The Golden State Warriors and the entire basketball community are mourning the loss of Hall of Famer Alvin Attles, who passed away at the age of 87. Fondly known as "The Destroyer" for his fierce playing style, Attles left an indelible imprint on the Warriors and the NBA over more than six decades.
A Legendary Career
Attles' career began in earnest when he was drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1960. He attended North Carolina A&T, where he showcased his skills by averaging 13.1 points and 3.3 rebounds. Attles had a commendable 11-year playing career, during which he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. One of his most memorable moments as a player was being the second-leading scorer with 17 points on the night Wilt Chamberlain famously netted 100 points in 1962.
Transition to Coaching
In 1969, Attles blazed trails as one of the first Black head coaches in the NBA. His coaching tenure with the Warriors ran from 1968 to 1983, during which he amassed a record of 557-518. The pinnacle of his coaching career came in the 1974-75 season when he led the Warriors to the franchise's second championship with a 4-0 sweep over the Washington Bullets.
Reflecting on that remarkable season, Rick Barry, one of the key players during the championship run, shared: "My heart is heavy today with the loss of my mentor and friend. 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."
Impact Beyond Coaching
After his coaching career, Attles transitioned to the role of general manager from 1983 to 1986. One of his notable decisions as a GM was drafting Chris Mullin with the seventh overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft. Mullin expressed his deep gratitude and admiration for Attles: "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 Lasting Legacy
Attles' contributions to the Warriors and the broader basketball community were recognized in various ways throughout his lifetime. His No. 16 jersey was retired by the Warriors, and he received the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. In 2019, he was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the game's greats. His involvement with the Warriors for over 60 years stands as the longest tenure in NBA history.
The Warriors organization encapsulated the profound impact of Attles' life and career in their statement: "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' story is one of dedication, resilience, and excellence. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations in the basketball community and beyond. As the Warriors and the NBA reflect on his contributions, it's clear that Attles' impact was not just on the court, but in the lives he touched and the standards he set for integrity and professionalism.