David Thompson Top 10 Plays of Career

[@StoneGone]

This guy, and Dr.J , really are big reasons for Jordan’s game. Two very nice guys style to emulate.

[@JelaniB28]

Kam Mike - You’re out of your mind. Jordan idolized their games. He patterned his open court moves and acrobatic aerial moves after Dr J, his off the dribble moves from Thompson and another guy name Walter Davis. He also patterned his shooting form after Walter Davis. Davis and Thompson are icons from the state of North Carolina that Jordan watched closely and idolized as a teenager according to Jordan himself. And who didn’t see Dr J?

[@childofGod477]

Not his game but his aerial assault and his style was sweeter.

[@jarvasedundy1]

I don't see David in his game lol. But Dr. J easily

[@housesports000]

you’d also have to be hella athletic

[@henny6566]

@@jarvasedundy1 Number 10 on this list, the very first play is definitely Jordans signature move. Fake going inside then quickly bring it back out baseline and attack the rim. Mike made a career out of that early on but just perfected it.

[@5stargymnast915]

Michael Jordan chose David “Skywalker” Thompson to present his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Not Dean Smith or anyone else Jordan played with. He chose his idol.

[@40savv45]

@Kam Mike you can have more than one idol

[@sonnywoods6846]

@Kam Mike MJ has said that he didn;t get to watch many Dr. J game in NC, he watched David Thompson. It was the media that said MJ based his game off of Dr. J

[@tracygillis3487]

@Kam Mike Jordan idolized David Thompson and Dr. J. But Thompson was local to North Carolina so Jordan got to see him more.

[@anadrolfifty7754]

Your idol should only be Jesus no man should have an idol.

[@brianfuller2163]

@@anadrolfifty7754 lmfao you are such a moron

[@michaelmaldonado7369]

He was incredible to watch. Never forget his rookie season here in Denver. Still think he was the best college player I ever saw.

[@samuelpicardal]

"But how many people lighted the path for me? That’s the evolution of basketball. There’s no way I could have played the way I played if I didn’t watch David Thompson and guys prior to me. There’s no way Kobe could have played the way he’s played without watching me play. So, you know, that’s the evolution of basketball. You cannot change that." -Michael Jordan

[@jeromebreezedale4592]

I agree with the David Thompson part but not KOBE

[@tonykari5124]

Amin. & then you got LeFLOP Blames ruining the game for the next generation with his Garbage play

[@jeromebreezedale4592]

@@tonykari5124 , you definitely in need of some new glasses & if it wasn't for LEBRON we wouldn't have Greek Freak, Luka, PG13, Simmons,etc;

[@jokerhaha5123]

Jerome Breezedale You must not have seen much of Kobe then, he basically imitated Jordan’s celebrations, mannerisms, the way he talks, and every detail of his game ... Kobe even said that

[@jeromebreezedale4592]

@@jokerhaha5123 , I disagree

[@thatmanstumototours2270]

Thompson was just under 6'4" tall. The reason he seems to get open on his drives so easily is because he was a lights out shooter with an unstoppable jumper. You had to play up on him or he would shoot over you all night long....

[@lj4078]

Thatmanstu Moto Tours yea man, that jumper was deadly. Wish he could've played nowadays, he would reck some havoc

[@lainiwakura4678]

A 40+" vertical never hurts either

[@Cuffski]

On point he could shoot the rock !!!!

[@Wowvod]

@@lainiwakura4678 he had a 43 or 44 inch vert,and he was 6’2 without shoes, 6’4 in shoes. Niggah was a beast that could’ve started at center like if his coach wanted him to jump ball, he trained like a track runner and a football player,he was freak specimen that a group of scientists did a study on him on why he could leap so high and fast, they concluded he had the perfect frame and lower muscle in his thighs,calf’s, and legs to generate great leaping ability and he also had one of the quickest first step when he was in the league, this man should be in the conversation for greatest athletes ever, we haven’t seen a player like him and probably never will.

