Alvin Attles was a longtime NBA player, coach, executive and basketball Hall of Famer who spent more than 60 years with the Golden State Warriors.
- Died: August 20, 2024 (Who else died on August 20?)
- Details of death: Died in Oakland, California at the age of 87.
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Alvin Attles’ legacy
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Alvin Attles earned his master’s from North Carolina A&T State University before being drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors. He followed the team to San Francisco in 1962, when they became the Golden State Warriors, and he stayed with the organization for the rest of his career.
Attles played 11 years, earning the nickname “Destroyer” thanks to his defensive strength. He then transitioned into coaching while still a squad member, serving as assistant coach and player-coach. The 1970-71 season was his last one playing, at which point he became full-time head coach. Just a few years later, he led his team to the 1975 championship, becoming the second Black NBA coach – after Bill Russell (1934–2022) – to win the NBA title.
Attles stepped down as coach in 1983 and moved into the Warriors front office, becoming the team’s general manager until 1986. He returned to coaching duties as assistant coach for the 1994-95 season.
Attles earned the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, and his number has been retired by the Warriors. In 2019, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He is also in the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame and earned the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, among many other honors.
Tributes to Alvin Attles
Full obituary: CBS Sports
