In Memoriam: Alvin Attles, a True Warriors Legend
The Golden State Warriors mourn the loss of one of their most enduring legends, as Hall of Famer Alvin Attles passed away at the age of 87, surrounded by family at his home. Known affectionately as "The Destroyer" for his tenacious playing style, Attles' impact on the Warriors and the NBA spanned over six decades, making him synonymous with the franchise.
A Fearsome Player and Loyal Warrior
Alvin Attles' journey with the Warriors began in 1960 when he was drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Warriors. A product of North Carolina A&T, where he averaged 13.1 points and 3.3 rebounds, Attles immediately showcased his talent and dedication on the professional stage. During his 11-year career, which saw the team relocate to San Francisco in 1962, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. His efforts were instrumental in the Warriors' runs to the NBA Finals in 1964 and 1967 alongside Wilt Chamberlain. Notably, Attles was the second-leading scorer with 17 points on the night Chamberlain famously netted 100 points in 1962.
A Pioneer Coach with a Championship Legacy
Transitioning from player to coach in 1968, Attles became one of the first Black head coaches in the NBA when he was named player-coach during the 1969-70 season. His coaching career, which lasted until the end of the 1982-83 season, was marked by significant achievements including an impressive 557-518 (.518) record and six postseason appearances. Attles' most triumphant moment came during the 1974-75 season when he led a Warriors team, driven by Hall of Famer Rick Barry, to the franchise's second championship with a commanding 4-0 sweep over the Washington Bullets.
Reflecting on his former coach, Barry said, "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."
Steward of the Next Generation
Following his coaching stint, Attles took the reins as the Warriors' general manager, a role he held from 1983 to 1986. His tenure as GM was highlighted by the drafting of another Hall of Famer, Chris Mullin, with the seventh overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft. Mullin, a key figure for the Warriors throughout the late '80s and '90s, remembered Attles fondly: "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' No. 16 jersey is retired by the Warriors, an honor bestowed upon a select few in the franchise's storied history. In addition to his on-court accolades, he received the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019. Even after stepping down from his official roles within the organization, Attles remained a steadfast ambassador for the team and the community. His unparalleled 60-year involvement with the Warriors stands as the longest single stint any person has spent with a team in NBA history.
In a heartfelt statement, the Warriors encapsulated Attles' profound impact: "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' legacy is one of excellence, integrity, and lasting influence. His contributions to the Warriors and the broader basketball community will be remembered and cherished for generations to come. As those who revered him continue to mourn, the enduring essence of what it means to be a Warrior will forever carry the indelible mark of Alvin "The Destroyer" Attles.