Warriors great Nate Thurmond dead at 74
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Nate Thurmond, an NBA Hall of Famer and seven-time All-Star who was a dominant force in the middle for most of the Warriors’ first decade on the West Coast, died Saturday after a battle with leukemia. He was 74.
The 6-foot-11 Mr. Thurmond, voted one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players in 1996, played 11 of his 14 seasons with the Warriors and had been a Community Ambassador for the team for decades. He also worked as an analyst on postgame broadcasts for KGO (Channel 7) in recent years, but his health had deteriorated in recent weeks and, according to people close to him, Mr. Thurmond recently began calling friends to say his final goodbyes.
“We lost one of the most iconic figures in the history of not only our organization, but the NBA in general,” Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob said. “Without a doubt, he is one of the most beloved figures ever to wear a Warriors uniform.”
Hall of Famer Rick Barry said “Nate was one of the greatest centers to ever play the game and I was privileged to call him a teammate and dear friend. He battled his illness until the very end, like a true Warrior. His legacy is one of passion, fierce competitiveness, a love of basketball and selfless devotion to others. My heartfelt prayers go out to his family, friends and fans.”
Read more: http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/Warriors-great-Nate-Thurmond-dead-at-74-8382124.php?t=dd49b242861210a92f&cmpid=twitter-premium
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That Nate gave him more trouble than any other defender/center during his NBA career. I can recall as a kid, this being the case when Kareem didn't score his "normal" gazillion points per game.
From all I've ever read about you Nate, most folks said you were a generous, kind and gentle yet passionate guy.
RIP Nate 
