In an emotional moment for the basketball community, the Golden State Warriors and the entire NBA mourn the loss of Hall of Famer Alvin Attles, who passed away at the age of 87. Affectionately known as "The Destroyer" for his tenacious playing style, Attles leaves behind a legacy that spans over six decades within the league.
Attles' impact on the Warriors and the broader basketball world is immeasurable. Drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1960, Attles quickly made a name for himself with his fierce competitiveness on the court. Over an 11-year playing career, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds, and was the second-leading scorer with 17 points during Wilt Chamberlain's legendary 100-point game in 1962.
Rick Barry, a fellow Hall of Famer, shared his heartfelt memories, saying, "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."
A Trailblazing Coach
Attles transitioned seamlessly from player to coach, becoming one of the first Black head coaches in the NBA in 1969. His coaching career, which spanned from 1968 to 1983, was marked by a record of 557-518 (.518). It was under his leadership that the Warriors secured the franchise's second championship in the 1974-75 season with a resounding 4-0 sweep over the Washington Bullets.
Reflecting on that time, Chris Mullin remarked, "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."
Beyond the Court
After his coaching career, Attles transitioned into the role of general manager from 1983 to 1986. It was during this period that he drafted Chris Mullin with the seventh overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft, a move that would further solidify his legacy of skilled talent evaluation and team development. Attles' influence on the Warriors persisted as he served as an ambassador and a guiding light for the franchise.
The Warriors honored his immense contributions over the years by retiring his No. 16 jersey. In 2014, he received the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2019, he was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. His 60-year involvement with the Warriors is the longest in NBA history, and his presence will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
In a poignant statement, the Golden State Warriors encapsulated his legacy: "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' life and career serve as a testament to commitment, excellence, and integrity. As the tributes pour in from those who knew him best, it is clear that his influence reached far beyond the basketball court. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations, reminding us all of what it truly means to be a Warrior.