Thurmond attended college at Bowling Green University where he played for three seasons and put up astonishing numbers. He played in 76 career games with averages of 18 points and 17 rebounds. The Warrior already had a big man when they selected Thurmond third overall in 1963, but the Warriors selected Thurmond because they felt deep down that Chamberlain was not happy with the relocation from Philadelphia to the Bay area and their fears turned out to be correct. Thurmond backed up Chamberlain and played some power forward as well for his first two seasons with the Warriors. Though by his second year he was starting at the power forward spot.

Chamberlain was traded to the 76ers in 1965 and Thurmond took over the reigns at center. His numbers actually dropped his first year as the starting center but quickly picked back up. He made his first all-star team in 1965 as well. The 1967-68 season was Thurmond’s best as a pro averaging 20 points and 22 rebounds and coming in second in the MVP voting. He also grabbed an NBA record 18 rebounds in a quarter.

The Warriors had some success with Thurmond who was paired with starts like Rick Barry and Jerry Lucas but they never could win an NBA title. After 11 seasons with the Warriors he was traded to the Bulls for Clifford Ray in 1974. Thurmond’s debut for the Bulls was nothing less than magical. Thurmond scored 22 points, pulled down 14 rebounds, dished out 13 dimes and blocked 12 shots to officially become the first player with a quadruple-double in NBA history. That would be the highlight of his Bulls career as he averaged only 8 points and 11 rebounds.

Thurmond lasted only a season and a half with the Bulls before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for his final season and a half. He did help the Cavs reach the eastern finals in 1976. He retired following the 1977 season having appeared in 964 career games averaging 15 points and 15 rebounds. He was inducted into the hall of fame in 1985.

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