The basketball world is mourning the loss of Hall of Famer Alvin Attles, who passed away peacefully at the age of 87, surrounded by his family. Attles, an iconic figure in the Golden State Warriors franchise, dedicated 60 years of his life to the team as a player, coach, general manager, and ambassador. His passing marks the end of an era for the Warriors and the entire NBA community.
Attles’ journey with the Warriors began in 1960 when he was drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Warriors. His NBA career spanned 11 seasons, during which he remained loyal to the franchise, even as it transitioned from Philadelphia to San Francisco in 1962. Attles’ contributions on the court were invaluable; after three years at North Carolina A&T, where he averaged 13.1 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, he went on to achieve professional averages of 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. A standout moment of his playing career was being the second-highest scorer, with 17 points, in Wilt Chamberlain’s historic 100-point game in 1962.
The Warriors honored Attles’ remarkable career and character 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. We mourn his loss alongside his wife, Wilhelmina, son Alvin, and all who knew and loved him.”
Attles transitioned to coaching in 1968, becoming an assistant coach for the Warriors while still an active player. By the 1969-70 season, he had taken on the dual role of player-coach, and after retiring from playing in 1971, he continued as the Warriors’ head coach until 1983. His 14-year coaching tenure was highlighted by a 557-518 record and six playoff appearances. Perhaps his greatest achievement was leading the Warriors to their second NBA championship in 1975, guiding a team led by Rick Barry to a stunning 4-0 sweep over the Washington Bullets.
Reflecting on Attles’ impact, Barry shared:
“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.”
After stepping down as head coach, Attles became the Warriors’ general manager, a role he held from 1983 to 1986. During his tenure, he made the pivotal decision to draft Chris Mullin with the seventh overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft. Mullin would go on to become a Hall of Famer and a cornerstone of the Warriors’ “Run TMC” era alongside Tim Hardaway and Mitch Richmond.
The NBA family mourns the passing of Golden State Warriors legend and Basketball Hall of Famer Alvin Attles. As a player, coach, executive and team ambassador, Alvin made a lasting impact on the Warriors and the league during his more than 60-year career. Alvin was admired… pic.twitter.com/83GESIguEK
— NBA (@NBA) August 21, 2024
Mullin expressed his sorrow and 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.”
Attles’ contributions to the Warriors were recognized by the team with the retirement of his No. 16 jersey, making him one of just six players to receive that honor. His legacy was further cemented in 2019 when he was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, having previously received the prestigious John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. Even after his official roles ended, Attles continued to serve as a beloved ambassador for the Warriors, embodying the spirit of the franchise for generations.
Alvin Attles’ six-decade-long association with the Warriors is unmatched in NBA history, making him a true legend not just in the Bay Area but across the basketball world. His legacy as a player, coach, mentor, and humanitarian will endure, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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