[@grahamgreene779]

​@@Wowvod yes, that first step is just ridiculous. There's a reason Mj chose Thompson to induct him into the hall of fame. With all due respect to Elgin Baylor and esp. Dr. J (3-4 inches taller w/ huge mits for hands and seemed maybe to glide more gracefully through the air but could also dunk on people's heads; eg. The 77 finals dunk on Bill Walton) Thompson had an explosiveness that felt and looked modern in an unprecedented way.

[@jstine7671]

His dunks over most of the big Aba centers are legendary, his foul line take offs were the 💣 his 73 against the pistons went to 3 OTS junior jumper was deadly too

[@MicDeluxx]

David Thomson was idolized by both Michael Jordan & Dominique Wilkins.

[@jamesvickers9476]

Mic Deluxx ...an everyone else who played b-ball in the 1970s...

[@TuttaNeck]

He idolized them not they idolized him

[@TheGuitarifier]

@@TuttaNeck that's... Not possible but okay

[@ГэриПэйтон-щ9и]

Dominique`s idol was Doctor J

[@tanker9975]

yeller vermin not true, Jordan’s favorite player was Thompson

[@thatmanstumototours2270]

He was holy hell in College for NC State back when the ACC was in its true glory days....

[@SupraJoe]

Respect to the 🐐 David Thompson for inspiring the 🐐 Michael Jordan!

[@RICHBLACKCOCK]

@suprajoe4907 NORTH CAROLINA connection.

[@MrMBB333]

Michael Jordan brought me here...

[@vilanova1970]

me too..!!!

[@mynameisirrelevant46]

Me too

[@gummi8409]

Not me

[@motown1970]

April 30 2020

[@wn8derwinr828]

Gay

[@Luskiano]

He was one of Michael Jordan's influences! Michael really looked up to him.

[@TheDudeAbides1998]

Kalu O. Kalu That's a nice way of saying it.lol MJ stole his game.

[@MmeDesgranges]

Pretty sure MJ had a few tricks on Thompson

[@TheDudeAbides1998]

@Kam MikeTriple threat stance? Him exploding towards the rim. Yeah he did. And he did that with a lot of other players.

[@jaidenheath8970]

Kam Mike yes he was

[@jaidenheath8970]

Kam Mike David Thompson created Michael Jordan

[@joeblow7008]

david thompson was an artist. such and elegant dunker.

[@harmonichebe]

david thompson is the greatest player in ACC history

[@donarthiazi2443]

Oy vey... you are wrong. He was 'one of'

[@DeeNice681]

David Thompson would be a incredible athlete in any era. Alot of players today do have his leaping ability but not many have the combination of a amazingly quick first step and speed to go along with that leaping ability.

[@averydaymond1560]

I do not think a lot of players today have his leaping ability. I know of no one at 6’4 that could leave the floor and get their hands up to 11 foot at the speed which Thompson could. In fact I don’t think there’s ever been anyone at 6’4 that ever has.

[@marcvslicinivscrassvs7536]

Seems like Ja Morant is a modern version of Thompson.

[@coyacampbell5361]

Denver Nuggets... most underrated team of the 80's With Issel, Vandewedge, Thompson, English... et al!!!!

[@JordanJumpin]

bruh that team was an offensive juggernaut

[@TheChosenMoose01]

Coya Campbell wasn't David on the sonics in the 80s?

[@andremax77]

i agree totally! Those guys could score in their sleep. They were always one of, if not the highest scoring teams in the league. And were exciting to watch.

[@54321yrrag]

@@TheChosenMoose01 kiki was cold-blooded

[@jstine7671]

I watched that game where he scored 70 something against the pistons the nuggets were a bombsquad 💣🏀dropping buckets

[@villamilkyway]

True. No one will be able to replace him. This induction has helped to remind us how special Jordan was. He's bigger than numbers can say. DT was some athlete.

[@ShangoDC]

This guy was truly a phenomenal, extremely explosive and unstoppable. He scored 73 points in one game. Unfortunately, he was a product of the NBA 70’s cocaine drug culture, and a serious knee injury cut his career short. He should have been in the NBA’s 15 or 20 top greatest players of all-time if not for those short comings. Along with Dr. J, he helped to revolutionize above the rim play and highlight dunks. As a reference, Michael Jordan stated, this was his number inspiration.

