NATE THURMOND, a Warriors great and frequent sports TV and Radio commentator, passed away Saturday morning due to complications from leukemia --he was 74.Thurmond became a fixture on KGO-TV's "After the Game" program during the NBA Finals and was interesting to listen to and watch.
His appearances became less frequent this year as word leaked out privately that his illness had begun to linger.
We offer our deepest condolences to the Thurmond Family and Warriors organization.
He was a good man, and had many friends. He will be missed.
ReplyDeleteI'm shocked!! had no idea he was sick. I enjoyed his insights and knowledge of the game and years ago when I had the chance to meet him, he's was exactly the way you saw him on TV, Nice, engaging, classy and a gentleman!!
ReplyDeleteVisited Nates BBQ once. He was there. The word gentleman is perfect for Nate Thurmond, the man. On the court he really had no peer as a post presence.
ReplyDeletehttp://insidescoopsf.sfgate.com/blog/2011/12/27/big-nates-bbq-closes-catheads-bbq-moving-in/
RIP Nate
ReplyDeleteR.I.P Nate the Great!!! So happy he was able to see The Warriors win the 2014 Title AND set the 73 game win season!!!
ReplyDeleteNate the Great!
ReplyDeleteNate Thurmond exuded class and grace. What an example for us all.
ReplyDeleteBest defensive Center in NBA History, and from all accounts an exemplar on and off the court. I have truly never heard a bad thing said about this gentleman.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great player. He could do it all. Russell and Wilt and Kareem may have all outshines him but to a man, each guy will tell you that Nate was one of the toughest defenders in the middle. You don't see players of his type or caliber anymore. A bay area sports icon and a good man! He will be missed. Thanks for posting this Rich.
ReplyDeleteThat was a time of great centers in the NBA, Thurmond, Chamberlain, Willis Reed, Wes Unseld, Artis Gilmore, Dave Cowens, Bob Lanier, Elvin Hayes, Walt Bellamy, Kareem. The list goes on - that Thurmond could stand out in talented class is a testament to his talent. One of my heroes.
ReplyDeleteVery true, and well-put 8:30. It was a Golden Age for big men, and sadly we lost two other members of that legendary group recently. Neal Walk, who (like Nate) was a fierce defensive presence and productive offensive force. And Moses Malone (who came along a few years later), the best rebounding Center I've ever seen. Nate, Neal, and Moses were amazing two-way forces in the low post! RIP, Gentleman.
DeleteHow sad. I didn't know he was ill. That probably explains why the bbq restaurant closed. His son who worked there wasn't friendly toward customers we didn't know what happened. I remember Nate and his flashy Excalibur kit car in Diamond Heights during the 1970's.
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