Alvin Attlesa member of the Golden State Warriors The Hall of Fame player and franchise icon died Tuesday at the age of 87, the team announced Wednesday. While the cause of his death has not been released, his legacy in the NBA, and particularly with the Warriors, is undeniable.
Attles joined the team then Philadelphia Warriors in 1960 as a player, beginning a career that would span six decades with the same franchise, a record for longevity in NBA history. Nicknamed “The Destroyer” for his intense style of play, Attles played shooting guard for 11 seasons, earning a reputation as an enforcer despite his 6-foot-2 size. He was a teammate of Wilt Chamberlain for five seasons, playing a significant role in Chamberlain’s historic 100-point game in 1962, where Attles was the team’s second-leading scorer with 17 points.
After retiring as a player in 1971, Attles continued his career with the Warriors as a coach. During his tenure as head coach, he led the team to the NBA championship in the 1974–75 season, a feat that cemented his place in franchise history. Rick BarryHall of Famer and key player on that championship team, expressed his sadness at the loss of his mentor and friend, recalling the unforgettable moments they shared.
Legacy following his illustrious career
Attles resigned as head coach in 1983 to become the team’s general manager, where he continued to influence the future of the franchise by drafting key players like Chris Mullin, another future Hall of Famer.
His contribution to basketball was recognized in 2014 with the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, and five years later he was officially inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. His No. 16 jersey hangs in the rafters at Chase Center alongside those of other Warriors legends.
Until his final days, Attles was a constant presence at Warriors home games, witnessing the team’s recent golden era under Stephen CurryHis legacy will remain synonymous with the history and spirit of the Golden State Warriors.
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