SAN FRANCISCO (Crown) — Golden State Warriors Legend Alvin Attles has died at the age of 87, the team confirmed Wednesday. Attles, a former head coach of the team, first joined the team Philadelphia Warriors in 1960 as the club’s fifth-round draft pick. He has been affiliated with the franchise ever since.
Attles spent 11 years as a player with the Warriors, including the last two years as a player/coach. In his 13-year coaching career with the team, he recorded the most wins by a head coach in franchise history.
He notably guided the team to its first West Coast championship, winning a 4-0 series against the Washington Bullets during the 1975 NBA Finals.
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Attles is one of only six players in Warriors franchise history to have his number (16) retired, along with Rick Barry (24), Wilt Chamberlain (13), Tom Meschery (14), Chris Mullin (17) and Nate Thurmond (42).
“My heart is heavy today after the loss of my mentor and friend. Al was my roommate during my rookie season in the league,” said Warriors legend Rick Barry. “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.”
The Golden State Warriors released the following statement following Attles’ passing:
“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 standards 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.”
Those wishing to send flowers may direct them to Fouche’s Hudson Funeral Home at 3665 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland, CA 94609. In lieu of flowers, donations may also be made to the Attles Center for Excellence (ACE) at 5627 Telegraph Ave., Suite 131, Oakland, CA 94609.
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