In 1974, Thurmond in one game became the first National Basketball Association player to record a quadruple-double by tallying double-digits in four statistical categories, with 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists and 12 blocks. He went on to play for the Chicago Bulls and ended his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1977.
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In 1974, Thurmond became the first player to record an official quadruple-double in 1974, along with seven All-Star appearances. “Nate the Great”, as he was called, was reportedly battling leukemia for a “short” time, and succumbed to the illness.
Thurmond apprenticed under Chamberlain until the Warriors traded Chamberlain to the Philadelphia 76ers in the middle of the 1964-65 season. “For that, I am extremely thankful”.
He finished with career averages of 15 points, once breaking 20 for five years in a row, and 15 rebounds, including a three-season run of 21.3, 22 and 19.7 boards.
“Nate Thurmond would have to be recognized as one of the best defensive players that’s ever played the game”.
Nate Thurmond’s legacy is sometimes overshadowed by those other giants of his time and place, Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985. That rebounding average still ranks fifth in National Basketball Association history, trailing only fellow Hall of Famers Chamberlain (22.9), Russell (22.5), Bob Pettit (16.2) and Jerry Lucas (15.6). On the other hand, off the court, Nate was about as caring and loving as they come, extremely kind and gentle. The third pick in the 1963 draft was also in the top 10 in blocks twice and finished at 2.10 in all, with the important asterisk that the statistic was not kept until the 11th of his 14 seasons. One for All.’ code.
The Cavaliers released the following statement Saturday afternoon from Campy Russell, a former teammate and the team’s director of alumni relations. In the 1975-1976 season, Thurmond’s first season with the Cavaliers, he led the team to secure the Central Division title and participate in the playoffs for the first time. Just as Nate always held the Miracle team, the Coliseum crowds and his local roots dear to him, the Cavaliers franchise will always love and respect him as a true Cavalier legend.
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Thurmond is survived by his wife, Marci.
