Alvin Attles Death: The basketball world is mourning the loss of Al Attles, a Hall of Famer who left an indelible mark on the game. Attles, who passed away at the age of 87, was a legendary figure in the NBA, known for his decades-long dedication to the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors announced on Wednesday that Attles died peacefully in his East Bay home on Tuesday, surrounded by his loving family. Affectionately nicknamed “The Destroyer” for his tough and physical playing style, Attles was more than just a player; he was the heart and soul of the Warriors for over 60 years.
Selected by the Warriors in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA Draft, Attles remained loyal to the team throughout his entire career, a commitment that set a record for the longest tenure with a single franchise in league history. Attles was a pioneer in many respects. As one of the first Black head coaches in the NBA, he not only led the Warriors to their first championship since relocating to the West Coast in 1975, but he also shaped the careers of many legendary players. He was present during some of the most iconic moments in NBA history, including Wilt Chamberlain’s historic 100-point game in 1962, in which Attles played a significant role, scoring 17 points and dishing out six assists.
As a coach, Attles guided the Warriors to their 1975 NBA Championship, a triumph that ended a 40-year title drought for the franchise. His 557 coaching wins remain the most in the history of the Warriors franchise. Attles’ influence extended far beyond his tactical prowess; he was a mentor and father figure to many players, including Hall of Famer Rick Barry, who credited Attles for his leadership and the lessons he imparted, both on and off the court. “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,” Barry reflected in a statement. “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.”
Attles’ influence on the Warriors and the wider basketball community was profound. His modesty, quick wit, and unwavering dedication to the game made him a beloved figure not only in the Bay Area but across the entire sports world. Even as he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019, Attles remained humble, joking that the Hall of Fame committee “made a mistake” by choosing him. Warriors coach Steve Kerr once paid tribute to Attles by wearing one of the fashionable suits that became his trademark on the sidelines. Kerr aptly described Attles as “the face of the franchise,” a role he embodied with grace and humility for six decades.
Al Attles’ legacy is not just in the championships won or the records set; it’s in the lives he touched and the example he set for generations to come. His impact on the game of basketball, and the Golden State Warriors, will be felt for years to come. As Warriors owner Joe Lacob put it, “Alvin’s name has become synonymous with the Warriors franchise after dedicating his entire adult life to our organization. He has flourished in every role and responsibility over the last 60 years, from player to coach to general manager and, most recently, as an ambassador. And, he’s done it with an incredible amount of class and humility.” The passing of Al Attles is a significant loss for the basketball community, but his spirit will continue to live on in the memories of those who knew him and in the history of the game he loved so dearly. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to be inspired by his incredible life.
