Last Updated on January 5, 2025 by Mathew Diekhake

Here is the detailed information about David Thompson, a basketball legend:

  • Full Name: David O’Neil Thompson
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born July 13, 1954
  • Hometown: Shelby, North Carolina, USA
  • Height: 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
  • Weight: 195 lbs (88 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 5 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 14 (US)
  • Number: Wore jersey numbers 33 and 44 during his career
  • Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
  • High School: Crest High School (Shelby, North Carolina)
  • College: North Carolina State University (1972–1975)
  • NBA Draft:
    • Selected 1st overall in the 1975 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks (rights traded to Denver Nuggets)
    • Also selected 1st overall in the 1975 ABA Draft by the Virginia Squires
  • Teams Played For:
    • Denver Nuggets (ABA: 1975–1976, NBA: 1976–1982)
    • Seattle SuperSonics (1982–1984)
  • Championship Rings: None (though he won the ABA Rookie of the Year and multiple All-Star appearances)
  • Kids: Two daughters, Brooke and Erika Thompson
  • Siblings: Not widely reported

David Thompson is often remembered for his incredible vertical leap and scoring ability, including his 73-point game in 1978. He is also known for being a significant influence on Michael Jordan and other NBA players. Thompson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996.