The Golden State Warriors are mourning the loss of one of their most enduring icons, Alvin Attles, who passed away at the age of 87. Attles' remarkable legacy with the Warriors spanned over six decades, marking him as a cornerstone of the franchise's history.
Early Career and Playing Days
Alvin Attles, lovingly nicknamed "The Destroyer," was renowned for his tenacious playing style that left an indelible mark on the NBA. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia Warriors after an impressive collegiate career at North Carolina A&T, where he averaged 13.1 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. Attles would go on to play 11 seasons with the Warriors, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. He is perhaps best remembered for his contribution as the second-leading scorer with 17 points during Wilt Chamberlain's historic 100-point game in 1962.
A Trailblazer in Coaching
Attles transitioned seamlessly into a coaching role, becoming one of the first Black head coaches in NBA history in 1969. His coaching career, which spanned from 1968 to 1983, saw him amass a record of 557 wins against 518 losses. Under his stewardship, the Warriors clinched their second NBA Championship in the 1974-75 season with a resounding 4-0 sweep over the Washington Bullets. Rick Barry, a key player during that championship season, reflected warmly on Attles' leadership: "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."
Executive Leadership and Beyond
Following his coaching career, Attles continued to influence the Warriors as a general manager from 1983 to 1986. During his tenure, he made significant contributions, including drafting Chris Mullin with the seventh overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft. Mullin looked up to Attles as more than just an executive. "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," Mullin said.
A Legacy Etched in History
Further cementing his immense contributions, Attles' No. 16 jersey was retired by the Warriors. His enduring impact was recognized with the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019. Attles' 60-year involvement with the Warriors is the longest in NBA history, a testament to his unwavering dedication and influence.
The organization articulated the depth of his loss in a heartfelt 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."
Attles' passing marks the end of an era for the Warriors, but his legacy will undeniably continue to inspire future generations. His contributions as a player, coach, general manager, and ambassador were grounded in professionalism and class, setting a standard for all who follow.
As the basketball world mourns the loss of a legend, thoughts and prayers go out to Attles' wife, Wilhelmina, his son Alvin, and the rest of his family. In the words of the Warriors' statement, Attles "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 all who knew and loved him."