Thurmond, Nate (1941-...), ranks among the leading rebounders in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A 6 foot 11 inch (211-centimeter) center, Thurmond averaged 15 rebounds a game during his 15-year NBA career. He set a franchise record for the Golden State Warriors with 12,771 career rebounds. Thurmond was also an outstanding defensive player. He was named to the NBA all defensive first or second team five times.