Dominique Wilkins Tells His Life Story (Full Interview)

Nine-time NBA All-Star Dominique Wilkins recently appeared on VladTV, where he spoke about his early life. Born in Paris on an army base, Wilkins moved to the US aged 5 or 6, first to Texas and then to Baltimore. He learned to play basketball under playground legend Big Harold, to whom he attributes much of his early success. During the interview, Wilkins detailed his Hall of Fame NBA career, which included storied battles with Michael Jordan and Larry Bird. To hear more, check out the full interview above.

[@vladtv]

It was indeed an honor to do this interview. -Vlad

[@kennethtuff5608]

Don't forget that you used to Call him fire head he shot so much had that Gumby haircut

[@HuntingDownCoyote]

You have now interviewed all my childhood heroes! Nique, Treach, Del!, Redman etc. etc. 👍

[@popgfk9989]

I always respect him for giving my father a shout out Big Harold pass away I sent him pictures on IG but he didn’t reply which is cool, I still remember the day him and big Harold talk on the Reebok court he put up in ODH project, my father always told me about him working with him and until the day I seen them hug I was like whatever much respect to him and his family 🫡

[@mkultra8696]

It was an honor to watch brother

[@chaelodoul9401]

Met Nique at the Omni in Atlanta, Ga in 1986. Signed my jersey and took a Polaroid. Spent 3-4 mins just chatting. What a down to earth nice guy.

[@williewinston1498]

Nique has been my favorite player since I was 8 years old. I'm now 44 and ain't SHIT changed 💯📽️

[@BlueJNBA]

that's awesome.....i love Nique too, it was mesmerizing to watch him play

[@SunkaWicasa]

Love him met him back in 1992 hes a legend he deserved to be on the dream team

[@luciano-km7mq]

Being born in France disqualified him from the dream team. Gotta be born on US soil. It's still a disgrace Isaiah Thomas wasn't on the team. They put a freaking college player on instead. Whoever made that call should've been pushed out of a helicopter!

[@davenmorris4573]

That’s incorrect Dominque was a candidate for the dream team but he unfortunately tore his Achilles when they were deciding the team so he wasn’t able to play. Also he was born in France but he was born on a military base which is US soil

[@jordanwood183]

Classy guy, & legendary on the court. I was a kid growing up in Atlanta in the 90’s & was a Hawks fan. Saw him play once, at the Omni I believe.

[@ExcellEnt-Vision]

Exceptional level of professionalism on and off the court! Never heard any issues about Dominique Wilkins from the start of his career till this day!!

[@markmorrison2933]

One of my favorite players ever .The most unappreciated players to ever place the game . Retired at 7th leading scorer of all time not even a first ballot HOF .Never played with another HOF in their prime . Congratulations Nique , the nba finally giving you some respect.

[@altongrovez4631]

Greatest era of Basketball 🏀 💯❤️

[@kingeliii9011]

'Nique brought a lot of great times to Atlanta back in the day. He held the city down. I hung out with him countless times. He had a nice club in the "A" back then called "Club 21" It was the place to be back then. 'Nique is a great down to earth dude.

[@Nanbebe7]

Was that the club off Windy Hill Rd or was that Dion Sanders club?

[@ktbeatty]

Bird has given 3 players the best compliments I’ve heard from one legend about another. The two famous ones are “God disguised” and calling Magic “the best basketball player he’s ever seen” in that Finals press conference. The other was a bit more subtle, but I think more profound… To set the stage… heading in to the 4th quarter of that game 7 Bill Walton (yeah, that legend) said of Dominique “we can’t stop him.” So Bird, agreeing (and probably thinking it’s God disguised part 2), said simply; “okay, then I’ll outscore him.” And damn if he didn’t. He said in an interview years later that, while walking off the court after that fourth quarter battle with ‘Nique, it was the first time he admitted to himself he might actually be pretty good at this game. Say what you will about Jordan and Magic, but know it was Wilkins who gave Bird that moment of clarity.

[@mattwatts33]

I love how he sticks up for Larry Bird the way he does. He saw it first hand for 10 years what Larry was serving and he was no joke!

[@missayawk]

And he's right.Rodman is buggin'

[@Powerule23]

Bird was a straight baller. He was no damn joke!

[@Bokertko]

Dominique is so legendary you don't even need the click bait topics in the title.

[@alexpyle6647]

This is my favorite basketball interview so far. I grew up on Dominique Wilkins. What great dude.

[@JavierDunk]

Thank you. I was waiting for the full interview. Dominique Wilkins, a Legend of basketball 🏀

[@mountcomfort740]

What he went through to get to where he got is amazing

[@Balraj.G.]

