David Thompson, often referred to as "Skywalker" for his incredible leaping ability, was a professional basketball player whose career spanned the late 1970s and early 1980s. Born on July 13, 1954, in Shelby, North Carolina, Thompson's journey to basketball stardom began at North Carolina State University, where he led the Wolfpack to an NCAA championship in 1974. His college career was marked by numerous accolades, including being a three-time ACC Player of the Year and a two-time consensus first-team All-American.

Thompson's professional career began when he was selected as the first overall pick in the 1975 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. However, he chose to sign with the Denver Nuggets of the American Basketball Association (ABA), where he quickly became a standout player. In his rookie season, Thompson averaged 26 points per game and was named the ABA Rookie of the Year. His performance helped the Nuggets reach the ABA Finals, although they ultimately fell to the New York Nets.

When the ABA merged with the NBA in 1976, Thompson continued to play for the Nuggets, now part of the NBA. He quickly established himself as one of the league's premier players, known for his scoring ability and athleticism. During the 1977-78 NBA season, Thompson had one of the most memorable performances in league history, scoring 73 points in a single game against the Detroit Pistons. This remarkable feat was just two points shy of the then-NBA record held by Wilt Chamberlain.

Throughout his career with the Nuggets, Thompson was a four-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA First Team twice. His high-flying dunks and scoring prowess made him a fan favorite and a feared opponent on the court. Despite his individual success, the Nuggets struggled to achieve significant playoff success during his tenure.

In 1982, Thompson was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics, where he continued to display his scoring ability, although injuries and personal issues began to take a toll on his performance. His time with the SuperSonics was marked by flashes of brilliance, but he was unable to recapture the dominance of his earlier years.

Off the court, Thompson faced challenges that affected his career. Struggles with substance abuse began to overshadow his achievements, leading to a decline in his performance and eventually contributing to his early retirement from professional basketball in 1984.

Despite the challenges he faced, Thompson's legacy in basketball remains significant. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996, a testament to his extraordinary talent and influence on the game. His style of play and athleticism paved the way for future generations of players, and he is often credited with inspiring the likes of Michael Jordan, who has cited Thompson as a major influence on his own career.

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