Jacques Dominique Wilkins' Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Speech

Jacques Dominique Wilkins delivers his speech upon being enshrined to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2006. To learn more about Jacques Dominique Wilkins take a look at his official Hall of Fame bio at www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famer...

[@MoveInSilence23]

Criminally underrated!

[@claystevenson1821]

Glorious_Dominator16 absolutely

[@rowellmason2477]

Glorious_Dominator16 you’re correct

[@capitanfuturo594]

Criminally no ...but underrated yes. The only thing missing from that phenomenal player was a Championship ring.

[@dwartfarquart9590]

I have been beatin' that drum for years. He was amazing

[@joebrewer4529]

That fourth quarter with him and bird going back and forth was incredible! Dominique has such a cool shot and dunk. I wish I could go back my time machine and go to basketball games throughout the 80s. That would be so cool.

[@s001til]

One of the most underrated in history!

[@georgemartinez8434]

Right on Dominique Wilkins, great articulate speech by one of the GREATEST ball players of all time!

[@sgthjennings]

D. Wilkins is a top 50 greatest players of all time..............

[@davidevans2992]

Pull Walton off the list; Dominique by far deserves to be on that list

[@ernieestrada193]

He should have got a ring

[@JoelElRican]

@@davidevans2992 Watch the Open Court episode on the Top 50 and listen to qualified people on this and why this is rather a ridiculous notion to push

[@vdLeo-je6os]

@@davidevans2992 pull Lenny Wilkens istead.

[@Amick44]

​@@vdLeo-je6os dolph schayes.

[@rockypimental5271]

players today will never have the class of yesterday !!!!!! he spoke of faith , family,hard work,and never quitting,,,, !!!! HIGHLIGHT FILM FOR LIFE !!!!

[@mirrorbus3417]

Unbelievably graceful speech

[@davidtrevino5211]

WOW, Rocky.. YOU are so correct..

[@bitcoinethereum9702]

*TRUE STORY* When I was in 1st or second grade we had a class project that we would send fan letters to athletes and ask them to autograph their sports cards. I sent out fan letters to about 10 athletes and THE ONLY ONE who returned my cards autographed with a nice letter was *Dominique Wilkins* I will remember this til the day I die. You can tell he is a fantastic human being.

[@korgond]

@@bitcoinethereum9702 brilliant.... i knew that dominique was a great person and a true gentleman.

[@serdelag100]

I wore 21 because of Nique.. The dude was my hero during my high school years.. God bless him.

[@jaygreen1028]

Mine's too brother mines too

[@serdelag100]

I'm with you bro..I rep. 21 because of Nic ..he was my guy! Miss watching those games ..on TBS in 87..

[@nikos8247]

Greek fans of Panathinaikos will never forget you! We won our first euroleague cup thanks to you, Dominique! As for the speech, what a class!! There are no players like him anymore!

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Articulate, handsome, skilled, gracious and loyal. One of the best and too often he was overlooked. He has street cred and boulevard cred. He will always be one of my favourite players🏀

[@carolynclaire5241]

So handsome. AMAZING athlete! He was an amazing player. Fun to watch him.

[@Adman1175]

Dominique is surely one of the greatest and most exciting players of all time. I grew up idolising him and after watching this speech I'm blown away at what a humble, gentle man he is. God bless you 'Nique and thanks for the memories!

[@ShawnC.T.]

The best "in game traffic" dunker I ever saw, a phenomenal leaper...

[@ja2415]

Shaun kemp

[@ShawnC.T.]

@@ja2415 He was the truth, but he's a few inches taller than 'Nique, that helped a little. I've met both of them in the past, solid dudes...

[@Amick44]

Agree. Best " put back " dunker too.

[@toddsands6000]

Dominque Wilkins was my favorite NBA Player back in the day!! - "The Human Highlight Film!!"

[@uncletony6210]

+hyroglyphx Worthy and Bernard King were my favorite forwards but Nique was always fun to watch on "super station" wtbs.

[@tombyorn8278]

Me too Todd. Have always loved this guy. Class act through and through

[@mattb1446]

Nique is the reason i played and watched basketball. The 1st nba game i ever watched was hawks vs celtics in playoffs. The game he and bird went back and forth all nite. The celtics won that game but from that day wilkins was my favorite player all time and ive been a diehard hawks fan ever since. While everyone else was jumping on the MJ bandwagon. And while i hate the celtics to this day im so glad my dads a celtics fan cause otherwise i wouldnt of seen that game and chances are being so young i wouldve jumped on the MJ bandwagon like everyone else.

