The Golden State Warriors are grappling with a profound loss as they mourn the passing of Alvin Attles, an iconic figure in the world of basketball and a cornerstone of the franchise. Attles, known affectionately as "The Destroyer" for his fierce playing style, passed away at the age of 87, surrounded by family at his home. His legacy is one that profoundly shaped the Warriors and left an indelible mark on the NBA over six remarkable decades.
A Storied Career
Drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA Draft, Attles’ basketball journey was destined for greatness from the start. He attended North Carolina A&T, where he averaged 13.1 points and 3.3 rebounds, numbers that only hinted at the impact he would eventually have on the court. Attles played for the Warriors for 11 years, boasting career averages of 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. He famously stood out as the second-leading scorer with 17 points on the night Wilt Chamberlain famously scored 100 points in a single game in 1962.
Leadership and Legacy
In 1969, Attles became one of the first Black head coaches in the NBA, a significant milestone. His coaching career spanned from 1968 to 1983, during which he amassed a record of 557-518 (.518). Arguably, his most celebrated achievement came when he led the Warriors to the franchise's second championship during the 1974-75 season, famously sweeping the Washington Bullets 4-0 in the finals. Following his coaching career, Attles transitioned to the role of general manager from 1983 to 1986, where he continued to shape the team’s future. Notably, he drafted Chris Mullin with the seventh overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft.
Attles’ impact on the Warriors is unmatched, with his No. 16 jersey retired by the organization. His contributions to basketball were further recognized when he received the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019. Remarkably, his 60-year involvement with the Warriors stands as the longest in NBA history, embodying a level of dedication and passion rarely seen in professional sports.
Remembering "The Destroyer"
The basketball community, friends, and family are left to celebrate and remember the life of a man whose influence transcended the game. Hall of Famer Rick Barry 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."
Chris Mullin, another pillar of the Warriors' history, reflected on Attles' influence on his life: "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."
A Lasting Impact
The Golden State Warriors organization released a statement capturing the essence of Attles' profound impact: "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 his resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the sport of basketball. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players, coaches, and fans, embodying the spirit of dedication and passion that defines what it means to be a true Warrior.