Alvin "Al" Attles, a stalwart of the Golden State Warriors and an icon in basketball history, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Known for his multifaceted contributions to the Warriors as a player, coach, and general manager, Attles' legacy within the game and the Bay Area community is profound.
Long-standing Warrior
Attles was drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors, marking the beginning of an 11-season career during which he played 711 games. Standing at 6 feet tall, Attles served as a guard and averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. One of the memorable highlights of his playing career 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.
Pioneering Coach
Transitioning from the court to the bench, Attles became one of the NBA's first Black head coaches in 1970, guiding the Warriors through numerous memorable seasons. His pinnacle as a coach came in 1975 when he led the Warriors to an NBA championship with a commanding four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets, cementing his role as a pivotal figure in the franchise's history.
Leadership Beyond the Court
Attles' influence extended beyond his coaching stint. He served as the general manager of the Warriors for three seasons, took on roles as a vice president and consultant, and was revered for his astute basketball mind and leadership qualities. The Warriors honored his extensive contributions by retiring his No. 16 jersey, a tribute to a man who was, in the words of Warriors coach Steve Kerr, "the face of our franchise for many generations of Warriors fans."
Attles' impact on the game and the organization was further recognized with his induction 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, underscoring his longstanding dedication to the sport.
A Life Well Lived
Attles leaves behind a rich legacy not just within basketball but also within his community. The Warriors released a heartfelt statement that captures the essence of Attles' contributions: "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."
As the basketball world mourns the loss of a true legend, it is clear that Attles' influence will endure. His journey from player to coach to executive encapsulates a life dedicated to the sport and the people within it. "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," echoed Kerr, reflecting the deep connection Attles had with the Warriors family.
In commemorating Attles, we celebrate a lifetime of achievements on and off the court, a dedication to the game of basketball, and an unyielding commitment to the community he so dearly loved. His legacy, enshrined in the hearts of fans and the annals of NBA history, remains a testament to his indelible mark on the sport and the lives he touched.