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Top 25 Golden State Warriors in franchise history

By Carlos Murillo

Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts before game seven of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts before game seven of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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5. Nate Thurmond

Nate Thurmond is simply one of the greatest centers to suit up for anyone. If it wasn’t for another guy on this list, Nate the Great would get the shine he deserves. He played eleven great seasons with the Warriors.

In his first season, Thurmond was named to the All-Rookie team in 1964 after averaging 7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. He broke out his sophomore season, scoring 16.5 points and grabbing 18.1 boards per game. He started his run of dominance.

Few men have ever rebounded the ball like Thurmond did. He’s tenth in NBA history in total rebounds. He’s one of five players in league history to average at least 15 boards per game for a career.

Only five players have ever averaged at least 20 rebounds per game in a single season and Thurmond did it twice. He’s one of four players to grab at least 40 rebounds in a single game as he hauled in 42 misses against the Detroit Pistons in 1965. Perhaps just as impressive as Thompson’s 37 point quarter is Thurmond’s record 18 rebound quarter.

He was an incredibly physical and intelligent player. He was a seven-time All-Star with the Warriors, in addition to being named to two First Team All-Defense and two Second Team All-Defense selections.

Thurmond is perhaps one of the most underrated players in league history. He was a force on the defensive end of the floor while also averaging at least 20 points per game for five straight years. He could do it all.

Thurmond was a great basketball player and an even better person. He hung around the team even after his retirement and his no. 42 was retired by the Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers.  He passed away this summer after a battle with leukemia. He’s probably boxing out some angels right now.

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