When we think of a “Warrior for life” in this decade, Stephen Curry is likely the first name that comes to mind. However many may have forgotten Alvin Attles, a true “Warrior for life” who sadly passed away at age 87. Attles stayed with the Golden State Warriors from the time he was drafted in 1960, dedicating over 60 years to the team—a truly remarkable commitment.
The Warriors legend passed away at his East Bay home on Tuesday, surrounded by family. As a player with the Warriors, “The Destroyer” was on the court when Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points. He used to joke about how he and Wilt combined for 117 points, despite scoring just 17 himself: “Wilt and I combined for 117.”
Before becoming the head coach, he was both a player and assistant coach for the Warriors. He transitioned to the head coach role shortly after. Besides being one of the first Black head coaches in the NBA, Attles led the Warriors to 1975 NBA championship.
The Golden State Warriors mourn the loss of franchise legend Alvin Attles, who passed away yesterday at the age of 87.
Alvin leaves behind a profound legacy within the game of basketball and the Bay Area community, but especially as a family man and humanitarian. We mourn his… pic.twitter.com/4QJ6XeiMwF
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) August 21, 2024
From player to coach, general manager, and finally team ambassador, Attles remained with the Warriors until the very end. He also witnessed Klay Thompson’s historic 60-point game in just three quarters. He was a great man, and because of everything he did for the franchise, his passing has caused deep sorrow throughout the Warriors organization and among fans.
“Alvin leaves behind a profound legacy within the game of basketball and the Bay Area community, but especially as a family man and humanitarian,” the Warriors said in a statement. “We mourn his loss alongside his wife, Wilhelmina, son Alvin, and all who knew and loved him.”
Even though Alvin Attles has passed away, “The Destroyer” continues to endure.
How did Alvin Attles get the nickname “the destroyer”?
Attles got the nickname “The Destroyer” from a game in his second NBA season. He, Tom Gola, and Syracuse Nationals forward Dolph Schayes all went for a loose ball and collided. Attles grabbed the ball, but Schayes ended up with a broken jaw, ending his games-played streak. The Syracuse players said, “That guy was a destroyer,” and the nickname stuck.
Attles wasn’t the type to get heated quickly, but when he did, he went all out. “I never saw Al start a fight, but I never saw a fight we had that he didn’t try to finish,” said his former Warrior teammate Nate Thurmond. Attles himself acknowledged this; he knew his temper and would try to avoid trouble, but sometimes his ego got the better of him, and he couldn’t walk away from a fight.
Alvin Attles was also a very humble person and often remarked, “Somebody must have paid them to put me up there with those guys,” after his No. 16 was retired and raised in the Oracle Arena. What a beautiful soul, right? What are your thoughts on him?
Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.
