Beloved Warriors Icon’s Final Farewell at 87 Shocks Fans

Alvin Attles, a linchpin in Golden State Warriors history and the architect of the franchise’s first NBA championship, has passed away at 87.

At a Glance

Alvin Attles died at age 87, leaving a lasting legacy in the NBA.
Attles passed away at his East Bay home, surrounded by family.
His impact on the Warriors spanned roles as player, coach, general manager, and ambassador.
Attles was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.

A Memorable Career

Alvin Attles, known as “The Destroyer” on the court, had a storied career with the Golden State Warriors spanning over six decades. Drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1960, Attles’s connection with the team continued unbroken until his passing. His number, 16, is one of the six retired by the Warriors, highlighting his profound influence on the franchise.

Attles played 11 seasons for the Warriors, the last two as a player/coach, before fully transitioning to coaching. His tenure as head coach from 1970 to 1983 is distinguished by leading the Warriors to their first Bay Area championship in 1975, an achievement forever etched in the team’s history. Attles also holds the Warriors’ record for most wins by a coach, with a 557-518 coaching record.

The Golden State Warriors mourn the loss of franchise legend Alvin Attles, who passed away yesterday at the age of 87.

Alvin leaves behind a profound legacy within the game of basketball and the Bay Area community, but especially as a family man and humanitarian. We mourn his… pic.twitter.com/4QJ6XeiMwF

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) August 21, 2024

Beyond the Court

Attles’s legacy extended beyond his coaching prowess. He served as the Warriors’ general manager for three years, later taking on roles as vice president and consultant. Known for his intense playing style, competitiveness, and leadership, Attles was a guiding influence for countless players, including Hall of Famer and former Warriors star, Chris Mullin.

“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,” Mullin stated. “He was a dear friend, mentor, and role model and someone I admired tremendously and tried to emulate. He set the standard for all of us when it comes to integrity and humility and was truly a champion both on and off the court.”

Alvin Attles’s contributions to the Warriors and the broader basketball community were recognized with several accolades. He received the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017, significant honors in the basketball world. His induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019 further cemented his legacy.

Final Tributes and Legacy

The Golden State Warriors community and basketball fans worldwide mourn the loss of Attles deeply. The team released a heartfelt statement, “Alvin Attles did not just epitomize what it meant to be a Warrior—he was Mr. Warrior.”

Attles is survived by his wife Wilhelmina and son Alvin. The Warriors suggested sending flowers to Fouché’s Hudson Funeral Home or making donations to the Attles Center for Excellence as a way to honor his memory. Many, including Warriors coach Steve Kerr, have highlighted how Attles represented the face of the franchise for generations. His enduring legacy as a family man, humanitarian, and towering figure within the NBA will resonate for years to come.

“Most of the great organizations with a lot of history have one player who everybody associates with that franchise,” current Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said in a statement. “Al Attles is that guy for us. He’s the face of our franchise for many generations of Warriors fans. We’re lucky to have him.”

Attles played an instrumental role in the growth and success of the Warriors, leaving behind a legacy of excellence that future generations will strive to emulate. His impact both on and off the court is profound, ensuring that his spirit will remain a part of the Warriors family forever.