In a sad announcement, the Golden State Warriors shared the news on Wednesday that Al Attles, a prominent figure in the basketball world and a beloved member of the Warriors organization, has passed away at the age of 87. Attles, who played an integral role in the team's successful 1975 NBA championship campaign and spent over six decades with the Warriors, died peacefully at his home in the San Francisco Bay Area on Tuesday, surrounded by his loving family.

Nicknamed "The Destroyer" for his physical style of play, Attles dedicated his entire basketball career to the Warriors after being selected by the franchise in the fifth round of the 1960 draft when they were still based in Philadelphia. This remarkable commitment marked the longest tenure with a single team for an individual in NBA history. Over the course of 11 seasons, Attles, a 6-foot guard, showcased his talents on the court, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds in 711 games. His exceptional contributions to the team led to the retirement of his No. 16 jersey by the Warriors.

However, Attles' impact extended far beyond his playing career. As one of the first Black head coaches in the NBA, he made history and left a lasting legacy. Attles had the privilege of witnessing some of the most memorable games in the league's history. He had the opportunity to play in Wilt Chamberlain's record-setting 100-point game in 1962 and coached Hall of Famer Rick Barry during his incredible 64-point performance in 1974. The basketball veteran also witnessed Klay Thompson's remarkable 60-point outburst in just three quarters in 2016, showcasing his deep appreciation for the game.

Attles' coaching tenure with the Warriors from 1970 to 1983 was nothing short of remarkable. Under his guidance, the team achieved their crowning glory, winning the 1975 NBA championship with an impressive four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets. Attles holds the distinction of being the winningest coach in franchise history, with a total of 557 coaching victories to his name. After his coaching career, he served as a general manager for three seasons and played important roles within the Warriors' front office as a vice president and consultant.

Recognized for his immense contributions to the sport, Attles was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019. His tireless dedication earned him the prestigious John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hall of Fame in 2014. Attles' impact on the Warriors franchise and the broader basketball community is immeasurable.

The loss of Al Attles has reverberated throughout the basketball world. Former teammate and Hall of Famer Rick Barry expressed his grief, praising Attles as a mentor and valuing the lessons he learned on and off the court. The current head coach of the Warriors, Steve Kerr, referred to Attles as the face of the franchise, a guiding force for generations of Warriors fans.

Al Attles will be remembered not only for his basketball prowess but also for his kindness, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the game. His legacy will be forever etched in the annals of Warriors' history and the broader NBA community. As the basketball world mourns the loss of a true legend, Al Attles' enduring impact will continue to inspire generations of players, coaches, and fans alike.