In a heartfelt announcement, the Golden State Warriors have shared the news of the passing of basketball legend Alvin Attles at the age of 87. Known fondly as "The Destroyer" for his fierce playing style, Attles' influence on the Warriors and the NBA extended over an extraordinary six decades. He was at home, surrounded by family, at the time of his passing.
An Illustrious Career
Attles' journey with the Warriors began when he was drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1960. During his college years at North Carolina A&T, he had already displayed his prowess on the court, averaging 13.1 points and 3.3 rebounds.
His NBA career spanned 11 years, in which he posted averages of 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. A highlight of his playing career came in 1962 when he scored 17 points in the historic game where Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points, marking the second-highest point tally for the Warriors that night.
A Trailblazing Coach
In 1969, Attles broke new ground as one of the first Black head coaches in the NBA—a role he embraced until 1983. With a coaching record of 557-518, he led the Warriors to their second franchise championship in the 1974-75 season, triumphing in a remarkable 4-0 sweep over the Washington Bullets.
His impact as a coach left an indelible mark on the team. As Rick Barry, a key player from the 1975 championship, reflected, "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."
Leadership Beyond Coaching
Following his coaching tenure, Attles transitioned to the role of general manager from 1983 to 1986. During this period, he made impactful decisions, including drafting Chris Mullin with the seventh overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft. Mullin spoke fondly of Attles' influence, stating, "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."
A Lasting Legacy
Alvin Attles' legacy with the Warriors is unparalleled. His No. 16 jersey has been retired by the franchise, and in 2014, he received the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award. Five years later, he achieved the pinnacle of basketball honors with his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The Warriors' statement encapsulated his immense contribution: "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' involvement with the Warriors spanned an incredible 60 years, setting a record for the longest continuous service in NBA history. As the Warriors noted, "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."
As the basketball world mourns the loss of a monumental figure, the impact of Alvin Attles will be remembered for generations. His contributions to the sport and his legacy of integrity, humility, and excellence will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.