The players from the 80s were really skilled. They didn’t focus so much on 3 point shots back then but the defensive skills and mid range shots were amazing..👍🏽

[@TempoQuin]

Thank you for uploading the entire interview for free Vladimir 🔥

[@kingray3139]

One of the greatest dunkers of all time.

[@ATLienForLife]

Definitely agree! When you talk about In-game dunks you don't get any better than 'Nique, Jordan, Dr J, Vince Carter, & Clyde Drexler.

[@nuanalimandomique2777]

No Vince Carter

[@ATLienForLife]

@@nuanalimandomique2777I didn't leave out Vince. He's on my list.

[@kellystewart9973]

For me as a kid it was Dr.J, Dominique Wilkins, Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan. The basketball players posters that were on my wall in that order!💯

[@puda4996]

What a cool, easy going guy. I love his chill attitude about stuff that today’s athletes get so upset about😊

[@nuanalimandomique2777]

The true half-man half-amazing

[@CANDYMAN_225_JV]

The human highlight film

[@frederickdouglass3275]

Yes the human highlight reel….. but I’m showing my age 😂

[@kendricjonrs8581]

I know the last two generations don't know any better, but monikers/names are capitalized. ' The Human Highlight Film ' .

[@waynemarshall8836]

Reel nigga

[@coachrobinson9958]

​@@frederickdouglass3275, actually bruh, you're showing COMMON SENSE!😉

[@ryang7219]

Damn right

[@missayawk]

I have followed Dominique since that historic H.S class of 1979 and this is the first time i EVER heard that Dominique is 6'9".He was ALWAYS listed at 6'7 or 6'8". Bird was always listed at 6'9", but I've heard a few players say he's actually 6'10".

[@cesarmedina7080]

Some players prefer to be listed talker ir shorter to avoid being placed at a different position. Wilkins might have preferred to be listed 6-8 to avoid being used as a power forward. Kevin Garnett is 7 feet tall but wanted to be listed at 6-11 to avoid being considered a center. In fact Wilkins mentions in this interview he hated playing power forward.

[@daytonjohn777]

Dominque, you had a great career sir, you seem like an even better person. Thanks for sharing your story, got your authentic uni with the Hawks. God bless

[@Doc255]

He really should have won that dunk contest against MJ

[@ktbeatty]

And against Spud Webb as well if we're being honest, but it's hard to begrudge the judges getting sucked in by the moment. It was an incredible story.

[@handsomeX]

​@@ktbeattyFacts 💯

[@seldomsceen]

How could you NOT serve Dominique Wilkins IN Atlanta? That's insane

[@sethmarie]

A great basketball player, dunk champion and good guy. Dominique Wilkins. Arguably, the greatest dunker in league history. Respect.

[@TheREALBIGDAME74]

Did you forget about Vince Carter

[@sethmarie]

@@TheREALBIGDAME74 Nope, that's why one said arguably.

[@Silvablack1838]

Terrific interview, finally another black intelligent smart business well represented MAN

[@andreoates8405]

Wow, fantastic interview with Mr. Dominique. This is the first time in many decades I’ve ever heard him speak one of the great ones. I’m glad that he has his say in his own words thanks for sharing💯☺️

[@kevindagame]

ALRIGHT HERE WE GO, THE WHOLE INTERVIEW IS HERE, WELCOME TO VLADTV!!! LONG TIME FAN! So this is your first time here, so I want to start in the very beginning. It is, what it is, Dominique Wilkins, always a pleasure, until next time, PEACE!!!

[@DTM2K25]

Dominique one of my favorite players growing up

[@PathSweeper]

Great interview one of my favorite basketball players ever watched the entire thing

[@JPaul318]

Maaaannn I thought I was D Wilkins back in da day like a MF😂. RESPECT & SALUTE 💐💐💐💪🏾✊🏾💯

[@T-REX-44]

Jacques Dominique Wilkins a true Hall of Famer and a class act.

[@sneakerman7647]

My favorite NBA Player of ALL Time! Bucket List is to meet him in person one day and shake his hand! 👊🏾

[@thecoderfromabove4176]

After 30 years I finally hear why dominic did that move to greece thank you Vlad

[@marvinhagler4721]

Watching THIS man PLAY....SMH... AMAZING...

[@testaccounting865]

The Human HIGHLIGHT!

[@johnsonyacinthe7950]

Legend of all legends!!!!

[@josheternal]

Dominique is the 2nd greatest offensive player of all time behind Jordan. PERIOD

[@Kingbossdon]

Oh I waited for this full interview one of the G.O.A.T dunkers of all-time and the G.O.A.T hawk I watch all his interviews the Human Highlight Flim Top 75 player

[@shellybastion9974]

Mr. Wilkins was the most over-powerful and beyond-amazing player EVER.. Now, if you have qualms, did you see him play his last two years at Georgia, his first four years with the Hawks..? Watch his highlight clips; there will never again be another 'Nique..