[@mikevikeus]

I always liked Dominique, and I'm a diehard Celtics fan (I know he played for the Celtics, but I'm talking about when he was the REAL, TERRIFYING Dominique, during his prime yrs with the Hawks). He really gave one of the best, most heart-felt HOF speeches I've ever seen, and that makes me like him even more. I honestly didn't know he was so humble, which is evident during the speech. It also stands to reason that he and Doc Rivers are great friends, because Doc's the best (coach and man).

[@vdLeo-je6os]

He also played very well in Boston in my opinion despite of his age and his torn achilles.

[@DrSooner1]

Great speech. Much respect and admiration for Dominique. Loved his game.

[@tuffasgong]

He had the best tomahawk jam ever!

[@MrScott4020]

One of the most underrated players of all time,him and DrJ best dunkers ever!

[@stavrospagounis4745]

All the Panathinaikos fans from Greece we will never forget you! Thank you for being member of our team and history and for the first euroleague champion! Forever in our hearts, legend!

[@1952sexy]

Met this great person on 7/15/13 and he gave a wonderful talk about diabetes. Thank you Mr. Wilkins for the photo-op!!!

[@beterbutz]

Gotta love Nique, solid dude.

[@NeoNitty]

Much much underrated..I saw him in his latter years but believe me he was as great as they say and then some.

[@wongjoman1227]

he should be in the top 50 players during nba 50 years anniversary.........

[@SuperStupidcomment]

+indrajit taliwongso Should have been on the 1992 Dream Team instead of Scottie Pippen as well even though Pippen more than proved himself later on as one of the greatest players ever. Seems as if Michael Jordan was a very strong voice as to who was on that roster.

[@wongjoman1227]

+SuperStupidcomment your comment is not stupid at all! why using that name?! hehehe

[@ethanahoia8619]

+SuperStupidcomment Scottie Pippen is underrated as a all-time great. A lot of people think he is barely a super star. Didn't dod anything. When MJ was gone for his first retirement, he lead the Bulls in every stats category. A ultimate defender, can guard the 1 through 5. Not many players can do that at 6 foot 8. Respect legends man.

[@bullfranthrow]

+SuperStupidcomment Actually Dominique was injured during that time. He had a torn achilles.

[@SuperStupidcomment]

bullfranthrow Yes he did, but I thought he played the tail-end of the 1991-92. I guess I was wrong

[@daved7231]

All the guys in my neighborhood loved him. His windmill dunks!! So intense. So powerful. What a baller. Congrats

[@marklin605]

The best Dunker of all time! His speech was far clearer than most of other black hall of famers. As non English speaker I could understand him quite easily. Thank you!

[@ejones9924]

Now thats a heart felt speech

[@zman8340]

Straight up mans man . Loved looking up to him in the 80s . Class act all the way .

[@IsakIsakov]

"You can get through anything if you have enough faith". Wilkins' speech is one of the best enshrinement speeches I've ever watched.

[@PAE1966Gate13]

Such an honor to have had a player like him in Panathinaikos! My respect for him is endless for overcoming those tough injuries and never giving up. Its a shame he couldnt celebrate an NBA championship

[@gregkilling376]

He's the reason I have a Dominique and a monique 💯💯💯

[@MsJacqueline143]

Awesome talent he was unreal in his prime

[@uncletony6210]

1982 top four picks - James Worthy, Terry Cumming, Dominque Wilkins, Clark Kellog - the best nba draft for forwards.

[@serdelag100]

TBS on Tuesdays back in 86 meant the world to me when watching the Hawks..it was a true pleasure..thank you TBS and Nic/Hawks for the ride.

[@mirrorbus3417]

Same. I watched SO many hawks games in gardnerville nv outside tahoe

[@DJaySplitSecond]

Very humble speech

[@scorpionJB]

the greatest in game slam dunker ever....robbed in the 88 slam dunk contest...should have been on the dream team.....he's been robbed more than anyone in league history...

[@Baldphace]

He tore his achilles in 92. But he was on Dream Team II in 94

[@keithandrew2705]

Nique ridiculous talent. No better in game dunker including dr j and jordan.

