Warriors legend, Basketball Hall of Famer Alvin Attles dies at 87

Golden State Warriors legend and Basketball Hall of Famer Alvin Attles has died at the age of 87, the Warriors announced Wednesday. Attles, who was selected by the Philadelphia Warriors with the 39th pick in the 1960 NBA Draft and moved with the team to San Francisco, spent his entire 11-year playing career with the franchise.

“Alvin leaves a deep legacy within the game of basketball and the Bay Area community, but most importantly as a family man and humanitarian,” the Warriors said in a statement. “We mourn his loss along with his wife Wilhelmina, son Alvin and all who knew and loved him.”

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

Alvin leaves a deep legacy within the game of basketball and the Bay Area community, but most importantly as a family man and humanitarian. We mourn his passing. photo.twitter.com/4QJ6XeiMwF

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

Attles averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds in his career. Eight seasons into his time in the NBA, Attles became an assistant coach during the 1968 season while still a player. He eventually became the head coach in San Francisco after his retirement in 1971 and led the Warriors to a championship in 1975.

“My heart is heavy today with the loss of my mentor and friend,” said Warriors Hall of Famer Rick Barry. “Al was my roommate during my rookie season in the league. He taught me valuable lessons about being a professional that you couldn’t learn on the field.

“Later, as our coach during the 1975 championship season, he exemplified leadership, camaraderie and a keen strategic ability to succeed at the highest level. 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 greatly missed.”

Attles’ 60+ year tenure with the Warriors is the longest anyone has ever had with an NBA franchise. Attles’ 557 regular season wins are still the most of any coach in Warriors history. He retired from the sidelines and moved into the front office as general manager for three years in 1983.

Attles was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019, along with Vlade Divac, Sidney Moncrief and Teresa Weatherspoon.

This story is being updated.

(Photo: Darren Yamashita/USA Today)