What Happened to Jacques Dominique Wilkins?

Jacques Dominique Wilkins, born on January 12, 1960, in Paris, France, carved out an illustrious career in the NBA, earning the moniker 'The Human Highlight Film' for his explosive athleticism and spectacular dunks. Drafted third overall by the Utah Jazz in 1982, he was immediately traded to the Atlanta Hawks, where he spent the majority of his 15-year career, becoming the franchise's all-time leading scorer and steals leader. Wilkins was a nine-time NBA All-Star, a seven-time All-NBA Team member, and won two NBA Slam Dunk Contests (1985, 1990), famously battling Michael Jordan in the 1988 contest. He led the NBA in scoring in the 1985-86 season with 30.3 points per game.

After retiring from professional basketball in 1999, Wilkins transitioned into various roles, maintaining a strong connection to the sport and the Atlanta community. In 2004, he became the Vice President of Basketball for the Atlanta Hawks, a position he continues to hold, advising senior management and serving as a goodwill ambassador. He also works as a color analyst for Hawks games, a role he took on in 2008. His significant contributions to basketball were recognized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2016, he was also inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame for his collegiate career at the University of Georgia.

Beyond basketball, Wilkins has become a vocal advocate for diabetes awareness and management after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 40, shortly after his NBA retirement. He actively promotes healthy living through diet, exercise, and proper medication, partnering with organizations like Wellstar Health System and Zen Nutrients to share his journey and educate others. In 2014, he launched the 'Diabetes Dream Team' initiative to provide resources for managing the condition.

In recent years, Wilkins has expanded his entrepreneurial and philanthropic efforts. As of June 2024, he became an investor and partner with Roots, a real estate fund focused on creating wealth for both investors and renters, particularly in Atlanta. He is also an owner of the Birmingham Legion (USL soccer) and the New Jersey 5s of Major League Pickleball, and serves as Board Chairman of KultureCity, a nonprofit for invisible disabilities and sensory accessibility. His presence in the NBA remains strong, as evidenced by his role as a judge for the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest in February 2026, where he expressed his enduring commitment to the event. In March 2026, he also made his debut as an analyst on NBA Showtime. Wilkins continues to comment on the current state of the Atlanta Hawks, praising young talents like Jalen Johnson and expressing optimism for the team's future.