Golden State Warriors Saddened By Death Of Legendary Franchise Star

The Golden State Warriors organization is mourning the loss of one of the franchise’s biggest names.

Alvin Attles, who played for the Warriors from 1960-71 and later won a championship as the team’s head coach in 1975, passed away on Tuesday.

Attles was 87. The Warriors confirmed his death on X/Twitter Wednesday, offering their condolences.

“The Golden State Warriors mourn the loss of franchise legend Alvin Attles, who passed away yesterday at the age of 87,” the Warriors wrote in a statement.

“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 loss alongside his wife, Wilhelmina, son Alvin, and all who knew and loved him.”

Former head coach Alvin Attles visits with Stephen Curry during a practice session at the Golden State Warriors training facility in Oakland, Calif. on Saturday, May 25, 2019. (Photo by Paul Chinn/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images/Getty Images

Attles spent his entire playing career with the Warriors, first in Philadelphia and later in San Francisco. For the final three years of his tenure, he was a player-coach, including serving as head coach in his last season.

Overall, Attles led the Warriors on the bench from 1970-83. He reached the playoffs six times and won the NBA Finals in 1975, becoming the first Black coach to win a title.

“There are not many better humans to roam the earth than Al Attles. There’s been no more extraordinary ambassador for the Golden State Warriors organization than the great Al Attles. RIP, Legend,” said Warriors pre and post-game host Bonta Hill.

Attles was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019 as a contributor.