The basketball world mourns the loss of a true legend as the Golden State Warriors' Hall of Famer Alvin Attles passed away at the age of 87. Affectionately known as "The Destroyer" for his fierce playing style, Attles' impact on the Warriors and the NBA spanned over six illustrious decades. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family.
Alvin Attles' journey in professional basketball began in 1960 when he was drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Warriors. His dedication and resilience on the court were evident as he made a name for himself, ultimately becoming one of the most significant figures in Warriors history.
During his college years at North Carolina A&T, Attles averaged 13.1 points and 3.3 rebounds, showcasing early signs of his potential. He joined the Warriors and played for 11 seasons, where he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. One of his standout moments was in 1962 when he contributed 17 points in the historic game where Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points.
Attles' transition from player to coach was a landmark in NBA history. In 1969, he became one of the first Black head coaches in the league. Over his coaching career from 1968 to 1983, he amassed a record of 557-518 (.518). Under his guidance, the Warriors clinched their second championship in the 1974-75 season with an emphatic 4-0 sweep over the Washington Bullets.
His contributions to the team didn't end when he stepped off the court. From 1983 to 1986, Attles took on the role of general manager, where he demonstrated his knack for talent scouting by drafting Chris Mullin with the seventh overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft.
Remembering a Mentor and Friend
The loss of Alvin Attles has evoked a wide array of emotions from those who knew him best. Rick Barry, one of the most illustrious figures in Warriors history, shared his heartfelt tribute: "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."
Barry continued, recalling the pivotal moments they shared together: "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, another franchise standout and a product of Attles’ vision, noted the significant influence Attles had on his life and career: "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."
Expressing his admiration, Mullin added, "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."
Legacy of "The Destroyer"
The Golden State Warriors organization summed up Attles' legacy poignantly: "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."
The statement continued, "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’ No. 16 jersey, a symbol of his enduring contributions, hangs retired by the Warriors, a testament to his impact. Recognized for his lifelong dedication to basketball, Attles received the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.
Alvin Attles’ 60-year involvement with the Warriors stands as the longest in NBA history, immortalizing him as a figure of dedication, resilience, and excellence. His journey is not just a chapter in the history books of the Warriors or the NBA but a cornerstone of the legacy of basketball itself.