Alvin "Al" Attles, a towering figure in the history of the Golden State Warriors, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Attles' legacy with the Warriors is profound, spanning multiple roles including player, coach, and general manager, and his influence left an indelible mark on both the team and the larger basketball community.
Attles was selected in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors. He stood at 6-foot-0 and played as a guard. Over the course of 11 seasons, Attles appeared in 711 games, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. One of his most notable performances came on March 2, 1962, when he scored 11 points in the game where Wilt Chamberlain set an NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks.
A Lifelong Warrior
Attles transitioned from player to coach in 1970, becoming one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. Under his leadership, the Warriors achieved a historic milestone in 1975, capturing the NBA championship with a decisive four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets. His contributions to the franchise were recognized with the retirement of his No. 16 jersey, a permanent tribute to his impact on the team.
His tenure with the Warriors did not end with coaching. Attles served as the general manager for three seasons and held various other roles within the organization, including vice president and consultant. His dedication to the franchise earned him a revered place in the annals of Warriors history.
Hall of Fame Honors
The basketball community at large acknowledged Attles' contributions when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. His contributions were further recognized in 2014 when the Hall of Fame honored him with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, underscoring his enduring influence on the game.
A Lasting Legacy
The Warriors organization released a heartfelt statement following his passing, emphasizing Attles' profound impact beyond the basketball court: "Alvin leaves behind a profound legacy within the game of basketball and the Bay Area community, but especially as a family man and humanitarian. We mourn his loss alongside his wife, Wilhelmina, son Alvin, and all who knew and loved him." Warriors coach Steve Kerr echoed these sentiments, stating, "Most of the great organizations with a lot of history have one player who everybody associates with that franchise. Al Attles is that guy for us. He's the face of our franchise for many generations of Warriors fans. We're lucky to have him."
Attles' journey through the realms of player, coach, and executive encapsulates a life dedicated to the sport. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players, coaches, and fans, cementing his status as a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors and an exemplary figure in the world of basketball.