David Thompson

The Skywalker Who Took Basketball to New Heights

Some players play above the rim. David Thompson lived above it.

Nicknamed “Skywalker” for his jaw-dropping leaping ability, Thompson was one of the most electrifying scorers and pure athletes the game has ever seen. Before Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, there was David Thompson—soaring for alley-oops, throwing down vicious dunks, and scoring at will.

For a time, he was basketball’s most unstoppable offensive force, a player who combined elite skill, raw athleticism, and an effortless scoring touch. Though off-court struggles cut his prime short, his influence on the game remains undeniable.

From College Legend to ABA/NBA Superstar

Born in 1954 in Shelby, North Carolina, Thompson became a basketball phenom at North Carolina State University.

Led NC State to an undefeated season in 1973 (27-0) but was banned from the NCAA Tournament due to recruiting violations.
Came back in 1974 to lead NC State to its first NCAA Championship, ending UCLA’s seven-year title streak.
Three-time ACC Player of the Year (1973-1975).
Two-time NCAA All-American and the 1975 Naismith College Player of the Year.
Drafted No. 1 overall in the 1975 ABA Draft (by the Virginia Squires) and No. 1 in the NBA Draft (by the Atlanta Hawks), but signed with the Denver Nuggets of the ABA.

From the moment he stepped on a professional court, Thompson was must-watch basketball.

The Numbers Tell the Story

David Thompson’s career was short-lived but absolutely dominant.

ABA Rookie of the Year (1976).
Four-time NBA All-Star.
Two-time All-NBA selection.
All-ABA First Team (1976).
NBA All-Star Game MVP (1979).
Scored 73 points in a game (1978), the fourth-highest scoring game in NBA history.
Career Averages: 22.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists per game.
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996.

For a brief window, he was arguably the best scorer in the game.

The First Skywalker

Thompson wasn’t just a scorer—he was a basketball showman.

Had a 44-inch vertical leap, allowing him to dunk over defenders with ease.
His signature move, the alley-oop, became a staple of fast-paced offenses.
Had an elite mid-range game, making him impossible to guard.
Inspired Michael Jordan, who later said, “David Thompson was my idol.”

Long before dunk contests became a spectacle, Thompson was wowing crowds with his above-the-rim artistry.

Two Moments That Define David Thompson

The 73-Point Game (April 9, 1978)

With one game left in the season, Thompson went on a scoring rampage, chasing the scoring title.

Scored 32 points in the first quarter alone (an NBA record at the time).
Finished with 73 points on 28-of-38 shooting.
Lost the scoring title to George Gervin—who dropped 63 points the same night—but cemented his status as one of the game’s greatest scorers.

It was one of the most legendary scoring performances in NBA history.

Winning the 1975 NCAA Championship – Ending UCLA’s Dynasty

Before Thompson, UCLA had won seven straight national titles.

Led NC State past UCLA in the Final Four, scoring 28 points against a powerhouse Bruins team.
Then led NC State to a win over Marquette in the NCAA Championship Game.
Was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

It was one of the most historic upsets in college basketball history—and Thompson was the driving force.

David Thompson’s Most Iconic Basketball Cards

1976 Topps David Thompson Rookie Card

The most valuable and iconic Thompson card, featuring him as a rookie with the Denver Nuggets.

1978 Topps David Thompson Scoring Leader Card

Celebrates his legendary 73-point game and dominance as an elite scorer.

1980 Topps David Thompson Denver Nuggets Card

Captures his peak years as one of the most exciting players in the league.

A Career of What Could Have Been

David Thompson’s career was one of brilliance—but also one of what-ifs.

Battled substance abuse issues, which shortened his prime and led to an early exit from the NBA.
Knee injuries robbed him of his explosiveness in the early 1980s.
Played just nine seasons, retiring at age 30—leaving many to wonder how great he could have been.

Even with these struggles, Thompson’s impact on the game is undeniable.

David Thompson’s Lasting Impact on Basketball

Thompson’s career may have been short, but his influence is still felt today.

He was the first true high-flyer, paving the way for dunking superstars like Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, and Zach LaVine.
He proved that elite athleticism could make a player nearly unstoppable on offense.
He was one of the first players to popularize the alley-oop, changing how the game was played.
He showed that scoring efficiency and highlight plays could go hand in hand.

Though injuries and personal struggles cut his career short, his talent was so undeniable that he remains one of the greatest shooting guards in history.

To own a David Thompson card is to own a piece of basketball’s high-flying revolution.