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NBA

Hall of Famer Nate Thurmond passes away at age 74

By Lindsey Foltin FoxSports
Published | Updated
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - CIRCA 1960's: Nate Thurmond #42 of the San Francisco Warriors in action pulling down a rebound against the Los Angeles Lakers during an late circa 1960's NBA basketball game at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, California. Thurmond played for the Warriors 1963-74. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Hall of Famer and Golden State Warriors legend Nate Thurmond passed away Saturday morning at the age of 74 after a short battle with leukemia.

The Warriors announced the news of Thurmond's passing on the team website, along with a heartfelt statement from owner Joe Lacob.

"We've lost one of the most iconic figures in the history of not only our organization, but the NBA in general," Lacob said in the release. "Nate represented this franchise with class, dignity and humility as both a player and community relations ambassador for over 40 years. Without a doubt, he is one of the most beloved figures to ever wear a Warriors uniform.

"On behalf of the entire Warriors organization, our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family, including his wife, Marci. We'll miss his presence in his customary seats at our games next season, but his legacy will live forever."

Thurmond was drafted by the then-San Fransisco Warriors third-overall out of Bowling Green in 1963. He played 11 seasons with the Warriors, reaching the Finals twice, but never winning a ring. Thurmond was traded to Chicago in 1974 -- and the Warriors won the NBA Championship the following season. He was traded to Cleveland early in the 1975-76 season and retired after the 1976-77 season.

After his playing career, Thurmond went on to spend four decades working for the Warriors organization as a Community Relations Ambassador.

Known as one of the most dominating centers to ever play the game, Thurmond was a seven-time NBA All-Star and was voted one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players in 1996. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1985.

Thurmond's No. 42 jersey was retired by both the Warriors and Cavaliers.