Golden State Warriors Mourn the Passing of Alvin Attles at 87
Golden State Warriors Mourn the Passing of Alvin Attles at 87
The Golden State Warriors and the wider basketball community are mourning the loss of Hall of Famer Alvin Attles, who passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family. Affectionately known as "The Destroyer," Attles was a pillar of the Warriors organization and the NBA for over six decades, leaving behind an indelible legacy at the age of 87.
A Remarkable Journey
Alvin Attles' basketball journey began at North Carolina A&T, where his talent on the hardwood was evident. Averaging 13.1 points and 3.3 rebounds, his college performance caught the eye of the Philadelphia Warriors, who selected him in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA Draft. Attles' hard-nosed playing style earned him the nickname "The Destroyer," a moniker reflective of his tenacity and determination on the court.
Over the span of an 11-year playing career, Attles displayed consistent performance, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. One of his most memorable on-court contributions came on March 2, 1962, when he scored 17 points in the game in which Wilt Chamberlain famously scored 100 points, securing his place in basketball lore forever.
A Trailblazing Coach
In 1969, Attles broke new ground by becoming one of the first Black head coaches in the NBA. His coaching tenure with the Warriors from 1968 to 1983 yielded a commendable record of 557-518 (.518). Attles' strategic acumen and leadership were undeniably influential, culminating in guiding the Warriors to their second franchise championship in the 1974-75 season with an impressive 4-0 sweep over the Washington Bullets.
Rick Barry, one of the stars of that championship team, fondly remembered Attles' impact, stating: "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."
Beyond the Court: General Manager and Mentor
In 1983, Attles transitioned to the role of general manager, continuing to shape the Warriors' future. During his tenure, he made a pivotal decision that impacted the team's trajectory by drafting Chris Mullin with the seventh overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft. Reflecting on Attles' influence, Mullin said, "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."
Attles’ contributions to the Warriors extended beyond standard managerial duties. His involvement with the team, spanning six decades, is the longest tenure in NBA history. During these years, he set benchmarks of professionalism and integrity, inspiring generations of players and staff alike.
Honoring a Legacy
Alvin Attles' contributions to basketball were formally recognized when his No. 16 jersey was retired by the Warriors. He also received the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019—a testament to his lasting impact on the game.
The Golden State Warriors organization released 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."
Attles' impressive legacy in the Bay Area community and the broader basketball world is marked by dedication, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to both the sport and humanity.
As the basketball world reflects on Alvin Attles' remarkable life, his influence and the principles he championed will continue to resonate, inspiring future generations to uphold the values of integrity, humility, and excellence that defined his illustrious career.
