Legendary NBA Coach and Hall of Famer Al Attles Passes Away at Age 87

Al Attles, a beloved figure in the NBA and a member of the Hall of Fame, has sadly passed away at the age of 87. The Golden State Warriors announced on Wednesday that Attles died on Tuesday in his East Bay home surrounded by his family.

Attles, affectionately known as "The Destroyer" for his physical style of play, had an incredible and historic six-decade-long tenure with the Warriors organization. After being selected by the team in the 1960 draft, he remained dedicated to the franchise throughout his entire career. Attles holds the record for the longest stint with a single team in NBA history.

Not only was Attles an influential player, but he also made groundbreaking contributions as one of the league's first black head coaches. Attles had the privilege of witnessing some of the greatest performances in basketball history. He had played alongside Wilt Chamberlain in his iconic 100-point game for the Philadelphia Warriors in 1962. Attles, who scored 17 points on that historic night, fondly recalled the memory and celebrated Chamberlain's extraordinary feat.

As a coach, Attles had the honor of guiding the Warriors to their first championship as a West Coast team in 1975. This triumph was followed by another championship 40 years later in 2015. Attles' remarkable 557 coaching wins remain the highest in the franchise's history.

Throughout his life, Attles emphasized the importance of appreciating and celebrating individual performances without comparing them. He always believed in giving credit where it was due. Attles had a profound impact on many players, including Hall of Famer Rick Barry, who described him as a mentor and a friend.

The passing of Al Attles is a significant loss for the sports community in the Bay Area. This comes shortly after the deaths of Giants baseball Hall of Famers Willie Mays and Orlando Cepeda. The impact Attles had on the Warriors and the entire NBA will never be forgotten.

Attles will be remembered not only for his contributions on the court but also for his humility and leadership off the court. His impeccable fashion sense, which was synonymous with the Warriors franchise, left a lasting impression on his colleagues and fans alike. The current Warriors head coach, Steve Kerr, paid homage to Attles by wearing one of his signature suits.

Despite battling health issues over the past few years, Attles remained a constant presence and an inspiration for the team and its fans. His smiling face was a familiar sight at the Warriors' former home, Oracle Arena. His return for Game 4 of the 2019 NBA Finals brought joy and warmth to everyone.

Former Warriors center Clifford Ray considered Attles a father figure and praised his ability to simplify the game for the players. Attles' impact went beyond coaching and extended into the hearts of many players who grew under his guidance.

Al Attles will forever be remembered as a true icon of the Warriors franchise. His dedication, leadership, and impact on the game of basketball will continue to inspire future generations. The NBA community mourns the loss of Al Attles, a legend who will be greatly missed.