The Golden State Warriors are mourning the loss of one of their legendary figures, Hall of Famer Alvin Attles, who has passed away at the age of 87. Attles, a central figure in the Warriors' history, left an indelible mark on both the team and the NBA over a remarkable career that spanned more than six decades.
Known affectionately as "The Destroyer" for his tenacious playing style, Attles' contributions to the game were vast and varied. He started his illustrious journey when he was drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1960, a team he would remain loyal to throughout his entire career. Alvin Attles made an immediate impact, quickly becoming a fan favorite.
A Player of Grit and Tenacity
Attles attended North Carolina A&T, where his skills on the court quickly earned him recognition. Throughout his basketball career, he averaged 13.1 points and 3.3 rebounds during his college years. Alvin transitioned seamlessly into the professional league, playing for 11 years with career averages of 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds.
Alvin Attles was also a part of NBA history, being the second-leading scorer with 17 points in the memorable game when Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in 1962. This hallmark game manifested Attles' reliability and skill during critical moments, cementing his reputation as a formidable player.
Pioneering Coach and Executive
In 1969, Attles broke barriers by becoming one of the first Black head coaches in the NBA. His coaching career spanned from 1968 to 1983, and during this time, he compiled a record of 557-518 (.518). One of his crowning achievements was leading the Warriors to their second championship in the 1974-75 season with a 4-0 sweep over the Washington Bullets. This championship season highlighted Attles' exceptional leadership and strategic abilities on the sideline.
Post his coaching career, Attles took on the role of general manager from 1983 to 1986. In this capacity, he made significant decisions that shaped the future of the franchise, including drafting Chris Mullin with the seventh overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft.
A Legacy of Mentorship and Humanity
Attles' influence extended far beyond his statistics. His number 16 jersey has been retired by the Warriors, and in 2014, he received the prestigious John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award. Attles was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019, further solidifying his substantial contributions to the sport.
"My heart is heavy today with the loss of my mentor and friend," Rick Barry expressed. "Al was my roommate during my rookie season in the league. He taught me valuable lessons on being professional that couldn’t be learned on the court. Later, as our coach during the 1975 championship season, he exemplified leadership, togetherness, and a keen strategic ability that enabled us to succeed at the highest level. We shared so many wonderful and memorable moments together. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Wilhelmina, and his entire family. He will be dearly missed."
Chris Mullin, another key figure in the Warriors' history, also shared his sentiments. "This is a difficult day for me. Alvin Attles had a huge, positive influence on me and my career, not just drafting me in 1985 and bringing me to the Bay Area but guiding me through my journey as a player and a young man, both in good and difficult times. He was a dear friend, mentor, and role model and someone I admired tremendously and tried to emulate. He set the standard for all of us when it comes to integrity and humility and was truly a champion both on and off the court. There will never be another Alvin Attles."
A Final Farewell
The Golden State Warriors' organization released a heartfelt statement in tribute to Attles' profound legacy: "Alvin Attles did not just epitomize what it meant to be a Warrior — he was Mr. Warrior. His tenacious playing style earned him the affectionate nickname of 'The Destroyer' on the court, but it was his gentle soul, grace, and humility off the court that served as a guiding light for the organization for more than six decades. As a player, coach, general manager, ambassador, and most of all, as a person, Alvin set the standards of professionalism and class by which we all strive to achieve. He leaves behind a profound legacy within the game of basketball and the Bay Area community, but especially as a family man and humanitarian. We mourn his loss alongside his wife, Wilhelmina, son Alvin, and all who knew and loved him."
Alvin Attles' 60-year involvement with the Warriors stands as the longest tenure in NBA history, a testament to his unwavering dedication and love for the game. He was surrounded by his family at his home at the time of his passing, a fitting end for a man who was not only a legend on the court but also a beloved figure in the lives of those who knew him.