Alvin "Al" Attles, a revered 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 legacy with the Warriors spans several decades, marked by his remarkable contributions as a player, coach, and general manager.
A Multi-faceted Career
Attles' journey with the Warriors began when he was drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors. Standing at 6 feet tall, he played as a guard and carved out a notable career over 11 seasons, appearing in 711 games. During his playing years, Attles averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. One of his memorable moments on the court was scoring 11 points in the historic game where Wilt Chamberlain shattered the NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962.
Trailblazing Coach
Attles' influence extended beyond his playing days. In 1970, he broke barriers by becoming one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. His leadership skills were evident when he guided the Warriors to the 1975 NBA championship, achieving an impressive four-game sweep over the Washington Bullets. This championship victory remains a cherished milestone in the franchise's history.
Continued Dedication to the Warriors
Attles' commitment to the Warriors didn't end with his coaching career. He served as the team's general manager for three seasons and took on various other roles within the organization, including vice president and consultant. His dedication to the franchise was commemorated with the retirement of his No. 16 jersey.
Honored Legacy
In recognition of his enduring impact on the sport, Attles was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. Further solidifying his legacy, he received the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hall of Fame in 2014, honoring his lifelong dedication to basketball.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr encapsulated the immense respect and admiration the organization holds for Attles, stating, "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."
Personal and Community Impact
Beyond his professional achievements, Attles was deeply ingrained in the Bay Area community. He leaves behind a profound legacy not just within the realm of basketball, but also as a dedicated family man and humanitarian. The Warriors organization expressed their condolences, saying, "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."
Al Attles' life was one of remarkable accomplishments and steadfast loyalty to the Golden State Warriors. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the franchise and the sport of basketball, ensuring that his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.