The Golden State Warriors and the broader basketball community are mourning the loss of Hall of Famer Alvin Attles, who has passed away at the age of 87. Affectionately known as "The Destroyer" for his ferocious playing style, Attles' influence on the Warriors and the NBA stretched over six remarkable decades.
Attles started his storied career when he was drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1960. Before joining the professional ranks, he honed his skills at North Carolina A&T, where he averaged an impressive 13.1 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. Over his 11-year playing career, Attles maintained consistent stats, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds.
One of Attles' most memorable moments came in 1962, when he was the second-leading scorer with 17 points in the historic game where Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points. His relentless tenacity on the court earned him respect and admiration from teammates and opponents alike.
Transitioning from player to coach in 1968, Attles broke barriers, becoming one of the first Black head coaches in the NBA in 1969. He led the Warriors to a triumphant 1974-75 season, capturing the franchise's second championship with a convincing 4-0 sweep of the Washington Bullets. Under his leadership, the team achieved an enviable 557-518 (.518) coaching record.
From 1983 to 1986, Attles took on the role of general manager, where he continued to shape the team’s future. It was during this period that he drafted Chris Mullin with the seventh overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft, setting the stage for the next era of Warriors basketball.
Reflecting on his experiences, Mullin shared, "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."
Attles' No. 16 jersey was retired by the Warriors, a testament to his lasting influence and legacy. His contributions to basketball and his lifelong commitment to the Warriors were recognized with the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, and he was deservingly inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.
Former Warriors player Rick Barry reminisced about Attles' mentorship and leadership: "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."
Unarguably, Attles' dedication to the Warriors is unprecedented. His 60-year association with the team is the longest tenure in NBA history, establishing him as an indelible figure in the franchise’s lore. The Warriors encapsulated his impact 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. 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."
Attles passed away surrounded by his loving family. His legacy will undoubtedly endure through the countless lives he touched on and off the court. As the Warriors and the NBA community grieve, they also celebrate a life dedicated to excellence, integrity, and the game of basketball.