“He could never conquer the demons,” Baptiste’s mentor and coach Leroy Floyd reflected on his life. “He always gave people good advice, but he didn’t always take it himself.”
Tag Archives: Golden State Warriors
Nate ‘The Great’ Thurmond, 1968
Second billing is nothing new to Nate Thurmond.
Tim Hardaway: Killer Crossover, 1993
I feel like when I’m on the court, that’s my court. Especially at home. I feel like I can do no wrong. If I want to slide from halfcourt all the way to the baseline, I could do it. That’s how I feel. Like I’m bulletproof.
In Search of . . . Ralph Sampson, 1988
Sampson said soon after the trade, the best piece of advice he received upon entering the NBA was never to unpack your bags.
Sidney Wicks: Getting Under Rick Barry’s Skin, 1974
When Wicks’ love-taps continued and grew in intensity, Barry blew up and blasted the refs. Apparently, he didn’t phrase his complaint in delicate language, because the refs offered Rick a comfortable seat on the bench for the rest of the night.
Alvan Adams: The Game I’ll Never Forget, 1982
“It’s all like a dream,” said the Oklahoma Kid, rookie Alvan Adams. “I keep thinking I’m going to wake up and it won’t be real.
Don Nelson: Respect, 1991
Nelson’s mind, always active, always involved, sometimes moves in surprising directions.
Nick Jones: Tales of a Pro Basketball Journeyman, 1971
The road to San Francisco was a long and often discouraging one for Nick Jones.
It’s Suddenly Over: The NBA Odyssey of Jim Barnett, 1977
After 10 years as a hard-driving guard and frenetic defensive player for the Boston Celtics, the San Diego Rockets, the Portland Trail Blazers, the Golden State Warriors, the New Orleans Jazz, and finally the New York Knicks, the 32-year-old Jim Barnett is through as a professional basketball player.
Nate Thurmond: He Can’t Get ‘Up’ for Every Game, 1970
“When I play the best—guys like Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Wes Unseld—I get inspired. You know how great Russell was. I wanted to play my best against him.”
From Way Downtown 