Remembering Alvin Attles: A Pillar of Warriors Legacy
Remembering Alvin Attles: A Pillar of Warriors Legacy
The Golden State Warriors and the entire basketball community are mourning the loss of Hall of Famer Alvin Attles, who passed away peacefully at the age of 87, surrounded by his family at his home. Known affectionately as "The Destroyer" for his tenacious playing style, Attles' influence on the Warriors and the NBA spanned more than six decades, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
An Illustrious Playing Career
Drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1960, Attles quickly distinguished himself with his fierce competitive nature. Throughout his 11-year playing career, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. A notable highlight came in 1962 when he scored 17 points as the second-leading scorer while Wilt Chamberlain famously netted 100 points. Before his professional career, Attles was a standout at North Carolina A&T, where he averaged 13.1 points and 3.3 rebounds.
Pioneering Coach and Executive
Attles' contributions went far beyond his on-court performances. In 1969, he broke barriers by becoming one of the first Black head coaches in the NBA. Over his coaching career from 1968 to 1983, he compiled a record of 557-518 (.518). His crowning achievement came in the 1974-75 season when he led the Warriors to the franchise's second championship with a stunning 4-0 sweep over the Washington Bullets.
Transitioning from the bench to the front office, Attles served as the Warriors' general manager from 1983 to 1986. He demonstrated his keen eye for talent by drafting Chris Mullin with the seventh overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft.
A Hero Both On and Off the Court
Rick Barry, a key player in the 1975 championship squad, shared heartfelt memories of Attles:
"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."
Chris Mullin also expressed his deep admiration for Attles:
"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
Alvin Attles' legacy transcends his impressive statistics and numerous accolades. His No. 16 jersey hangs retired among the Warriors' greats, a testament to his lasting impact on the franchise. In 2014, he received the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award before being immortalized in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.
The Warriors organization mourned the passing of a man they considered "Mr. Warrior":
"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' 60-year involvement with the Warriors—reportedly the longest in NBA history—leaves a legacy filled with wisdom, mentorship, and a commitment to excellence that will continue to inspire future generations. His passing is a profound loss, but his influence on the game and the lives he touched will endure.