[@RICHBLACKCOCK]

@ShangoDC Coupla NORTH CAROLINA guys. WOLFPACK & TARHEEL.

[@blackricktheruler]

The precursor of Michael Jordan.Respect to the legend 💯

[@Boomslang55]

His best play was a blocked shot at the end of a ABA semifinal game against the Doctor. Doctor shot what would have been a game winner from the right corner. Thompson picked it off half way. Phenomenal.

[@gumballrally427]

The original Skywalker! Love the last dunk where he posterizes Bobby Jones.

[@leeparham2876]

i was at the game when david scored 73 points on my detroit pistons.april 9th,1978.last game of the season.they couldn't stop that boy.it was a shame detroit was so sorry that year the game was not shown on any tv station.there was only 3,482 people at that game

[@ericgray2077]

Just like Chamberlain no media but history was made!

[@Campbewc]

Awesome vid! One of the greatest natural athletes in NBA history.

[@stever1791]

In my book he is the best College Basketball Player Ever. I wish his pro career went on for a longer time. I meet David at the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2011. He is a very nice guy and easy to talk to . Thanks for all the highlights over the year DT

[@dawoool]

Pure, beautiful talent. Like so many incredibly gifted individuals, he threw it all away chasing cheap thrills.

[@jeromebreezedale4592]

Actually he got hurt

[@RSMoreno]

He was addicted to pain killers and it got out of control

[@RSMoreno]

I take that back. I looked up DT and he was doing coke before his injury.

[@boydriceisawesome2520]

Indeed cocaine was his addiction thats why he retired the pressure....

[@donarthiazi2443]

@@boydriceisawesome2520 I remember something about David getting into a fight with a couple of huge bouncers in Myrtle Beach. Never recovered from being tossed down a couple of flights of stairs

[@DeltaBluesClassics]

David Thompson....you were amazing!

[@MrKewlKhan]

73 points brought me here

[@NameCallingIsWeak]

"73 points brought me here" BEFORe there was a 3pt line!!

[@dondeebruce9546]

I have to say that I love this sport and have a great respect for all who push them selves over the top, MYSELF EMIL THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE AIR HEBERT 🏀 IN REAL LIFE, I HAVE TOUCHED THE TOP OF THE BACKBOARD. I ALSO HAVE JUMPED OVER 5 ADULTS STANDING STRAIGHT UP AND DUNKED THE BALL AND DIDN'T NEED TO USE THE ALLY OOP, IM EMIL THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE AIR HEBERT 🏀 AND IM TRYING TO CLEAN UP THE MESS THAT MY MAIN MAN HOOK MITCHELL CREATED BY PUTTING HIS NAME ON MY PHOTOS OF ME DUNKING OVER A CAR AT THE PAN HANDLE, I BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE HAVE FORGOTTEN ABOUT MY STORY AND IM READY TO TELL IT, BUT I DON'T HAVE ANY ONE TO HELP ME WITH IT. I HAVE MUCH TO TELL, ANYONE UP FOR IT? THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL. PS I STARTED DUNKING OVER PEOPLE STANDING STRAIGHT UP AT THE AGE OF 16, GROWN UPS.

[@NickPR87]

You know when a player is da shits when he's Michael Jordan's idol!

[@tonykari5124]

TRUTH

[@rodneywashington2017]

Clyde Drexler's style was patterned after David Thompson and Julius Erving. He said that himself. David Thompson was a Blue Angels SHOW!!!

[@phillawson9453]

David Thompson was way before his time he was a easy top 50 players of all time my opinion

[@abdulabdurhakim4546]

Awesome D T Never Forgotten Thanks King D T 1love

[@kevinmcbroom4370]

Winning Time bought me here 😂😂😂

[@HiNRGboy]

Skywalker, Ice Man, Walter Davis and World Free those 4 guards always put on an amazing show back in the late 70s and early 80s (my favorite era). There were so many great shooting guards pre-Jordan, it's ashame they get lost in talking about all time greats.

