Player, coach and manager of the Warriors, Alvin Attleswho died this week at age 87, spent more than twenty years at the heart of this franchise. In addition to this longevity, he won an NBA title in 1975, on the bench, and remains the winningest coach in the history of the franchise.
He embodies a great page of Warriors history, in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, so the tributes have been numerous in recent hours in California.
“This is a very sad day for the Bay Area and for Warriors fans.”, wrote Stephen Currywith a photo of him and the former playmaker. “Alvin Attles was a pioneer of professionalism, courage, competition and he forged his own path every step of the way. His DNA is present throughout this franchise. He will always be in our hearts and on the ceiling of the arena, with his number 16.”
“I want to express my condolences, on behalf of the Warriors franchise, to the family of Alvin Attles,” said Steve Kerr for his part. “I heard the news this Wednesday. It’s very sad news. He is the original Warrior. Mr. Warrior. Someone who has been employed for over 60 years in the same franchise, that’s unique in the world of sports. Al has been the figurehead of this franchise for so many years: first as a great player, then a great coach, champion in 1975, then a GM, an ambassador and above all a great friend. We love Al, his family and we think of them.”
“There will be no other Alvin Attles”
“My heart is heavy today with the loss of my mentor and friend,” explain Rick Barry, who played under Alvin Attles and won the title in 1975 with him. “He was my roommate during my first season. He taught me important lessons about becoming a professional that could not have been learned on the court. Then, he was my coach during the title season. He demonstrated leadership, solidarity and a great strategic ability that allowed us 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.”
“It's a difficult day for me,” says Chris Mullin. “Alvin Attles had a huge, positive influence on me and my career. Not only by drafting me in 1985, bringing me here, but also by showing me the way throughout my playing career and my young life, through the good times and the bad. He was a dear friend, a mentor, a role model, someone I admired greatly. He set the standard for all of us when it came to integrity and humility. He was a true champion on and off the court. There will be no other Alvin Attles.”
Alvin Attles did not just epitomize what it meant to be a Warrior—he was Mr. Warrior pic.twitter.com/BtCDqcorsD
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) August 21, 2024