[@Heaveaway23]

Ididnt realize how great wilkins was till i looked at stats, Damn!

[@KonfliKtDiamond]

Should have been in the top 50 and should have been a first ballot hall of famer

[@WeCube1898]

He ain't winning it in '88, it was in Chicago remember .😅

[@NeoNitty]

Doc was revered by everybody man, just beautiful.

[@bancroftgroves2021]

NeoNitty he’s the hero and idol for most players, not Michael Jordan !!

[@champbroner]

The NBA will never be seen as it was played through the 80's & 90's these guys are true warriors

[@bluecolla4819]

#21 Never saw a shot that he didn't like... A very confident player who maximized his talent. #Salute

[@VIGALANTEE]

STILL MY FAVORITE PLAYER OF ALL THE TIME!

[@susanbloodgood3572]

vigalantee truth One of mine also !

[@vdLeo-je6os]

Mine too

[@pwiktor1]

I remember his dunks, he used to climb the ladder.Love you Dominique.

[@realrossboss379]

it's unbelievable that he isn't in the 50 greatest! if he's not there I don't know who is

[@TheSharter]

I feel pretty fortunate to have grown up in the 80's-90's watching the NBA. As a Bulls fan I loved when the Hawks and Sixers were in town or when the Bulls went to Philly and Atlanta. Those were great games.

[@MusicManSeanB]

This dude made in game show dunking an art form, passed down to him from Dr. J., and passed down to the likes of Kobe, Vince Carter, and others. The dunk on Bob Lanier late in the game is one that will always stand out in my mind, with the one over Robert Parish a close second.

[@paulofreire7520]

Great speech from one of the greatest players of this game. 🙏🏻👍🏻

[@Breeder333]

Class act on and off the court. Thank you for the memories Dominique.

[@ronniejenkins4056]

One of my favorite players for sure. Should have been in 1st dream team

[@jackcole8309]

I agree, should have been part of the 1992 Dream Team ....

[@Zamppa86]

He wasn't because of his achilles injury. Without that he probably would have been there.

[@legoman911]

Amazing player. Entertainer and performer. He was a dream team member in my eyes, just didn't get selected

[@phony75]

Great speech. Honoring everyone else without any bitterness even to the Hawks organization... True Class

[@boredstudent]

Dominique Wilkins is a true Atlanta Hawk

[@adelmogimenez2062]

@ALF Raydough I agree! lmao

[@vincentsmith7004]

@ALF Raydough 1

[@vincentsmith7004]

Greatest

[@jmflame]

this speech has been the best ever !!!!

[@brillopad6901]

It was great when cable came out in the 80's, I got to watch Wilkins play on TNT and MJ play on WGN.

[@TheIkaraCult]

Dominique is one of the most entertaining players to watch, he had immense style, athleticism, he made it all look easy. Legend.

[@velosiped135]

My idol growing up as a kid watching every game from Los Angeles. What a tremendous athlete, and a great human being. Thanks for everything 'Nique!

[@javierking8338]

SMH... growing up, I always thought this guy was better than MJ as far as being athletically gifted and having pure talent. I still believe that it till this day!

[@kingstonban]

Absolutely

[@williamsmith103]

Exceptional speech, exceptional player and exceptional person!!!

[@ORTHODOX-PATH]

THEY CRIMINALLY TOOK FROM HIM THE SLAM-DUNK CONTEST AGAINST M.J. So much power Save and passion i didn't see ever since ..

[@AnHebrewChild]

not criminally. Maybe he should have won but Jordan had great dunks that Nique could NOT replicate - just like Nique had dunks Mj couldn't Just appreciate the competition. All in good fun.

[@ORTHODOX-PATH]

@@AnHebrewChild I could see it that way too

[@ansias77]

The most humble and elegant player i've seen inside and outside the court. Nique was a beast.

[@kurtadams3021]

The Human Highlight.

[@juanbarnettval]

Never will be another thank you.

[@Mrmarlboro]

as a panathinaikos fan thanks Wilkins !!!

[@ericmeans9552]

Nique was my favorite player growing up had nobodys around him he always did his thing tho

[@jackcole8309]

Should have been a member of the Dream Team .. Wilkins was still on top of his game then ...