[@michaelsack9981]

One of most underrated players in history.

[@venutian178]

This is the man that influenced Jordan

[@rollinsox007]

DT would've been one of the best players in NBA history as well if he'd stayed out of drugs. This guy had NBA skills for 3 years of college ball. He is one of the all time ACC scoring leaders without being allowed to play his Freshman year, without being able to dunk, and without a 3 point line. This guy was absolutely amazing to watch and it is VERY classy for MJ to pick him. You only wish more people knew about the original SKYWALKER.

[@waytoocozy]

He's crazy on 2k

[@rook3065]

He was crazier in real life..

[@chalkywhite6597]

I never played with him on 2k gotta try

[@rickyhawaii]

Walter Davis and Marques Johnson are really nice also.

[@SIDTerces]

Despite of MJ being said to be stealing moves, Kobe did say "You have to learn from the greats that came before you, that's how it should be done". This guy is amazing

[@tannerhamrick]

So cool to be able to say I was born and raised just 3 min from where he was and went to the same high school. His Jersey his still on display.

[@davidlogan9777]

He had even better slam's. I was a Season ticket holder back in his Day. Saw DT cap Dr J on a runaway Jam .Also in pre game warm ups took a quarter off the top of Backboard and was freaking Fans out with his high flying warm ups before games

[@michaelbroer6378]

My favorite player to watch after Magic Johnson and I've followed basketball since the late '60s. The one play I'll never forget was a stolen pass that Thompson drove to the basket alone and took off from about the free throw line, he cradled the ball in his upper forearm (couldn't palm it like Dr. J) and did the wheelhouse, his arm motion much of a 360 degree, with his body twisting in air. This play was so exciting that it got repeated highlights in an era that was nearly void of video replays. This must have taken place '77 or '78. I'm not surprised that MJ was inspired by Thompson! His leaping was so spectacular as if he defied the laws of gravity.

[@donarthiazi2443]

He said in an interview that his dad would turn the car lights on for him at night because he couldn't get enough of this fantastic game we love so much.

[@juvserr]

@emmettk while I couldn't agree more that Thompson was a human highlight film, the fact is he was actually just a little over 6'2 - you notice he's never able to palm the ball, had small size hands, he depended on his incredible timing and unreal hang time to dunk over taller players - if anything, the fact he could score so easily in the paint is all the more incredible-plus he was also an excellent outside shooter, ballhandler and passer-one of the unappreciated all time greats, The Skywalker

[@user-tk1xr2qq6l]

Most people forget how Great of a player DT was in the 70s and early 80s. I'm still trying to find his Denver Nuggets poster (1:16 on the video) on Amazon and ebay...

[@robertbrown8008]

One of the greatest players of all time should have been on the NBA's 50th Anniversary team.

[@mattgoldberg4335]

Just a few things to add. 1. These highlights are nice but I'm sure DT had 100s more better plays. 2. I'm a Philly basketball fan, but was amazed (while in hs) watching Thompson at NC St. Many of us consider him to be the best and most exciting college player ever. 3. Yes, he could fly, but he had the complete game. 4. He developed substance abuse problems, but I've never heard anyone say a bad word about him as a a person.

[@juvserr]

,,he was actually only 6'2 "The Skywalker," truly a forgetten legend...

[@donyutejamaica631]

Dam Lie! He’s 6’ 4”

[@Wowvod]

@@donyutejamaica631 in shoes probably, but barefoot, the dude is 6’2 in a half.

[@brandywimbush7685]

He’s my son’s great uncle he is definitely 6’4

[@donarthiazi2443]

@@brandywimbush7685 Is he still friends with Monte Towe?

[@kennyb50]

I saw Thompson play in person 5 times as well as many games on television. Yohad to see him. His style revolutinized basketball and i mean that. The term alley oop was invented to describe his dunks off of lobs. Don't get me wrong, other players started catching up shortly thereafter but he started it man.

[@danielalexander9855]

Grew up in NC. It was a pleasure having David Thompson and MJ in your backyard.