[@shangrila73eldorado]

He's worldly, he keeps it real. Wilkins is a likeable guy. I'm glad he had that Euro experience.

[@tonybarwick5248]

I saw Dominique play at my high school when he played for Washington high school it’s called little Washington NC ! Dean Smith came to see him when he was a senior! Him and another kid from north Pitt high school who went wake forest !

[@Kobe-jz2zz]

Lmao at the larry bird part Larry was talkin mad shit 😂

[@jaredray7001]

Still rockin the Reebok Twilight Zone pump proudly to salute this living legend. You the man Nique!!!

[@kato771]

Great Interview! Dominique is a classy dude, much respect. Im so glad that I got to witness the greatness of The Human Highlight Reel! 💪🏾

[@stunnabreezy3]

NBA LEGEND!!!

[@ErieSonics]

It feels like he’s been releasing parts of this interview for about 2 months😂😂

[@shawnbutlerjr]

Vlad they will appreciate your work when you are gone. It’s sad to say but that’s how it is because most people don’t realize that you are literally documenting our culture in HipHop/Sports etc.. It means allot to me because I see the vision!! Appreciate it 🫡

[@Powerule23]

💯

[@RicardoOdum]

Good successful and feel good interview Vlad. Nique is a legend.

[@lesliemartin8669]

Les Martin Jr. Man,Vlad,Good Choice in getting the Mighty D.W.on the show.Hell of a Ballplayer.!Loved watching him get busy on the court.Definitly one of the best Ever!

[@montezmattison2196]

Dominique was a bad man!!!!!!

[@testaccounting865]

1:05:00 Dominique is right. That top 50 was a joke. How do you have Scottie Pippen above Dominique??? No way Pippen was better than Dominique.

[@RowenMoonblade]

Just saw him grocery shopping not too long ago, and now this lol. Awesome

[@brotherjosepha.5453]

Nique always my hero outside of me and his hero/idol Julius 'Dr. J' Erving, was my dude when he played for the Georgia Bulldogs 💯💯💯💯

[@JayJay-wz8qd]

Great interview. One of my favorite players growing up. Still salty about the 88 dunk contest

[@ktbeatty]

Moved back to the United States from Hong Kong (went there at 3) when I was 9 and knew nothing of American sports and pop culture. First to Chicago. Then, in the early 80s, to Atlanta. My first true loves in American sports were Joe Montana and the Niners and Magic and the Lakers. The Lakers especially because I had a loud, foul mouthed Uncle from Boston who worshipped Red, Bird, and the Green (miss him). I went all in on the Purple and Gold and the Magic Bird rivalry. I was fully Magic. I was in Atlanta and the Hawks were the local team. No one cared. Sports there were pretty much Hershel Walker and Georgia Bulldog football, with a small side of Dale Murphy. Until… First game I attended at the Omni was to watch this rookie blowing up the league named Jordan. He had an insane 40 point game streak and it was also ACC basketball country at a time when Georgia Tech was pretty good. Jordan was well known around the ATL. A funny thing happened though… ‘Nique, a player from Georgia U no less (not sure anyone knew they had a basketball team then, Vince Dooley and Herschel era) crashed the party. I think he dropped 57 and I was hooked. He’s the most explosive player I’ve ever seen, especially the put back dunks from orbit, and easily the most underrated in NBA history. I was literally at Staples for the Lakers comeback in the 4th against Portland and the iconic Kobe ally-oop to Shaq, and even as a Laker diehard it still didn’t surpass watching ‘Nique, with friends in high school, go head to head with Bird, in Boston, in the fourth quarter of game 7. KZbin highlights of the game just can't covey how truly surreal it was watching those two hit every damn shot they took, no matter how difficult. It actually got to the point where we cared less about the game and the win, and low key rooted for Bird to hit same as 'Nique just to keep the magic going! It remains the memorable period of time in a pro sports game for me. BTW: ‘Nique looks fantastic. Whatever he's doing (stopped drinking, new diet, or whatever) it’s the best he’s looked in years.

[@nohippietruckingandtransportat]

My favorite player ever. My name in French class was Dominique because of him

[@jamsjr44]

Niq is so cool! I actually met him once and you would think we had known each other for 30 years! ❤

[@kingof1selff377]

one of the most famous interviews on vald yet💯

[@brvalentine1]

Vlad: "The Hocks" Don't get me wrong I butcher plenty words I just think "Hocks" is hilarious 😂😂😂.

[@THEBEASTshorts273]

I got to meet him yesterday

[@williamwaters3588]

Living Legend 🙏🏾✊🏾

[@maggiemolly111]

GREAT MAN, GREAT PLAYER, GREAT INTERVIEW! 🏀

[@moisescampos6010]

Nique spot on when it came to talk about Larry Bird.