[@Baldphace]

He tore his achilles in 92. But he was on Dream Team II in 94

[@AnHebrewChild]

He was injured. He was more on top of his game once his Achilles healed

[@tombyorn8278]

I will never forget some friends of mine who didn't think he played defense, etc. Look at his videos - this man played hard

[@user2176]

A lot of people seem to hear something said by someone else and just repeat it like mindless parrots. In that 88' game 7 game Nique had to guard Bird the whole game, but Bird switched off of Nique most of the time for an easier defensive assignment. I think that's why Bird had such a big 4th quarter, as he saved a lot of his energy not having to chase Nique around all game. But no one ever says Bird didn't play defense, they will instead say Boston used a smart defensive stategy. There was one play where Bird blows by Nique and it looks like Nique played bad defense, but Bird actually nails Nique in the face with a forearm shot as he is trying to deny the pass. Nique turns to the ref holding his face, which is why Bird got past him so easy. When it came right down to it, Nique could match Bird shot for shot, but Bird had no problem using a dirty tactic in a clutch moment to ensure the win. Nique almost had too much class to win like that, I think that's why the Hawks could never get past the Celtics or the Pistons.

[@AnHebrewChild]

@@user2176 "a lot of people seem to hear something someone else says and just repeat it like parrots" YES. True words.

[@SealAngel]

Niques great! Great player! Great guy! Class act all the way! Well Deserved.

[@dwartfarquart9590]

Top 50? In my lifetime, Top 10. He was a quiet force in an era of great players. Congratulations to you, Dominique.

[@redriders7149]

WHAT A CLASS ACT!!!! What a top notch good MAN. As a kid, the HUMAN HIGHLIGHT FILM was always MUST WATCH TV baby!!! Great job Nique.......

[@pputnam100]

Of all the great high flying players, Jordan, Doctor, Gervin, Thompson, etc. nobody, and I mean NOBODY had this guy's personal physical style, the way he moved was so utterly unique, his explosiveness, the "way" he jumped, it just was unreal to watch. He was also a "quick" jumper like Rodman, he'd be dunking it before many players could even react

[@user2176]

Still the best ever at rebound dunking, and dunking his own missed shots. He wasn't deliberately passing it to himself off the back board like TMac and Vince either, he would dunk legit missed shots off the rim. What you said is very true and I think it is why Nique as a player is so misunderstood, he had a very unique style and almost superhuman athletic abilities. Its why he didn't fit the traditional mold of how the game "should be played", from the point of view of the basketball purists, who often where critical of him. Nique was a true original and his fans understand how great he was, how competitive he was, how much heart he played with, and how much love he had for Atlanta and the Hawks fans.

[@vdLeo-je6os]

@@user2176 Well said my man

[@bancroftgroves2021]

Doctor j is The Godfather of modern day super Star players 🏀🏀👑👑👑

[@JAMESMOORE-gq4vv]

Nique, never said much, I never knew he was so eloquent, hope we see and hear him more.

[@AlexBrodsky-tw2sq]

The man is truly a humbling class act. We all should be fortunate enough to be able to have such respect and speak so humbly & respectfully about everyone we’ve had the pleasure of working and living alongside. How many starts today give thanks above one’s ego. Living legend!

[@johnmoeller8654]

This is the man who made so many young men like myself realize basketball was an art and he carried himself with such genuine grace and humility. We love you Nique, you were a fantastic showman and thoughtful mentor to so many kids.

[@markswain365]

This Man was so incredible , the explosive uniqueness was off the Charts..... the Man used to do Slam Dunk Contest dunks IN THE GAME going down the Lane with players all around him !!!

[@aarondigby5054]

The human highlight film, that's what they were calling him when he came out of college. The only thing that stood between 'Nique and a title was the Celtics, the Hawks were always there in the eighties.

[@casciousmiles6466]

Dominique, was a bad mamma jamma. He should of been on the original Dream Team and the top 50 greatest players of all-time. In the name of basketball it makes me sick to my stomach how underrated Dominique Wilkins was. The brother didn't deserve it. He brought his A game everyday.

[@rejeanherris560]

WOW ONE OF THE CLEAR AND SHEER GREATS THE HUMAN HIGHLIGHT FILM# THANK YOU SR.. YOU GAVE US ALOTTA WOW MOMENTS ON THE COURT.. THOSE WERE SOME OF THE BEST OF TIMES THE LEAGUE HAS EVER SEEN..AND ADAM SILVER IS DOIN A GREAT JOB RUNNING TO LEAGUE CUS HE LISTENS HE GETS IT AND THE STAR PLAYERS RESPECT HIM N SO DO THE FANS...

