Basketball Hall of Famer, Warriors legend and pioneer Al Attles has died at age 87, according to the Warriors. announcement Wednesday.
The franchise shared a statement confirming that Attles passed away Tuesday surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Wilhelmina, and his son, Alvin.
The Golden State Warriors are mourning the loss of franchise legend Alvin Attles, who passed away yesterday at the age of 87.
Alvin leaves behind a profound legacy in the world of basketball and the San Francisco Bay Area community, but most importantly as a family man and humanitarian. We mourn his passing… pic.twitter.com/4QJ6XeiMwF
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) August 21, 2024
A native of New Jersey, Attles’ basketball career blossomed as a standout at North Carolina A&T State University, an HBCU in Greensboro, North Carolina. In 1960, Attles was selected with the 39th overall pick by the then-Philadelphia Warriors in the NBA draft.
Despite his status as a fifth-round draft pick, Attles quickly carved out a niche for himself in the NBA. He spent his entire NBA career with the Warriors franchise, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists over 711 games and 11 seasons.
As he neared the end of his playing career, Attles served as an assistant coach before being named player-coach of the Warriors during the 1969–70 season, placing him alongside Bill Russell and Lenny Wilkens as the first three black coaches in NBA history.
After retiring in 1971, Attles remained the Warriors’ strongman, eventually leading the franchise to a title in 1975. With the win, Attles became the second black head coach to lead a team to an NBA championship.
Attles spent 13 seasons as the Warriors’ head coach, leading the franchise to a 557-518 record and six NBA playoff appearances. At the time of his death, Attles was still the Warriors’ all-time leading head coach in wins.
After the 1982–83 season, Attles left the coaching position to join the Warriors’ front office, where he served as the team’s general manager for three seasons. He returned to the Warriors’ bench as an assistant coach for the 1994–95 season before leaving the coaching position permanently.
Over the past 60 years, the San Francisco Bay Area has become a second home for Attles. He has remained involved with the franchise as a community ambassador and has been a mainstay at Warriors events, further cementing his Bay Area roots.
Basketball world mourns Warriors legend Al Attles
A titan of the game, the basketball world took to social media to pay tribute to Attles.
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 60-plus year career. Alvin was admired… pic.twitter.com/83GESIguEK
— NBA (@NBA) August 21, 2024
“The original Warrior, Mister Warrior.”
Steve Kerr on the passing of Warriors franchise legend Alvin Attles. pic.twitter.com/mNitJaE49x
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) August 21, 2024
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has lost one of the oldest and most accomplished individuals in the sport. Alvin “Al” Attles spent seven decades in basketball as a player, coach, general manager, vice president and consultant. He led the Golden State Warriors to the 1975 NBA title… pic.twitter.com/Nqfyunybz2
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) August 21, 2024
It pains me to learn that icon Al Attles is no longer with us. The Warriors patriarch befriended me upon my return to the Bay in 2009. I was fortunate to sit next to him in the press box for many games at Oracle. The world has lost an exceptional human being. RIP… https://t.co/H9WRYJywQ0
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) August 21, 2024
Al Attles stepped up to defend his title. I remember that moment in the 1975 NBA Finals. The Hall of Fame coach rushed off the bench to defend his title. @Warriors Rick Barry after Mike Riordan tried to punk Barry. Watch Attles..RIP??❤️ pic.twitter.com/EfzbC9Fc1y
— MarkJonesESPN (@MarkJonesESPN) August 21, 2024
Rest in peace, Mr. Al Attles. The former Philadelphia/Golden State Warriors legend was one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. pic.twitter.com/Hf6f06rWoN
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) August 21, 2024
Declaration of the Warriors
Alvin Attles not only embodied what it meant to be a Warrior, he was Mr. Warrior. His tenacious style of play earned him the affectionate nickname “The Destroyer” on the court, but it was his gentle soul, grace and humility off the court that guided the organization for more than six decades. As a player, coach, general manager, ambassador and most importantly as a person, Alvin set the standard of professionalism and class that we all strive to achieve. He leaves behind a profound legacy within the game of basketball and the San Francisco Bay Area community, but most importantly as a family man and humanitarian. We mourn his loss alongside his wife, Wilhelmina, his son Alvin and all who knew and loved him.
Rick Barry Statement
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 about being a professional that couldn’t be learned on the field. Later, as coach during the 1975 championship season, he exemplified the leadership, cohesion and strategic ability that allowed 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 greatly missed.
Statement by Chris Mullin
This is a difficult day for me. Alvin Attles had a tremendous and positive influence on me and my career, not only by recruiting me in 1985 and bringing me to the San Francisco Bay Area, but also by guiding me throughout my journey as a player and young man, through good times and bad. He was a dear friend, mentor and role model, someone I greatly admired and tried to emulate. He set the standard for all of us in integrity and humility and was a true champion on and off the field. There will never be another Alvin Attles.
