Today’s OKC Thunder and Their Historic NBA Counterparts

#3 – Current Thunder Player – Serge Ibaka

David’s Historic Counterpart – Nate Thurmond

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Nate Thurmond’s Hall-of-Fame career will likely eclipse whatever Ibaka might do in the NBA, but the comparison seems apt. Thurmond was a tremendous player that was often overshadowed by historic greats like Chamerlain, Bill Russell and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar but was incredible in his own right. A tenacious rebounder and defender – much like Ibaka – he also became a reliable scorer as his career progressed. Unlike other big men from the era, Thurmond was also comfortable shooting from outside (something that OKC fans would like wish Ibaka did not share in common) and would mix that up with his work in the low-post.

You also can’t overlook both Thurmond’s and Ibaka’s chiseled frames, especially surprising given how some players during Nate’s time avoided physical fitness altogether (imagine halftime locker rooms filled with cigarette smoke…not quite like today’s NBA). Both players are quiet and reserved off the floor but fierce competitors on it.

Next: #2 - The Unstoppable Athlete