Warriors Legend Nate Thurmond Dies at 74

Nate Thurmond, a 14-year NBA veteran who played 11 seasons with the San Francisco and Golden State Warriors, died Saturday at the age of 74.

NBA.com confirmed Thurmond's death, noting he was recently diagnosed with leukemia.

The Warriors offered their condolences on Twitter:

Warriors owner Joe Lacob was among the many people who issued a statement to NBA.com about Thurmond's impact on the franchise and league:

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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 and both a Hall of Fame player and Hall of Fame person, hence his No. 42 jersey hanging from the rafters at Oracle Arena. 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.

"

The NBA provided a statement from commissioner Adam Silver:

Jerry West, who works with the Warriors as an executive board member, called Thurmond "without a doubt, one of the fiercest competitors that I played against during my entire career."

Larry Beil of ABC 7 in San Francisco offered his condolences to someone he considered a "good friend" after learning of Thurmond's death:

He played with the Warriors, Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers. The Warriors and Cavaliers both retired his No. 42 jersey, and he took part in the Warriors' championship parade after their victory in the 2015 NBA Finals.

Marc J. Spears of ESPN's The Undefeated provided a statement from the Cavaliers:

Thurmond was one of the NBA's best big men in his playing days from 1963 to 1977, averaging 15 points and 15 rebounds per game. He was named to seven All-Star teams, including four straight from 1965 to 1968, the All-Defensive first team twice and the NBA's 50th anniversary all-time team in 1996. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.