Al Attles
Inducted:
2019
Player Stats
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
175 lb (79 kg)
Born:
November 7, 1936
Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
Died:
August 20, 2024
Oakland, California, U.S.
Position:
Point guard
Coach
College:
North Carolina A&T (1956–1960)
Alvin “Al” Attles Jr. (1936–2024) devoted over six decades to the Warriors franchise as player, coach, general manager, and ambassador. Drafted in 1960, he became known as “The Destroyer” for his defensive tenacity and grit. As a guard for Philadelphia/San Francisco, he averaged 8.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg, and 3.5 apg over 711 games, including being Wilt Chamberlain’s key teammate during the 100‑point game in 1962.
Transitioning to coach in 1970, Attles led Golden State to its first NBA championship in 1975, becoming only the second Black head coach to win a title. He retired with a record of 557–518, holding the franchise record for wins and tenure. In 2019, he joined the Naismith Hall of Fame as a contributor. His number 16 hangs in the rafters, symbolizing a career built on loyalty, character, and pioneering leadership.
Attles's Awards & Honors:
- 16 retired by Golden State Warriors
- 22 retired by North Carolina A&T Aggies
- NBA champion (1975)
- 2× NBA All-Star Game head coach (1975, 1976)
- Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award (2017)
- Scored 17 points during Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game in 1962
- 2017 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
NBA Records
- Second African-American head coach to win an NBA championship (1975)
- Longest-tenured individual with a single NBA franchise
- First African-American coach to serve as both player and head coach in the same season
- Most coaching wins in Golden State Warriors history
NBA Teams:
As a player:
Philadelphia / San Francisco Warriors (1960–1971)
As a coach:
San Francisco Warriors (assistant) (1968–1970)
San Francisco / Golden State Warriors (1970–1983)
Golden State Warriors (assistant) (1994–1995)
NBA Draft:
1960: 5th round, 39th overall pick
Philadelphia Warriors
Number Worn:
16
NBA Stats:
Seasons Played
11 (1960–1971)
Regular Season Games
711
Points
6,328 (8.9 ppg)
Rebounds
2,463 (3.5 rpg)
Assists
2,483 (3.5 apg)
Field Goal %
45.1%
Player-Coach Season
1970–71
Head Coach Record
557–518 (.518)
NBA Championships
1 (1975)