Classic SI Photos of Dominique Wilkins

Before there was King James, The Black Mamba, and Durantula, there was The Human Highlight Film. Dominique Wilkins’ acrobatic moves and incredible slam-dunks merited his nickname. After two Slam Dunk titles, nine All-Star appearances, 26,668 career points, and 7,169 rebounds during his 15 seasons in the NBA, Nique was destined for the Hall of Fame. Here are 21 classic SI photos of No. 21, who turned 56 years old on Jan. 12, 2016.

Classic SI Photos of Dominique Wilkins

Dominique Wilkins

Manny Millan for Sports Illustrated

1981

Dominique Wilkins

Manny Millan for Sports Illustrated

1981

Dominique Wilkins

Manny Millan for Sports Illustrated

1981

Dominique Wilkins and Eric Marbury

Manny Millan for Sports Illustrated

1981

Dominique Wilkins

Manny Millan for Sports Illustrated

1981

Dominique Wilkins

David E. Klutho for Sports Illustrated

1986 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Dominique Wilkins and Larry Bird

Manny Millan for Sports Illustrated

1986

Dominique Wilkins

David E. Klutho for Sports Illustrated

1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals

Dominique Wilkins

Walter Iooss Jr. for Sports Illustrated

1988 Slam Dunk Contest

Dominique Wilkins

Walter Iooss Jr. for Sports Illustrated

1990 Slam Dunk Contest

Dominique Wilkins and John Salley

John Biever for Sports Illustrated

1991 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Dominique Wilkins and Bill Laimbeer

John Biever for Sports Illustrated

1991 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Dominique Wilkins and Dennis Rodman

John Biever for Sports Illustrated

1991

Dominique Wilkins

Manny Millan for Sports Illustrated

1992

Dominique Wilkins and Dennis Scott

Bill Frakes for Sports Illustrated

1995 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Dominique Wilkins and Kevin Garnett

John W. McDonough for Sports Illustrated

1997

Dominique and Gerald Wilkins

David Liam Kyle for Sports Illustrated

1999

Dominique Wilkins

Bill Frakes for Sports Illustrated

2005

Dominique Wilkins

Greg Foster for Sports Illustrated

2005

Dominique Wilkins

John W. McDonough for Sports Illustrated

2010

Dominique Wilkins and Chris Bosh

Greg Nelson for Sports Illustrated

2014