Emerging from Wilt's shadow, Nate Thurmond became an all-time great

Discussion in 'Golden State Warriors' started by truebluefan, Jul 16, 2016.

  1. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

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    When San Francisco Warriors' owner Eddie Gottlieb was asked why he drafted Nate Thurmond in 1963 when he already had Wilt Chamberlain, he answered "because Thurmond is the best man available." He was. But it was a dicey move in 1963. Chamberlain had just averaged 45 points and 24 rebounds the previous season. What's more, he played 47.5 minutes a game. Thurmond, a 6-11 center out of Bowling Green, didn't figure to get much court time.

    Thurmond, who passed away Saturday at the age of 74, was a defensive center and excellent defensive rebounder in the tradition of Bill Russell, managing to get about 27 minutes a night playing forward and center behind Wilt. It was very much like Thurmond to make the best of the situation. It's what he always did.

    Read more http://espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4034877
     
  2. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

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