SAN FRANCISCO -- Despite once earning his place among the 50 greatest players in NBA history, former Warriors star Nate Thurmond spent much of his life underappreciated.
That wasn't a problem Monday.On what would have been his 75th birthday, mourners packed into his star-studded memorial service at Providence Baptist Church to hail Thurmond for his talent and, more often, for his kindness."He was a Hall of Famer who rubbed shoulders with ordinary men," as longtime friend Nathaniel Davis said.Thurmond died July 16 after battling leukemia for several months. A seven-time All-Star during his Warriors playing days (1963-74), he remained a beloved community ambassador with the team for more than 30 years.