The basketball world is mourning the loss of a true legend, Alvin “Al” Attles, who passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. Attles, affectionately known as “The Destroyer” for his hard-nosed and physical playing style, was much more than a coach and player—he was the heart and soul of the Golden State Warriors franchise for over six decades. His dedication to the Warriors was unparalleled, as he spent his entire career with the team, serving as a player, coach, general manager, and beloved ambassador. His death marks the end of an era, but his legacy as one of the NBA’s most influential figures will continue to inspire future generations.
Early Life and Introduction to Basketball
Alvin Austin Attles Jr. was born on November 7, 1936, in Newark, New Jersey, to a working-class family. Growing up in Newark, Attles found an early passion for sports, especially basketball, which quickly became his ticket to success. He attended Weequahic High School, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete but stood out particularly for his basketball prowess. His leadership on the court earned him recognition, and after graduation, he continued his basketball career at North Carolina A&T State University, a historically Black university (HBCU). While at North Carolina A&T, Attles became one of the standout players in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), displaying the tenacity and athleticism that would come to define his professional career.
Despite not being a top pick, Attles was selected in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia Warriors (who later moved to San Francisco and became the Golden State Warriors). From that point on, he began what would become the longest single-franchise tenure in NBA history, a remarkable 60-plus years of service to the Warriors organization.
Attles’ Playing Career: “The Destroyer” Takes the Court
Al Attles was a tough, physical guard who earned his nickname “The Destroyer” for his unrelenting defensive play. His playing career with the Warriors spanned 11 seasons, during which he became known as one of the toughest players in the league. At 6-foot-1, Attles was undersized for the physical demands of the NBA, but he made up for it with determination, strength, and an unyielding will to win. He was never the top scorer on his team, but his role as a defensive specialist and leader on the floor was invaluable to the Warriors’ success.
Attles is perhaps best remembered as a key part of one of the most iconic moments in NBA history—Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary 100-point game on March 2, 1962. Attles, who was Chamberlain’s teammate, scored 17 points and added six assists in that historic game, contributing to a night that remains one of the sport’s greatest feats. His relationship with Chamberlain and his leadership on the floor during that game highlighted his role as a team-first player who could step up in critical moments.
Transition to Coaching: Leading the Warriors to Glory
Al Attles’ career with the Warriors took on a new dimension in 1970 when he transitioned from player to coach. Initially serving as a player-coach for two seasons, Attles eventually retired from playing and took on the full-time role of head coach. He quickly became one of the league’s most respected and groundbreaking figures, as one of the first Black head coaches in NBA history. Attles’ impact as a coach was immediate and profound, as he led the Warriors to their first NBA championship since moving to the West Coast in 1975.
That 1975 championship run remains one of the most surprising and impressive in NBA history. Attles’ Warriors, who were seen as underdogs, swept the heavily favored Washington Bullets in four games to capture the title. Attles’ leadership and ability to inspire his team were credited as major factors in their success. The team was a cohesive unit, exemplified by their unselfish play and relentless defense, both hallmarks of Attles’ coaching philosophy.
The 1975 championship victory ended a 40-year drought for the franchise and cemented Attles’ place in the pantheon of great NBA coaches. His calm demeanor, ability to connect with his players, and tactical acumen made him a beloved figure not only among his players but also among fans and peers alike.
Attles’ success on the sidelines was not limited to that one championship season. He coached the Warriors for 13 seasons, compiling 557 wins—the most in franchise history at the time—and earning respect throughout the league for his ability to get the best out of his players. His coaching style was marked by his emphasis on teamwork, defense, and mental toughness, values he had embodied during his playing days.
The Mentor and the Man: Impact Beyond the Court
Al Attles’ influence extended far beyond wins and losses. He was known as a mentor and father figure to many of the players he coached, and his relationship with Hall of Famer Rick Barry is a prime example of this. Barry, who was one of the stars of the 1975 championship team, often spoke about the profound impact Attles had on his career. Barry recalled that Attles taught him how to be a professional, both on and off the court, and credited Attles with helping him become a better player and leader.
Throughout his time with the Warriors, Attles was known for his unwavering loyalty to his players and his commitment to their development as individuals. He was not only concerned with their performance on the court but also with their growth as people. Attles was a firm believer in the importance of education, discipline, and community involvement, and he instilled these values in the players he coached.
Even after retiring from coaching in 1983, Attles remained a fixture in the Warriors organization. He transitioned into the front office, serving as the team’s general manager and later as a community ambassador. In these roles, Attles continued to have a profound impact on the Warriors and the broader basketball community. His presence at Warriors games became a tradition, and he was often seen sitting courtside, offering advice and encouragement to players and coaches alike.
Hall of Fame Induction: Recognition of a Lifetime of Achievement
Despite his numerous contributions to the game, Al Attles remained humble throughout his life. When he was finally inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019, Attles joked that the Hall of Fame committee must have made a mistake. This self-deprecating humor was characteristic of Attles, who always deflected praise and focused on the success of his teams and players.
His Hall of Fame induction was a long-overdue recognition of his impact on the game. Attles’ legacy as a player, coach, executive, and ambassador was celebrated by the entire basketball community, and his induction was seen as a testament to the many roles he played in shaping the Warriors and the NBA as a whole.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr paid tribute to Attles by wearing one of Attles’ trademark suits during a game, a gesture that highlighted the deep respect Kerr and the Warriors organization had for Attles. Kerr called Attles “the face of the franchise,” a role that Attles embraced with grace and humility throughout his six decades with the team.
A Lasting Legacy: Al Attles’ Impact on Basketball and Beyond
Al Attles’ passing marks the end of an era for the Golden State Warriors and the NBA. His legacy, however, will endure for generations. Attles was more than just a coach or a player—he was a pioneer, a mentor, and a symbol of dedication and loyalty. His contributions to the game of basketball extended far beyond the court, as he inspired countless players, coaches, and fans with his wisdom, humility, and kindness.
Attles’ name will forever be synonymous with the Golden State Warriors, a franchise he helped build into one of the most successful and respected organizations in the NBA. His influence on the game is still felt today, not only through the Warriors’ continued success but also through the many lives he touched during his long career.
In remembering Al Attles, we honor a man who gave everything to the sport he loved and the community he served. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of basketball players and coaches, as well as anyone who seeks to make a positive impact on the world around them. Though he is no longer with us, Alvin Attles’ spirit will live on in the memories of those who knew him, the franchise he helped define, and the sport he helped shape.