[@krystasolomon8997]

We love you Dominique 💙.

[@phill8005]

I love this guy as a great. Nice guy like Bill Russell.

[@stevekalka3987]

Thanks to Ted Turner for putting the Hawks on TBS and TNT on every cable system in America back then. Otherwise I wouldn't have been a huge 'Nique fan in NY. I was able to watch the Hawks more than the Knicks or Nets.

[@duanedc]

Great interview,,

[@williamhoward1268]

VLAD WHAT THE F@@@@ 30 PART INTERVIEW!!!! GETTING A LITTLE RIDICULOUS NO?😊

[@Sgoldensr]

Great great player!! Ring or not he was awesome!! Salute to Nique!! 🫡

[@tonyslice7279]

I just want to say this for all Basketball Players, YOU GONNA RESPECT THE PAINT. end of story

[@BeakNC]

Dominique is my absolute favorite player of all time. Dude was amazing and it's a shame they couldn't puzzle together a real team that could complete at an upper level each year out there in the ATL. BTW.... you won in '88 Nique, we all know that. that was just some home cooking for CHI

[@mudiabubakar8503]

Great interview. Great life's perspectives!

[@tjminvestments1]

Nique was the man!

[@robsrectangle]

I was waiting for the '86 recap but unfortunately looks like it was edited out. Hoping to hear him talk about Spud more, his scoring title, and the '86 playoffs. One of those games he was shooting bad, so Fratello benched his in the 3rd quarter. Seemed odd because they weren't beating the Celtics without him.

[@arianastetson5330]

Nique, mad respect Brother. You, corrected these youngin's about, Bird❤💯💯💯💯 They need to understand the game, in all aspects, before they speak out of turn , disrespecting those, who've paved the way. IDC what color a person is. If they're Good, THEY'RE GOOD.💯💯💯💯

[@ryang7219]

Love him as a commentator for the hawks

[@epic103]

Dominique Wilkins is a class act.

[@bossgoon115]

Great interview 💯🙌🏽🙌🏽💪🏽💪🏽😎😎

[@Nanbebe7]

Dominique was the player all the players admired

[@antworker3634]

Dom is such a class.

[@Dcain2]

Why did so many black men leave their families back then (60’s and 70’s)? And don’t say “others did it too”. I don’t care about others. I care about US.

[@Retics]

Maybe hope for a future. Too many folks stayed where they were. I can't understand that. South before the 90s.. deep south until maybe 2000s, rape. Murder. Jailed for nothing. He talks about having a dance for blks and one for whites. And the people stayed. MOVE!!

[@nate8604]

Just goes to show the family dynamic in our communities been damaged a long time. A lot of these old folks don’t like to admit that, quite a number of their upbringings was just as bad as some of the gen Z/ millennial population in recent decades.

[@seldomsceen]

Incredible story.

[@UnapologeticWayz]

I play basketball at his house out here in GA. His daughter is my Patna !!!

[@thecoderfromabove4176]

Team usa can still dominate with a team of shooters like steph klay, harden, keri…but those are generational talent

[@vegasmitch1472]

In the Mid/Late 80's Would Run into Him & other players at "the Cutt Above" Barber Shop off Washington rd & Camp Creek in Atlanta.

[@freebandz3810]

Atlanta Legend…S/O to my city

[@Essays4College]

2:56 That's all you need to hear from this interview. Nothing gets better than that.

[@jamiahwilson3901]

I bet JJ Redick would say The Human Highlight film couldn't play in today's league

[@handsomeX]

😂

[@Oliver-fs2ep]

Dominique is the truth......

[@vegasmitch1472]

Just looked it up He Average 19.0ppg & 6 Rebounds for the Spurs! He held it down but the Organization TANKED For Duncan (Smart) But they Should've Kept Nique & got Him a Ring!!

[@moneyvationreg6593]

Facts

[@carolynclaire5241]

I love The Human Highlight Film!! He was so much fun to watch. He was clutch and he could dunk as well as (if not better) than MJ.

[@egm2266]

He left out where georgia dropped off that bag lol 🤣🤣🤣🤣 He caught himself when he talked about not going to NC state

[@Shdjdjxbdksk]

Great guy.

[@JorgeMoreno-bm2oz]

Larry Bird and his All Star Converse sneakers LOL! he was great, one of the greatest!

[@JoosMayn43]

Love this interview! An NBA legend, the human highlight reel

[@hoodlifemedia]

Legends I see

[@TazMan05]

Love Niq❤

[@AnthonyJohnson-l9z]

NIIIIIIIIIIQUE!!

[@coachrobinson9958]

THE HUMAN HIGHLIGHT FLIM, NBA HOF, JACQUES DOMINIQUE WILKINS, Y'ALL!🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