One of the best Slam Dunkers of all-time has one of the coolest nicknames ever associated with sports. Dominique Wilkins was well known for his scoring ability, but his dunking skills are legendary. His style of playing earned him the nickname, the “Human Highlight Film” and unlike Shannon Brown, the Human Highlight Film never disappointed his fans.

Dominique Wilkins played for the Atlanta Hawks. The Atlanta Hawks was never a real contender for an NBA championship title, but Dominique Wilkins always gave basketball fans something to be excited about. The Human Highlight Film provided an incredible show and scored more points than anybody in Atlanta Hawks history. The Human Highlight Film would dunk on people so hard, it looked scary. His opponents could either either duck or simply get out the way. Not only did he dunk on people with ease, he would “run clinics” executing reverse lay-ups on less fortunate opponents.

Dominique Wilkins was born In Paris, France. He went to high school in the United States at Washington High, where he led his team to 3 consecutive State Championships. Wilkins played college hoops in Georgia where he was named SEC Player of the Year Award as a junior.

After Dominique Wilkins’ junior year in college, he was drafted by the Utah Jazz, was traded to the Hawks because of financial problems facing the Jazz’s franchise.

Dominique Wilkins earned is reputation as the “Human Highlight Film” early in his NBA career. Wilkins captured the league’s scoring title in 1985, when he averaged just over 30 points per game. Wilkins’ trademark dunk was a powerful one or two handed windmill, two dunks that would win him the Slam Dunk Contest in 1985 and 1990.

Dominique retired after 11 great years in the NBA. He’s the Hawks all-time leading scorer with more than 23,000 points. On January 13,2001 Wilkins became one of four Hawks to have their jersey retired.

When Wilkins got airborne, you’d better watch out because the way he approached dunking the ball was like a freight train coming full speed. Also, his dunks in the Slam Dunk Competition were legendary and memorable, which is why his nickname “Human Highlight Film” is so popular among those who watched him play.

- John A. Roberts

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Tags | Atlanta Hawks, Basketball, Dominique Wilkins, human highlight film, NBA