NBA Hall of Famer Nate Thurmond dies at 74
Nate Thurmond, one of the greatest players in the history of the Golden State Warriors and the entire NBA, has passed away at the age of 74.
On Saturday afternoon, NBA Hall of Famer Nate Thurmond lost a very tough battle with leukemia, and the sports world mourns the passing of one of the most dominant big men to have ever picked up a basketball.
At 6-foot-11, 235 pounds, Thurmond was a physically imposing figure before the NBA grew accustomed to seeing much larger athletes roaming around. The Ohio native was gobbling up rebounds at a ridiculous rate more than a decade before Dennis Rodman started making history.
In 1996, Thurmond was voted as one of the 50 greatest players in the history of the NBA. A quick glance at that list, and it is clear that he was in the company of some of the greatest professional athletes ever.
We are saddened by the passing of a true Warriors Legend. Rest in Peace, Nate Thurmond. pic.twitter.com/4JT9aftJlg
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) July 16, 2016
While playing with Golden State, Thurmond averaged 17.4 points and 16.9 rebounds per game. In addition to putting up impressive numbers, Thurmond was also very much committed to being a great defender.
As of this moment, Thurmond is only one of six players to have his number retired by the Warriors. Guys like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are hoping to join a group that includes Rick Barry, Chris Mullin and Wilt Chamberlain.
Thurmond also has his jersey number retired by the Cleveland Cavaliers, despite only playing for the franchise very briefly.
He made NBA history as a member of the Chicago Bulls in 1974 when Thurmond became the first player in the history of the league to register a quadruple double. The former Bowling Green star had 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists and 12 blocks in a game against the Atlanta Hawks. The feat has happened a couple of times since but is still considered a very rare event.
Sadly, Thurmond knew his time was coming to an end. When he realized leukemia was going to take his life, the seven-time former NBA All-Star started contacting family members and friends to bid his final farewell.
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