Basketball Hall of Famer Dead at 87

Basketball Hall of Famer Al Attles, a pioneer for Black coaches in the NBA and a Warriors legend, has died at 87, leaving behind a legacy that spans over six decades with the franchise.

At a Glance

Al Attles, known as “Mr. Warrior,” passed away at 87 after a 60-year association with the Golden State Warriors.
He was one of the first Black head coaches in the NBA and led the Warriors to their first championship in 1975.
Attles was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019 for his contributions as a player, coach, and executive.
He holds the record for most coaching wins in Warriors franchise history with 557.
Attles was known for his physical playing style, earning him the nickname “The Destroyer,” and his modest demeanor off the court.

A Warrior’s Journey

Al Attles, born on November 7, 1936, in Newark, New Jersey, embarked on a remarkable basketball journey that would see him become synonymous with the Golden State Warriors franchise. Drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia Warriors, Attles quickly established himself as a tenacious player, earning the nickname “The Destroyer” for his physical style of play.

Throughout his 11-season NBA career, Attles averaged 8.9 points and 3.5 assists per game. His playing days were marked by significant moments, including being on the court during Wilt Chamberlain’s historic 100-point game in 1962. After retiring as a player in 1968, Attles seamlessly transitioned into coaching, becoming one of the first Black head coaches in the NBA.

NBA Hall of Famer and Warriors legend Al Attles has died at 87 https://t.co/k5DopEPKoB

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) August 21, 2024

Championship Glory and Coaching Legacy

Attles’ coaching career reached its pinnacle in 1975 when he led the Warriors to their first NBA championship, sweeping the Washington Bullets. This achievement solidified his place in NBA history and endeared him to Warriors fans for generations to come. His coaching tenure with the Warriors lasted until 1983, during which he amassed a franchise-record 557 wins.

Hall of Famer Rick Barry expressed his sadness over Attles’ death in a statement. “My heart is heavy today with the loss of my mentor and friend,” he said. “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.”

Attles’ influence extended beyond his coaching days. He served in various roles within the Warriors organization, including as general manager and team ambassador. His dedication to the franchise earned him the moniker “Mr. Warrior,” a testament to his unparalleled 60-year association with a single NBA team.

Hall of Fame Recognition

Attles’ contributions to basketball were formally recognized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019. This honor came after years of accolades, including the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. He was also inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1993, further cementing his legacy in the region he called home for most of his life.

“Alvin Attles did not just epitomize what it meant to be a Warrior—he was Mr. Warrior. His tenacious playing style earned him the affectionate nickname of ‘The Destroyer’ on the court, but it was his gentle soul, grace and humility off the court that served as a guiding light for the organization for more than six decades,” the Warriors said in a statement.

Attles passed away in his East Bay home surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy that transcends basketball. He is survived by his wife, Wilhelmina, and son Alvin. The specific details of his death were not disclosed, but the impact of his loss has been felt across the basketball community and beyond.

As the basketball world mourns the loss of this pioneering figure, Al Attles will be remembered not just for his achievements on the court and from the sidelines, but for his character, humility, and the indelible mark he left on the Golden State Warriors and the NBA as a whole.