Alvin "Al" Attles, a beloved figure in the Golden State Warriors' history, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. A man of many roles, Attles' contributions to the Warriors extended over decades, encompassing his time as a player, coach, and general manager. His profound legacy within the game of basketball and the Bay Area community is indisputable, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew and admired him.
Attles' journey with the Warriors began when he was drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors. As a 6-foot-0 guard, he was known for his resilience and skill on the court. Over 11 seasons, he played 711 games, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. His career highlight as a player includes scoring 11 points in the historic game where his teammate Wilt Chamberlain set an NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962.
Transitioning to coaching, Attles became one of the NBA's first Black head coaches in 1970. His leadership and strategic acumen were instrumental in guiding the Warriors to the 1975 NBA championship, where they triumphed with a four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets. His success on the court as a coach solidified his status as a pioneering figure in the league and an icon for the franchise.
Beyond his coaching career, Attles served as general manager for the Warriors for three seasons and continued to contribute to the organization in various roles, including as vice president and consultant. His dedication and commitment to the Warriors were evident in every position he held, always striving for excellence and supporting the team's growth and success.
Attles' outstanding contributions were recognized by the franchise when they retired his No. 16 jersey, an honor reserved for the most impactful figures in a team's history. His legacy was further cemented when he was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. Additionally, the Hall of Fame honored him with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, celebrating his lifelong dedication to the sport.
The Warriors released a heartfelt statement reflecting on Attles' 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 paid tribute to Attles, emphasizing his enduring influence on 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."
As the Warriors and the broader basketball community reflect on the life and contributions of Al Attles, it is clear that his impact transcends the statistics and accolades. He embodied the spirit of dedication, perseverance, and community, attributes that have earned him a permanent place in the hearts of Warriors fans and the annals of NBA history. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players, coaches, and basketball enthusiasts worldwide.