 points and 7.0 rebounds in his final 25 games of the season. He returned to Atlanta as a member of the Clippers on March 25 and put up an impressive performance, scoring 36 points and grabbing 10 rebounds against his former team. Overall, Wilkins averaged 26.0 points per game for the season, ranking fourth in the NBA in scoring. He concluded the season with a total of 24,019 career points, solidifying his place as one of the top scorers in NBA history, ranking ninth on the all-time scoring list. Despite the trade and the challenges it presented, Wilkins's resilience and scoring ability remained undiminished, showcasing his enduring impact on the game of basketball.

After becoming a free agent following the 1993–94 season, Dominique Wilkins made a significant move by signing with the Boston Celtics. Shortly after joining the Celtics, he played a key role in helping Dream Team II secure a gold medal at the 1994 World Championship of Basketball.
In his lone season with the Celtics, Wilkins made an impact both on and off the court. While he contributed to the team's success, helping them reach the playoffs, the Celtics were ultimately eliminated in the first round by the Orlando Magic. Despite the early exit, Wilkins performed admirably, averaging 19.0 points per game for the series.
One notable moment in Wilkins's tenure with the Celtics was his role in closing out the old Boston Garden. He holds the distinction of scoring the final point at the historic arena before its closure in 1995, during the Celtics' Game Four loss to the Orlando Magic. This moment served as a fitting tribute to Wilkins's illustrious career and his impact on the game of basketball.

In August 1995, when Pavlos and Thanassis Giannakopoulos, presidents of Panathinaikos, inquired about who the best player worldwide was, the answer was Dominique Wilkins. This led to a memorable phrase by Pavlos Giannakopoulos, which became ingrained in European basketball history: "Bring him yesterday, not now, yesterday." Subsequently, Wilkins joined Panathinaikos of the Greek League, signing a lucrative two-year contract worth US$7 million, making it the richest deal for a professional basketball player outside the NBA at the time.
Despite having two years left on his contract with the Boston Celtics, Wilkins made the move to Athens after Panathinaikos took advantage of a buyout clause in his contract. Upon his arrival in Athens on September 1, 1995, Wilkins was greeted by a crowd of 5,000 enthusiastic Panathinaikos fans at Ellinikon International Airport. The following day, 13,000 fans turned up to witness his first practice session.

Initially, Wilkins struggled to adapt to the European game under the strict coaching of Božidar Maljković, frequently drawing criticism and fines from the club for various reasons, including excessive trips back to the United States during the season. However, he soon found his rhythm and became a key contributor to the team's success.
During the 1995–96 season, Wilkins showcased his talent, averaging 20.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game in the EuroLeague. He played a pivotal role in helping Panathinaikos win the EuroLeague title, delivering standout performances in crucial games, including the Final Four where he was named MVP.

Despite his individual success, Wilkins and Panathinaikos fell short in the Greek League Finals, losing to their rivals Olympiacos. Controversy arose when Wilkins claimed injury and did not play in the deciding game, a decision disputed by the team. Subsequently, Panathinaikos terminated Wilkins's contract after just one season, leading to legal disputes between the player and the club.
During his stint with Panathinaikos, Wilkins left a lasting impact on European basketball, showcasing his talent and resilience despite facing challenges on and off the court.

Dominique Wilkins left a lasting legacy in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, participating in five contests and winning two titles.
In his first appearance in 1984 in Denver, Wilkins finished third behind Larry Nance and Julius Erving. However, he bounced back in 1985 in Indianapolis, defeating Michael Jordan in the finals to claim his first Slam Dunk title.
The following year, in Dallas in 1986, Wilkins reached the finals but was defeated by his shorter teammate Spud Webb, who stunned the audience with his remarkable athleticism.
In the highly anticipated rematch between Wilkins and Jordan in the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest in Chicago, Wilkins delivered impressive dunks, including a thunderous windmill dunk that earned him a standing ovation. However, controversial judging awarded Jordan the victory by a narrow margin.

In his final appearance in the Slam Dunk Contest in 1990, Wilkins faced off against rising stars like Kenny Smith, Scottie Pippen, and defending champion Kenny Walker. Wilkins emerged victorious, defeating Kenny Smith in the final round.
Overall, Wilkins's performances in the Slam Dunk Contest showcased his incredible athleticism and creativity, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest dunkers in NBA history.