The Golden State Warriors are mourning the loss of franchise legend Alvin Attles, who passed away at the age of 87. Attles dedicated over six decades to the Warriors organization, serving as a player, coach, general manager, and ambassador. His unwavering commitment and profound impact on the team and the broader basketball community have left an indelible mark.
Attles began his NBA journey when he was selected by the then-Philadelphia Warriors in the fifth round of the 1960 draft. Known for his physical style of play, earning him the nickname “The Destroyer,” he played 11 seasons with the Warriors, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Notably, he was on the court during Wilt Chamberlain’s historic 100-point game on March 2, 1962, contributing 17 points with a perfect shooting record.
Transitioning to coaching, Attles became one of the first Black head coaches in the NBA. He led the Warriors from 1970 to 1983, guiding the team to its first NBA championship in the Bay Area in 1975. His tenure as head coach remains the longest in the franchise’s history, with 557 coaching wins.
Beyond his on-court achievements, Attles was celebrated for his leadership, integrity, and dedication to the community. In 2019, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a testament to his significant contributions to the sport.
Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr reflected on Attles’ legacy, stating, “Most of the great organizations with a lot of history have one player who everybody associates with that franchise. Al Attles is that guy for us. He’s the face of our franchise for many generations of Warriors fans. We’re lucky to have him.”
As the Warriors and the broader NBA community remember Alvin Attles, they honor a man whose life and career were characterized by excellence, dedication, and an enduring love for the game of basketball.
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