Nate Thurmond

[howard]

Russell was a better defender, but not by much. Nate was Karl Malone with a little less O, a little more D. Owned the boards, even if against Kareem, Wilt, Willis or Wes. Read for yourself below. Sadly, he was traded just before the championship season, cause his knees were shot and he barely played for the Bulls that year. Traded for Clifford Ray and the draft pick that became Kobe's dad.

Other connection to today - went to the same high school in Akron as Gus Johnson and LeBron.

He also ran a very nice BBQ place in SF, and was frequently behind the counter in the early years. Super nice guy. Smokey, yummy ribs.

http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/warr ... way-age-74

http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/warr ... way-age-74

http://www.sfgate.com/sports/jenkins/ar ... 382125.php

[sancarlos]

I saw him interviewed many time on tv in San Francisco and Oakland. He always seemed like a genuine, nice man. RIP.