The Warriors enter the 2024-25 NBA season with high hopes of extending the dynastic run that began 10 years ago. And even though the first title from this era was released in 2015, the seeds of the franchise’s greatness were sown 40 years before.

Led by Hall of Famers Rick Barry and Jamaal Wilkes, the Warriors won their first NBA title in the Bay Area to conclude the 1974-75 season. Leading the Warriors during that run was fellow Hall of Famer Al Attles, who spent seven decades affiliated with the franchise as a player, coach, executive and ambassador.

While many greats have worn the uniform, Attles is known by many as “Mr. Warrior.” His number 16 hangs from the rafters of San Francisco’s Chase Center, and during the 2024-25 season it will feature prominently on Golden State’s jerseys.

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What is the #16 patch on the Warriors jersey?

Patch #16 is in memory of NBA legend Al Attles. He died on August 20, 2024, at the age of 87.

Golden State honors Attles with a gold stripe on the left shoulder of his jersey that depicts his number 16.

The franchise honored Attles’ legacy before its home opener on October 27.

Tonight we prepare for the game by honoring Warriors legend Alvin Attles with a moment of silence pic.twitter.com/o4ttc49nIH

– Golden State Warriors (@warriors) October 28, 2024

Attles played 11 seasons with the Warriors, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game for his career. Besides being known as “Mr. Warrior”, Attles earned the nickname “The Destroyer” for his intensity.

Attles went on to coach the Warriors for 14 seasons. He won 557 games leading Golden State, the most by a coach in franchise history.

MORE: How the NBA World Honored the Life and Legacy of Al Attles

Al Attles’ legacy with the Warriors

Attles is one of the most influential figures in Warriors franchise history.

He was drafted by the franchise with the 39th overall pick in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft. During his 11-year tenure as a player for the Warriors, Attles became an assistant coach and began a tenure of 14 years as head coach in his final season as a player in 1970-71.

As noted above, Attles led the Warriors to their first championship in California, a 4-0 sweep of the Washington Bullets in 1975.

Attles left his head coaching position to become the Warriors’ general manager for three seasons, then returned to the sidelines as a Warriors assistant in the 1990s.

Outside of his coaching and executive work, Attles was an ambassador and consultant for the franchise, making him the longest-serving employee on a team in NBA history.