The Golden State Warriors and the NBA community are mourning the loss of Hall of Famer Alvin Attles, who passed away at the age of 87, surrounded by his family. Known affectionately as "The Destroyer" for his tenacious playing style, Attles' impact on the Warriors and the league spanned over six remarkable decades.
Alvin Attles was drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1960 after a standout collegiate career at North Carolina A&T, where he averaged 13.1 points and 3.3 rebounds. He quickly made his mark in the league, playing for 11 years and average 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. Attles was also the second-leading scorer with 17 points on the night Wilt Chamberlain famously scored 100 points in 1962.
Transitioning from player to coach, Attles broke new ground by becoming one of the first Black head coaches in NBA history in 1969. His coaching career, which spanned from 1968 to 1983, was defined by both resilience and success. Achieving a coaching record of 557-518 (.518), Attles' pinnacle came during the 1974-75 season when he led the Warriors to the franchise's second championship with a 4-0 sweep over the Washington Bullets.
From Coach to General Manager
Even after stepping down as a coach, Attles continued to influence the NBA landscape. Transitioning to the role of general manager from 1983 to 1986, he made significant moves, including drafting Chris Mullin with the seventh overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft. Mullin’s admiration for Attles runs deep.
"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," Mullin reflected. "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 Mentor and Friend
For those who got to work closely with him, Attles was much more than a coach or an executive; he was a mentor and a friend. Rick Barry, who was a key player during the Warriors' 1975 championship run, shared his heartfelt sentiments.
"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," said Barry. "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."
Legacy Beyond The Court
Attles' contributions extended far beyond the confines of a basketball court. His No. 16 jersey is retired by the Warriors, a testament to his lasting impact on the organization. In recognition of his lifelong contributions, he received the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.
The Golden State Warriors released a statement encapsulating Attles' immeasurable influence on the team and the community. "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," the statement read. "We mourn his loss alongside his wife, Wilhelmina, son Alvin, and all who knew and loved him."
Alvin Attles' 60-year involvement with the Golden State Warriors sets a benchmark that is the longest in NBA history, embodying dedication, professionalism, and an indomitable spirit. His legacy is firmly etched not only in the annals of the Warriors but in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.