“Rest Well Good Sir!” Draymond Green offered his tribute to the hoops legend who served the Warriors for six decades before bidding adieu to the world on Tuesday. Known for his defense like a ‘hungry shark,’ the Destroyer, and ex-point guard, had a sense of humor and was a wonderful friend, to many. Stephen Curry penned a few words for the Golden State legend as he declared this a “sad day”.

“Very sad day for the whole Bay Area and all Warriors fans,” the sharpshooter wrote and showcased a photo of them together. “Al Attles was a pioneer of professionalism, courage, competitiveness and blazed his own trail every step of the way. His DNA is all over this organization. Forever in our hearts and the rafters #16.”

GSW’s mastermind, Steve Kerr, used the ‘Warriors‘ identity’ in a goodbye message to Attles. “Such sad news that Al passed away. The original Warrior, Mr. Warrior. One man who was employed by the same franchise for over 60 years unprecedented in sports.”

Al Attles was undeniably a true Warrior by heart. The Basketball Hall of Fame guard was first an exceptional player alongside Wilt Chamberlain. Back in 1962, he once joked that Wilt and himself were responsible for scoring 117 points. Hilariously, Attles only scored 17 of those points, but they came after the legend sunk 8 field goal attempts and 1 free throw. An eye for precision!

Later, he coached the 1975 NBA Championship-winning Warriors. A General Manager, an ambassador, and a community relations representative until his death, Al Attles did everything in his power to make a difference.

Draymond Green did not miss to acknowledge Attles’ six decades of efforts, penning, “Job well done🙏🏽You will be missed💙💛.” Do you wonder why stars like Draymond Green and Stephen Curry are in grave disbelief after the Warriors’ legend passing, even when they did not get to experience Attles’ era? Story-time.

Rest in Peace Al Attles: A legend who brought glory to the Warriors, years before Stephen Curry and Draymond Green

Al Attles only lived and breathed the Bay Area’s colors. That’s why Draymond Green and Steph connected with the Hall of Famer, for they, too, are and will always remain Warriors by heart.

“To know how much he means to our organization and all his success, the ’74-’75 team… Just from his legacy as a Warrior and what he means to Bay Area and Warrior basketball is unbelievable and everybody is inspired to be hanging on the rafters next to him,” Curry said in 2017.

It looks like Steph and Draymond truly got inspired by Al Attles. The Warriors duo got the Larry O’Brien trophy home after 40 years. And the pioneer of that movement was Al, who got Golden State its first Championship as a coach. He was responsible for putting the Bay Area back on the map in 1975 with an “underdogs” team. The reason? He got to witness greats like Wilt Chamberlain and his legendary 100-point game representing the San Francisco Warriors.

3x NBA All-Star Jamaal Wilkes, who was part of the 1975 championship team, said, “We weren’t expected to win with the scrap and spray for everything. And that was kind of a reflection of Alan’s personality.”

Yet, as per a snippet from the locker room post-1975 NBA title win, Attles credited the player, stating, “They did an outstanding job out there. I think they deserve everything they got. You know you’re going in this league I’ve been in since 1960 and this is my first championship, and I’m real proud of it.”

It spoke volumes of Attles’ character and the modesty he used to carry with him. As per Ex-Warriors center Clifford Ray, he was a “father figure to all of us.” Al carried that persona throughout his life. Moreover, it reflected in everyone’s tribute to him, including Draymond Green and Stephen Curry’s final message. It was a pure shoutout to Al’s dedication, how he dedicated his life to a franchise that gave him an identity. And he gave it back so greatly that he had become the identity of the franchise decades after joining it.

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.