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Ear Hustle 411 and its writing staff would like to send our condolences to the family and friend of NBA legend Darryl Dawkins.

TMZ

NBA legend Darryl Dawkins — nicknamed “Chocolate Thunder” for his monster dunks — has died at the age of 58 … TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Officials tell us … a family member called 911 to respond to a medical emergency this morning — and Dawkins was transported to a nearby hospital.

Unfortunately, Dawkins was not able to recover and was pronounced dead at 11:19 AM.  The nature of the medical emergency is unclear at this point.

We’re told there was nothing suspicious about his death and no indication of foul play.

An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow.

Dawkins was the first basketball player to be drafted to the NBA straight outta high school when he was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1975.

Dawkins played in the NBA until 1989 … and also spent time playing with the Harlem Globetrotters.

The guy was a pioneer of the monster dunk — and threw down with such force that he shattered TWO backboards in 1979.

Dawkins was always cool with us … and just last year explained how Stevie Wonder gave him his famous nickname.