Darrell Griffith, also known as "Dr. Dunkenstein," had a successful basketball career that spanned over a decade. He played for the University of Louisville from 1976 to 1980, where he was a standout player and helped lead the team to a national championship in 1980. Griffith was then drafted by the Utah Jazz as the second overall pick in the 1980 NBA draft.
During his time with the Jazz, Griffith quickly became a fan favorite for his high-flying dunks and impressive scoring ability. He was known for his athleticism and was one of the best dunkers in the league. In his rookie season, he averaged 20.6 points per game and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year.
Griffith continued to be a dominant force for the Jazz throughout the 1980s. He was a two-time NBA All-Star and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 1983. He also helped lead the Jazz to the playoffs five times during his career.
Despite his success on the court, Griffith faced some challenges off the court. He struggled with injuries throughout his career, including a knee injury that forced him to miss the entire 1985-86 season. He also battled with alcoholism, which affected his performance and led to some off-court incidents.
Griffith retired from the NBA in 1991 after 10 seasons with the Jazz. He finished his career with 12,391 points, 2,277 rebounds, and 1,283 assists. He was inducted into the University of Louisville Athletics Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Utah Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.
After retiring from basketball, Griffith worked as a color commentator for the Jazz and also served as a community ambassador for the team. He also founded the Darrell Griffith Foundation, which provides scholarships and support for underprivileged youth in the Louisville area.
Overall, Darrell Griffith had a successful basketball career that was marked by his impressive athleticism and scoring ability. Despite facing some challenges off the court, he remains a beloved figure in the basketball world and continues to make a positive impact in his community.
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