Alvin Attles, who was honored by being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019, joined the Philadelphia Warriors in 1960 after being selected in the fifth round of the draft. He has been part of the franchise for more than 60 years, making his tenure the longest in NBA history with a single team,” the Warriors announced. “He is one of only six players in Warriors history to have his jersey number retired (#16), joining Rick Barry (#24), Wilt Chamberlain (#13), Tom Meschery (#14), Chris Mullin (#17), and Nate Thurmond (#42).
During his time with the Warriors, Attles played in 711 games, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists over his career. He concluded his playing days as a player-coach.
Following his playing career, he took on coaching full-time, leading the Warriors to sweep the Washington Bullets in the 1975 NBA Finals.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my mentor and friend,” Barry shared. “Al was my roommate during my first year in the league. He taught me important lessons about professionalism that went beyond what could be learned just on the basketball court.”
“As our coach during the championship-winning season in 1975, he demonstrated outstanding leadership, unity, and strategic insight that helped us perform at the top level. We created many cherished memories together. My thoughts are with his wife, Wilhelmina, and his whole family. He will be greatly missed.”
Mullin expressed his thoughts, saying: “Today is a tough day for me. Alvin Attles significantly impacted my life and career—not only by drafting me in 1985 and bringing me to the Bay Area but also by supporting me throughout my development as a player and young man, through both challenges and triumphs. He was a beloved friend, mentor, and role model, someone I held in high regard and aimed to emulate. He established the benchmark for integrity and humility and was an extraordinary champion both on the court and in life. There will never be another Alvin Attles.”
