Ranking the 10 greatest Golden State Warriors ever…
9. Nate Thurmond
11 seasons (1963-1974)
Rings: 0
MVPs: 0
Stats with Warriors:
Other Accolades with Warriors:
- 7x All-Star
- 5x All-Defensive
NBA.com on Thurmond:
“A genial giant of a man, Nate Thurmond was one of the all-time great NBA centers, with a rugged, in-your-face style of play that frequently intimidated even Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain.”
“The Hall of Famer played 14 professional seasons in the 1960s and 1970s, posting career averages of 15.0 points and 15.0 rebounds per game. Among the all-time NBA leaders in career rebounds and rebounding average, Thurmond was selected to play in seven NBA All-Star Games and was selected to the NBA All-Defensive First or Second Team five times. He still holds the NBA record for most rebounds in a quarter with 18, and he owns the distinction of being the first player ever to record a quadruple-double.”
“Some basketball observers have suggested that the 6-foot-11 Thurmond provided the best mix of offense and defense in basketball history. Many say that his defense was better than Chamberlain’s, and that his offense was better than Bill Russell’s. With quickness and long hands, a smooth outside shooting touch, tenacious rebounding, classic shot-blocking ability, and a total team attitude, Thurmond offered a perfectly balanced package.”
Thurmond is the ninth-greatest Warrior of all time, but who ranks ahead of him at No. 8? Find out below.
More NBA: Ranking the Top 10 Greatest Warriors Ever: No. 8
