Alvin "Al" Attles, a towering figure in the history of the Golden State Warriors, has passed away at the age of 87. Known for his multifaceted contributions to the team as a player, coach, and general manager, Attles left an indelible mark not only on the Warriors but also on the broader NBA community.
A Storied Career
Attles' journey with the Warriors began in 1960 when he was drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Warriors. Standing 6-foot-0, Attles played as a guard over 11 seasons, accumulating 711 games. Throughout his playing career, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. One of his notable performances 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.
Breaking Barriers
In 1970, Attles broke barriers by becoming one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. Under his leadership, the Warriors experienced some of their most triumphant moments. Most famously, he guided the team to the 1975 NBA championship with a memorable four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets.
Beyond the Sidelines
Attles' influence extended beyond his coaching tenure. He served as the general manager of the Warriors for three seasons, during which time he continued to shape the team's future. Over the years, Attles held various roles within the organization, including vice president and consultant, underscoring his enduring commitment to the team.
In recognition of his invaluable contributions, the Warriors retired Attles' No. 16 jersey, ensuring his legacy would forever be a part of the franchise's history. His achievements were further celebrated on a broader scale when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. Earlier, in 2014, the Hall of Fame honored him with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to his lifelong dedication to the sport.
A Lasting Legacy
The outpouring of tributes following Attles' passing highlights the profound impact he had on those around him. The Warriors issued a heartfelt statement, emphasizing the depth of his legacy: "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 reflected on Attles' significance to the franchise, expressing, "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."
As the basketball community mourns the loss of a true pioneer and leader, Attles' legacy continues to inspire. His contributions to the game, his groundbreaking achievements, and his unwavering dedication to the Warriors and the broader community will be remembered for generations to come.