Warriors Mourn a Legend: Al Attles’ Impactful Legacy Remembered

At a Glance

Al Attles, Basketball Hall of Famer, has died at 87.
Known as “The Destroyer,” he was a physical point guard, NBA champion coach, and general manager of the Golden State Warriors.
Attles passed away at his home in East Bay, California, surrounded by family.
The Warriors released a statement mourning his loss and highlighting his legacy in basketball and the Bay Area community.
Attles was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.

The Life and Career of Al Attles

Al Attles, a Golden State Warriors legend, has passed away at the age of 87. Known affectionately as “The Destroyer,” Attles was a multifaceted force in the realm of professional basketball. As a player, coach, and executive, his influence shaped the Warriors’ franchise profoundly. Attles died at his home in East Bay, California, surrounded by his loved ones.

Attles started his NBA journey as a fifth-round pick by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1960. With a playing style known for its physicality and determination, he quickly made a name for himself. One of his early career highlights came on March 2, 1962, when he scored 17 points during Wilt Chamberlain’s historic 100-point game.

The Golden State Warriors mourn the loss of franchise legend Alvin Attles, who passed away yesterday at the age of 87.

Alvin 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… pic.twitter.com/4QJ6XeiMwF

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) August 21, 2024

A Coaching Legend

Al Attles transitioned seamlessly from player to coach, becoming the Warriors’ player-coach in his final playing season and continuing as head coach until 1983. His coaching peak came in the 1974-75 season when he led the Warriors to an NBA championship, making him the second Black coach to win a title. His tenure as head coach resulted in a 557-518 record.

“Alvin leaves behind a profound legacy within the game of basketball and the Bay Area community, but especially as a family man and humanitarian,” the Warriors said in a statement. “We mourn his loss alongside his wife, Wilhelmina, son Alvin, and all who knew and loved him.”

In addition to his accomplishments as a coach, Attles also served as the team’s general manager for three seasons and as an assistant coach in the 1994-95 season. His commitment to the Warriors saw him occupy various roles within the front office as vice president and consultant.

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

A Lifelong Impact

Over six decades of dedication to the Warriors organization cemented Attles’ legacy as a foundational figure in the franchise’s history. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019 and had his jersey No. 16 retired by the Warriors. His work was recognized with several awards, including the Hall of Fame’s John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.

“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,” former Warriors star Chris Mullin said. “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.”

Attles’ contributions extended well beyond the confines of the basketball court. Known for his humility and preference to give praise rather than receive it, he embodied the virtues of a true sportsman. Former Warriors star Rick Barry, who played under Attles’ coaching during the 1975 championship season, expressed his sorrow, “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 a professional that couldn’t be learned on the court.”