Golden State Warriors Legend Alvin Attles Passes Away at 87

Alvin Attles, the Golden State Warriors’ all-time winningest coach and a Hall of Famer, has died at the age of 87. The Warriors announced his passing on Wednesday, but did not disclose the cause of death.

Attles spent over 60 years with the Warriors, serving the franchise in various capacities, including as a player, head coach, and general manager. He joined the team as a player in 1960 and went on to play 11 seasons with the Warriors, earning the nickname “The Destroyer” for his tenacious playing style.

As a coach, Attles led the Warriors to the NBA championship in 1975, defeating the Washington Bullets in the NBA Finals. He also coached the team for 14 seasons, accumulating a 557-518 record and making six playoff appearances.

Attles was known for his gentle soul, grace, and humility off the court, which inspired the organization for over six decades. His legacy extends beyond his playing and coaching career, as he worked in various roles for the franchise, including vice president, consultant, and ambassador.

Rick Barry, a Hall of Famer and former Warriors player, paid tribute to Attles, saying, “My heart is heavy today with the loss of my mentor and friend… 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 dearly missed.”

Attles was officially enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019 and had his No. 16 jersey retired by the Warriors, hanging alongside those of Wilt Chamberlain, Rick Barry, Chris Mullin, Nate Thurmond, and Tom Meschery.

Throughout his career, Attles remained a beloved figure in the Warriors organization, attending games and championship celebrations, and was synonymous with the team’s rich history and tradition.