[@mjustice34]

This man gave fans their money's worth every time they came to see him...Personally he was my favorite player of all time, next to Pistol Pete simply because of his play style...YES!! Even over MJ people, while others wanted to wear #23, I wanted to sport #21. He got cheated in Chicago years ago at the Gatorade Slam Dunk Contest, he should have won!!!

[@aarondigby5054]

He was cheated out of that dunk contest in Chicago

[@quincybroussard84]

My favorite playa of all tyme.. Human Highlight Film

[@ACE777R6]

The guy never got enough props, one of the greatest of all time but didnt have the team,

[@eskimo289]

Nique may not be as well known or as talked-about as a lot of other great players.... but those who do know him and talk about him sure do respect him. And he's earned that. Huge inspiration. One of my favorite players in history, and one very classy guy.

[@hombrealfa8312]

My brother calls me Dominique because he knows how much I love the Dominique.

[@Balraj.G.]

Great Speech by Mr Wilkins! ✊✊

[@kingstonban]

The great doctor j, congratulations Dominique Wilkins !!

[@jmarcguy]

One of the most exciting players I ever saw!!!

[@vdLeo-je6os]

The Greatest HoF speech from the best character of NBA ever. What can I say about him as an athlete! I have Nothing to say. I am speechless and emotional right now! I wish I have the chance to meet him and shake his hand one day. My love from Thessaloniki Greece.

[@mariovh]

He sure was a joy to watch , unbelievable player !

[@ImmortalfireTheMod]

Looking at his highlights, even today there's no one that can dunk like Dominique.

[@vdLeo-je6os]

As much as I love him T There are two. The cousins Vince Carter and Tracey Mcgrady, in my opinion.

[@moroccoisback477]

@@vdLeo-je6os just shut up please , Wilkins was a monster dunk machine , he was able to dunk on anyone including big tall guys

[@vdLeo-je6os]

@@moroccoisback477 Ι know that man. Im a huge dan of him since 1986.

[@1198RacerX]

EVERYTIME HE PLAYED IT WAS A SHOW! YOU WANTED TO BE THERE CUZ YOU KNOW HE WAS GONNA DO SOMETHING TO MAKE YOUR JAW DROP!!!

[@Dracu13]

Dr. J had to induct more players in the HOF than i have friends man :D

[@kingstonban]

Doc is the hero of most nba and aba players, long live the great julius Erving !!

[@capitanfuturo594]

*DOMINIQUE WILKINS IS AWESOME !!!* The only thing missing from that phenomenal player was a Championship ring.

[@alexandresantos8049]

Legend!Fantastic player one of the best ever!

[@Tsykes7474]

Class Act!!

[@prof3ssor178]

This is great! So pure and inspirational

[@williamjudge8722]

Overlooked. Class act, and still the highlight reel.

[@bitcoinethereum9702]

*TRUE STORY* about Dominique. When I was in 1st or second grade we had a class project that we would send fan letters to athletes and ask them to autograph their sports cards. I sent out fan letters to about 10 athletes and THE ONLY ONE who returned my cards autographed with a nice letter was *Dominique Wilkins* I will remember this til the day I die. You can tell he is a fantastic human being.

[@eslgurucalif]

Wow, cool story.

[@abdoulayetandia2175]

Great guy thank you for this perpetual energy on the court during all these years thank a lot

[@adriansampson9895]

One of The Greats!! Hate The Hawks could not Build better around you. But, I had Jordan/ Bulls!! Still, love to watch: The Human Highlight!!!

[@Rraven4]

what a guy, he's amazing

[@anthonysmith2050]

He and Elgin Baylor are probably the Most Underrappreciated Superstars Ever. Certified Superstars. It's A Crime He wasn't Included on The Dream Team & Top 50 Players.

[@fabrizio1261]

He has great speech skills too

[@efrem6179]

Great speech, one of the best I've heard.

[@mr.e347]

He dunked in real games and playoffs what players would only do on dunk contest. Greatest dunker of all time.

[@yamilandres]

a gentleman, an inspiration

[@my101209]

The Human Highlight Film. Congratulations Niqe!!!!

[@jonrudd4733]

Great speech!! Great guy!