The Golden State Warriors and the basketball community are mourning the loss of Alvin Attles, a Hall of Famer affectionately known as "The Destroyer," who passed away at the age of 87. Attles' death marks the end of an era, his legacy spanning more than six decades of impactful contributions to the Warriors and the NBA at large.
Attles' journey began when he was drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1960. It was the start of a storied career that would see him evolve from player to coach, and then to general manager, leaving an indelible mark at every level. Known for his tenacious playing style, Attles earned the nickname "The Destroyer" on the court, but it was his grace, humility, and mentorship off the court that truly defined his legacy. He spent his final moments at home, surrounded by his family.
An Extraordinary Career
Attles first showcased his talent at North Carolina A&T, where he averaged 13.1 points and 3.3 rebounds. During his 11-year playing career, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. He made history as the second-leading scorer with 17 points during Wilt Chamberlain's remarkable 100-point game in 1962. It was a testament to his consistency and skill on the court.
In 1969, Attles broke barriers as one of the first Black head coaches in the NBA, starting a coaching career that lasted until 1983, culminating in an impressive record of 557-518. The pinnacle of his coaching career came in the 1974-75 season when he led the Warriors to their second NBA Championship with a stunning 4-0 sweep over the Washington Bullets.
Transition to Leadership
After his coaching days, Attles transitioned to the role of general manager from 1983 to 1986. One of his notable achievements in this role was drafting Chris Mullin with the seventh overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft. Mullin, who became a key figure for the Warriors, attributes much of his success to Attles' guidance and mentorship.
"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," said Mullin. "He was a dear friend, mentor, and role model and someone I admired tremendously and tried to emulate."
Legacy and Remembrance
Attles' contributions were formally recognized when the Warriors retired his No. 16 jersey. He received the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019. His 60-year involvement with the Warriors remains the longest in NBA history, a testament to his dedication and the deep respect he commanded in the organization.
Reflecting on his influence, former player Rick Barry expressed profound grief and admiration. "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," Barry said. "We shared so many wonderful and memorable moments together."
The Golden State Warriors also released a statement honoring Attles' legacy, calling him "Mr. Warrior." "He 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," the statement read.
As the basketball world mourns this tremendous loss, it's clear that Alvin Attles was much more than just a player, coach, or general manager. He was a towering figure whose impact transcended the court, leaving an enduring legacy of excellence, integrity, and humanity.