Alvin Attles: A Legendary Legacy Remembered
The Golden State Warriors and the entire basketball community are mourning the loss of Hall of Famer Alvin Attles, who passed away at the age of 87. Attles, affectionately known as "The Destroyer," was surrounded by family at his home when he took his final breath. His departure marks the end of an era for the Warriors and the NBA, both of which he profoundly impacted over a span of six decades.
Attles’ journey in professional basketball began when he was drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1960. During his college years at North Carolina A&T, he showcased his budding talent by averaging 13.1 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. His 11-year playing career in the NBA saw him averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game, making significant contributions to the team’s efforts on the court. He was notably the second-leading scorer with 17 points during Wilt Chamberlain's historic 100-point game in 1962.
However, it was his transformation from a player to one of the first Black head coaches in the NBA in 1969 that etched his name in the annals of basketball history. Under his leadership, the Warriors clinched the franchise's second championship in the 1974-75 season, achieving a stunning 4-0 sweep over the Washington Bullets. His coaching career, which lasted from 1968 to 1983, boasted an impressive record of 557-518 (.518).
Former players who had the privilege of being coached by Attles remember him not just for his strategic acumen but for his personal mentorship. Rick Barry, who played under Attles during the 1975 championship season, expressed his deep sorrow and respect: "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."
Following his coaching career, Attles transitioned to the role of general manager from 1983 to 1986, a period during which he continued to shape the Warriors' future. As general manager, he drafted Chris Mullin with the seventh overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft, a move that would become pivotal for the team. Mullin reflected on Attles' influence on his own 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. 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."
Attles' contributions to the Warriors extended beyond the confines of the court or the front office. His presence was a guiding light for the organization across various roles, including that of an ambassador. The Warriors commemorated Attles by retiring his No. 16 jersey and, in 2014, he received the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award. His illustrious career culminated with his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Attles' legacy is his long-standing association with the Warriors, a tenure that spanned a record 60 years within the NBA. The Golden State Warriors encapsulated this sentiment perfectly in their heartfelt tribute: "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."
As we remember Alvin Attles, we honor a figure who not only shaped the NBA but also shattered barriers and set a standard of excellence and integrity. His legacy serves as an enduring inspiration to current and future generations within the world of basketball.