The basketball community mourns the passing of Alvin "Al" Attles, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. An iconic figure in NBA history, Attles' legacy with the Golden State Warriors is unparalleled, reflecting his immeasurable impact over several decades as a player, coach, and executive.
A Storied Career with the Warriors
Attles began his illustrious association with the Warriors when he was drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors. Standing 6-foot-0, Attles played as a guard and over 11 seasons, he became a stalwart for the franchise, appearing in 711 games. During his playing career, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. One of Attles' most notable contributions on the court was scoring 11 points in the historic game where Wilt Chamberlain set an NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962.
Trailblazing Coach and Champion
After hanging up his sneakers, Attles transitioned to coaching, breaking barriers along the way. In 1970, he became one of the NBA's first Black head coaches, further solidifying his place in history. His acumen as a coach was prominently displayed in 1975 when he led the Warriors to an NBA championship, sweeping the Washington Bullets in a four-game series. This victory remains one of the franchise's proudest moments, with Attles orchestrating the triumph from the sidelines.
Executive Leadership
Attles' contributions to the Warriors extended beyond the court and the bench. He served as the team's general manager for three seasons, and over the years, held various roles within the organization, including vice president and consultant. His lifelong commitment to the franchise was recognized when the Warriors retired his No. 16 jersey, ensuring that his legacy would be permanently etched in the team’s history.
Hall of Fame Honors
In recognition of his remarkable contributions to the sport, Attles was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. Prior to this honor, the Hall of Fame awarded him the prestigious John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, acknowledging his enduring impact on basketball.
Remembering Al Attles
The Warriors community and fans have expressed profound sorrow over the loss of a figure synonymous with their franchise. In a statement, the Warriors said, "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 also offered heartfelt words, reflecting the sentiments of many within the Warriors family and beyond. "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," Kerr remarked.
Al Attles' influence on the game of basketball extends far beyond his statistical achievements and accolades. His dedication, trailblazing spirit, and unwavering commitment to the Warriors define a legacy that will inspire future generations of players, coaches, and fans. As the basketball world pays tribute to this extraordinary individual, Attles' memory will undoubtedly continue to be a guiding light for those who aspire to make a difference, both on and off the court.