Basketball icon Al Attles, known as the Destroyer for his gritty intensity on the court, has died at the age of 87. Attles, a key figure in the history of the Golden State Warriors, played a variety of roles for the team, including player, coach, general manager, and community relations representative. He passed away on Tuesday at his home in Oakland, California.

The Warriors organization, which Attles served with unwavering dedication, announced his passing. Attles' career spanned the Warriors' Philadelphia years and their subsequent relocation to the Bay Area. Despite being selected in the fifth round of the 1960 N.B.A. draft as a little-known player from a historically Black college, Attles defied the odds and established himself as an enduring face of the franchise.

Although never an All-Star during his 11-year playing career, Attles' defensive prowess and unwavering intensity on the court earned him respect and admiration. Standing at just six feet tall and weighing around 175 pounds, he fearlessly confronted opponents, even acting as a self-appointed bodyguard for basketball giant Wilt Chamberlain during their time together on the Warriors.

Attles' playing career statistics may not have reflected his impact, as he averaged just 8.9 points per game. However, his defensive contributions were undeniable and made him a vital part of the supporting cast when Chamberlain scored his historic 100 points against the New York Knicks in 1962.

After retiring as a player, Attles transitioned to coaching and became the third Black head coach in N.B.A. history. He took the helm of the Warriors midway through the 1970-71 season and led the team to its first-ever N.B.A. championship in 1975. The Warriors, under Attles' leadership, defeated the favored Washington Bullets in a four-game sweep, marking the first time two Black coaches faced each other in an N.B.A. championship series.

Attles' coaching tenure also saw the Warriors make six playoff appearances in a span of seven years during the 1970s. Following his coaching career, he served as the team's general manager from 1983 to 1986 before taking up various front-office roles. Attles' impact on the Warriors extended beyond his playing and coaching contributions, as he remained a team ambassador and community representative until his passing.

In recognition of his significant contributions to the sport, Attles was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019. He was also honored with the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. Attles' legacy as a trailblazer, fierce competitor, and beloved figure within the Warriors organization will continue to inspire generations of basketball players and fans.

Al Attles is survived by his wife, Wilhelmina, his daughter, Ericka, his son, Alvin III, four grandchildren, and a great-grandson. The Golden State Warriors and the basketball community at large mourn the loss of a true legend whose impact on the sport will forever be remembered.