Alvin "Al" Attles, a beloved figure in the world of basketball and a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors franchise, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. His contributions to the Warriors spanned decades, marked by significant roles as a player, coach, and general manager, making him an integral part of the NBA's history and the Bay Area community.
Drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft, Attles quickly established himself as a formidable player. Standing 6 feet tall, he played as a guard and, over an 11-season career, appeared in 711 games. Known for his robust playstyle and team spirit, Attles averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. One of the highlights of his playing career was scoring 11 points in the legendary game on March 2, 1962, when Wilt Chamberlain made history by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks.
Attles' impact on the game extended well beyond his playing days. In 1970, he broke new ground by becoming one of the NBA's first Black head coaches, a role in which he excelled. Under his leadership, the Golden State Warriors clinched the 1975 NBA championship, decisively sweeping the Washington Bullets in four games. His strategic acumen and ability to motivate players were key factors in the team's success and solidified his reputation as a savvy coach.
After his coaching tenure, Attles continued to shape the Warriors' destiny from the front office. He served as the general manager for three seasons and held various other roles within the organization, including vice president and consultant. His influence and dedication to the franchise were evident throughout his lengthy career, earning him the respect and admiration of players, fans, and colleagues alike.
In recognition of his monumental contributions, the Warriors retired Attles' No. 16 jersey, ensuring his legacy would always be honored. Further accolades came with his enshrinement into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019, cementing his place among the basketball greats. In 2014, the Hall of Fame acknowledged his lifetime of achievements with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award.
Reflecting on his profound impact, the Warriors released a heartfelt statement: "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 paid tribute, underscoring Attles' indelible connection to the franchise: "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."
Al Attles' life and legacy are a testament to his unwavering commitment to the game of basketball and his dedication to the community. As a player, coach, executive, and role model, his influence transcended the court, inspiring countless individuals and leaving an indelible mark on the sport. His passing marks the end of an era, but his spirit and contributions will continue to inspire and guide future generations of basketball enthusiasts.