[@miamigreyhound]

I remember oh too well Mr. Thompson being a UCLA fan back then. The Wolfpack upset the Greatest UCLA team ever assembled, Bill Walton & Co. coached by the Wizard of Westwood in perhaps the greatest ncaa game of all time. Like a Big Cat what he want he gets on both ends of the floor.Stunning is the right adjective for this legendary player

[@sghdr1]

David was the original sky walker, in college he could touch the top of the backboard and he was just 6' 4" They meaured his vertical at 48"

[@blackwidowsm]

Original sky Walker who played above rim was Elgin Baylor pre knee injury 1964 before that Thompson Dr j MJ were all the next Elgin Baylor that’s how hood Baylor was and in post. season he was even better. Why he one of top ten players all time. Leave your recency bias at home.

[@Jay-ue2ic]

Most amazing: he did all this while coked out of his mind.

[@tol5516]

lmao!

[@jaymoney6233]

@HPM Royale I thought that u were about to mention that it's a North Carolina thing and they all have this thing with coke. I was about to say that explains alot

[@dc7236]

@@jaymoney6233 lmao me too

[@jaymoney6233]

@@dc7236 Lol

[@ariankonci5727]

Such a spectacular player David, with a great class moves and so athletic acrobatic unique jumps..👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@georgegallo6756]

Most exciting airborne B-ball players ever: Dr. J and David Thompson. Where everybody is dunkin' today, they just ain't the same. BTW, I am a big Wilt fan, but he had an easier task gettin' above the rim. Thompson just seemed to stay in the air longer than anyone else.

[@gerardrbain1972]

What makes David Thompson stand out from other dunkers is: he actually had a game to go along with his 'ups'.

[@paulgeorge9228]

this aint many, mj and david. dr j was good but his ups werent insane

[@deehodge676]

Dude a 42" vertical leap is NOT "slightly above average". This guy was a flat out stud, and could play against anyone in any era. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool.

[@lxgxn8353]

Skywalker!!!!

[@bobke114]

In the early mid 70s there was a guy named Charlie McMillan that was playing at Tyler Junior College . Him and Thompson were pretty well accepted as being the best leapers at the time. Charlie was 6 foot 3 with a 44 inch verticle.

[@robertbrown6400]

One of the greatest players of all time he should have been on the NBA's 50th anniversary Team,

[@phyllip5382]

his substance abuse history wouldve never let him on the anniversary team sadly

[@zeze7322]

Anyone that seen David Thompson at Jordan’s hof speech , he looks like a librarian but how amazing that the greatest of all time had an idol growing up & all he sees is his idol standing up there at his induction

[@JuniusR]

This guy was amazing especially for that time

[@MrYoumitube]

I can see how David Thompson was a major influence in MJ23..run to the basket without fear, and make your defence as good as your offence.

[@kincamell2]

Much Gratitude

[@mportklr]

1:19....was that a sweet hook pass?!!

[@jcsmitty22]

yep lol never even seen that before

[@pputnam100]

How funny, I saw him play a number of times, and none of these videos really express how he jumped, they just don't... he had this explosiveness that was crazy, nobody had that. In later years Dominique was a similar jumper. I thought the best jumping I saw him do was in college

[@davidpennington1948]

David Thompson beat a pro ABA player when he was in high school

[@ShangoDC]

Are you serious, this guy had a 44" vertical back then. The whole meassuring of vertical leap came about because of him. These dunks were very serious back then in the 70's and today. He was second only to Dr. J for above he rim tricks at that time, but actually he could jump higher than Doc. Doc had big hands and could fly outward longer and change direction with the ball and his body.

[@michaelpendleton2158]

Just saw him today, had to rewatch this......

[@cornellmuhammad3912]

Amazing video 📼.

[@ND-OPS]

most underrated what ifs ever

[@creoleDJ]

Thompson, Wilkins, Jordan....makes you wonder what was in the water in NC to make those guys sky like that

[@sherrysetliff2502]

Hard to beat thompsons vertical leap. Incredible.

[@timothymarland1151]

David is currently at my point guard spot on 2k17

[@lizardlickfan1]

The real greatest that ever played the game.

