Nate Thurmond, a seven-time All-Star who recorded the NBA’s first official quadruple double, died of leukemia Saturday at 74.
Here is a look at the highlights in a career that earned the Akron, Ohio, native induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 1985 and inclusion on the NBA’s 50th Anniversary Team as one of the league’s 50 greatest players of all-time in 1996.
Thurmond by the numbers
▪ Thurmond, the third pick in the 1963 NBA draft out of Bowling Green, averaged 15 points and 15 rebounds during his 14-year NBA career.
Watch "Classic Warriors: Nate Thurmond" on YouTube - https://t.co/TWpnXIglCK
— Brian Shaw (@heavydeacon) July 17, 2016
▪ The 6-foot-11 center spent his first 11 seasons with the San Francisco/Golden State Warriors, averaging 17.4 points and 16.9 rebounds, before finishing his career with the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers.
▪ In his Bulls debut on Oct. 18, 1974, Thurmond had 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists and 12 blocks against the Atlanta Hawks. It was the first official quadruple double in NBA history. (Blocked shots became a recognized statistic in 1973-74.)
▪ Thurmond had 42 rebounds against the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 9, 1965. The only players in NBA history to record more rebounds in a game are Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell.
Nate Thurmond: 1 of 5 players w/ career averages of 15 pts, 15 reb. His statistical legacy: https://t.co/tpZTJAbpSM pic.twitter.com/KIiH2WP0vN
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 16, 2016
▪ During the 1967-68 season, Thurmond averaged 20.5 points and 22 rebounds for the Warriors; Chamberlain, who accomplished the feat six times during his career, is the only other Warrior to average 20 points and 20 rebounds in a season.
▪ Thurmond’s teams reached the postseason in nine of his 14 seasons, including reaching the NBA Finals in 1964 and 1967.
▪ Thurmond was a first- or second-team all-defensive team member five times.
Nate Thurmond was called by Kareem as the best defender he faced, made All-Defensive 1st or 2nd Team five times. pic.twitter.com/YTNz9HCvx2
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 16, 2016
▪ He is the Warriors’ career leader in rebounds with 12,771 – Chamberlain is a distant second at 10,768 – defensive win shares with 52.8 (Chamberlain is second with 39.3) and minutes played (30,729).
▪ The Warriors retired Thurmond’s No. 42 jersey in 1978, one of six players so honored by the franchise.
Reaction to Thurmond’s passing
We are saddened by the passing of a true Warriors Legend. Rest in Peace, Nate Thurmond. pic.twitter.com/4JT9aftJlg
— GoldenStateWarriors (@warriors) July 16, 2016
Rest In Peace to Nate Thurmond, one of the best that's ever played in the NBA. My prayers and best wishes go out to his family.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 16, 2016
RIP Big Fella. Legend on the court! Amazing man off! Was a pleasure to see you around the organization sinc... pic.twitter.com/MLS1kvIuGV
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) July 17, 2016
Rest In Peace to Basketball Hall of Famer Nate Thurmond (74) pic.twitter.com/A9lQQdcaFi
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) July 16, 2016
Damn man!!! R.I.P Akron's own Nate Thurmond. Knowing u played in the same rec league as me growing up gave me hope of making it out! Thanks!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 16, 2016
My favorite picture. Warriors starting 5 for 1972 playoffs. I will miss you my friend. RIP Captain Thurmond. pic.twitter.com/jBs3Z2RKau
— Jim Barnett (@uograd66) July 16, 2016
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement regarding the passing of Nate Thurmond pic.twitter.com/Dyy6ul4kWr
— NBA (@NBA) July 16, 2016
So sad to hear of Nate Thurmond's passing. Condolences to his family. Nate was a great Warrior and frequent visitor at games/practices. RIP
— Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr) July 16, 2016
Warriors Executive Board Member Jerry West statement on Nate Thurmond: pic.twitter.com/OkYpZE98Fk
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) July 16, 2016
Sad over the loss of Nate Thurmond..he was the definition of class and dignity.I am proud to have known him and forever grateful to him.
— Tim Roye (@warriorsvox) July 16, 2016
Warriors Legend & Community Ambassador Alvin Attles statement on Nate Thurmond: pic.twitter.com/MGOwECNp62
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) July 16, 2016
Compiled by Stu Rosenberg
Quadruple-Doubles In NBA History
PLAYER | DATE | PTS | REB | AST | BLK/STL |
David Robinson, Spurs | Feb. 17, 1994 | 34 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Hakeem Olajuwon, Rockets | March 29, 1990 | 18 | 16 | 10 | 11 |
Hakeem Olajuwon, Rockets | March 3, 1990 | 29 | 18 | 10 | 11 |
Alvin Robertson, Spurs | Feb. 18, 1986 | 20 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
Nate Thurmond, Bulls | Oct. 18, 1974 | 22 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
Comments