[@lisalise1622]

He is the man !

[@RichardWolfe79]

That put back dunk was impressive. The ball was high and he showed his hangtime.

[@master-kq3nw]

great dunker

[@EverythingIsMahogany]

I’m here cause he a beast

[@BornToBeRollingStone]

Dude you have to understand that this was in the 70's. The NBA couldn't use every of his games, unlike for Durant and LBJ. There are way more games available in one season of LBJ than in the career of David Thompson.

[@cornellscott3630]

Amazing video.

[@Jacaryel]

i wish i watched this man play! thanks mj

[@ronglover7692]

greatness

[@ATLKing132]

Number 5 is sickest dunk. He jumped so high man. And I think he was like only 6"2!!

[@keiththomas7591]

He. Was. A. Awesome. Jumper. Ahead. Of. His. Time

[@darryljenkins7764]

I met David Thompson in 1975. I was 10 years old and our hands were the same size. If you look at his one-handed dunks, he was always cuffing the ball. Just imagine if he could palm the ball.

[@thea-listvipexperience399]

MJ before MJ and Kobe.

[@MmeDesgranges]

And Dr J ..

[@delprieststokes3498]

The man who influence the goat MJ if it wasn't for him no one won't be rocking Concord 11s

[@jamalsturrup1650]

This man right here wow

[@jingqi9106]

These are just the highlights they caught on tape, there were so many more great highlights in from of empty arenas in the ABA, David Thompson's prime.

[@stevensmith4004]

No empty arenas for Thompson in Denver. The place was always sold out.

[@rickharris4513]

I remember the lob he caught over Caldwell Jones and Harvey Catchings in a January 1977 game on CBS. Brent Musberger proclaimed, "Lady's and gentlemen, his entire arm was above the basket on that play!" His shot-blocking was also stunning; every now and then he'd knock down a 3-pt range jumper at mid-arc. He did it to Virginia's Wally Walker in a 1974 game in Raleigh. Billy Packer was broadcasting the game and admitted while watching the replay that it was goal tending, but the ref was so stunned by what he witnessed that he swallowed his whistle.

[@jingqi9106]

@@rickharris4513 Prime David Thompson was an amazing player and it's no accident that DT was Micheal Jordan's idol.

[@shizzy35]

DT had serious hops, which is what he's remembered for. But he was a great all-around player. Would have been top 10 all-time if not for the drug problem

[@dlxinfinite7098]

I had the David Thompson wall ..and the Dominique wall in my room growing up

[@lifewitm2]

THATS MY UNCLE ❤️🤘🏾

[@jedigreg4636]

It's crazy how these are just normal plays today. Back when these happened they were amazing plays.

[@2dasimmons]

Wilt Chamberlain was phenomenal. They changed the basketball rules to allow for the other basketball players, otherwise Wilt would dominate games even with 3-4 guys guarding him. I remember him once showing 2-3 rows of teeth marks on his arms and his slam-dunking shaking a guy off his arm AND off his back in the process. Incredible.

[@calkelpdiver]

That last play/dunk was over Bobby Jones, the year after Denver traded Jones to Philly for George McGinnis. Biggest mistake Denver ever made, they traded away the best defender in the league. I grew up watching the Nuggets in the 70's and saw a lot of games with DT. When he went off on a scoring tear he was unstoppable.

[@myvisionownsme]

David Thompson was he the truth before Jordan because he too could switch speeds, elevate, and play defense. Wow...wow...wow!!!

[@notusabletil]

He was good for this time, and definitely looks like he'd have the talent to play today. Let's just not act like he'd be on the same superstar status.

[@theonlysun2517]

“DT” legs crossed.. my idol

[@irafowlerjr.7492]

wonderful, thanks

[@LorenzoCastillo7]

This guy right here was someone MJ looked up to. MJ molded his game after him and admired his alley-oops in college.

[@korgond]

They called him 'skywalker' for a purpose

[@jintrepid]

Who was Michael Jordan's idol growing up? Not Larry, not Magic, not even Dr. J, but this man.. David Skywalker Thompson.