Alvin "Al" Attles, a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors organization and a beloved figure in basketball, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Attles' enduring contributions to the Warriors spanned several decades, making an indelible impact as a player, coach, and general manager.
Early Career and Playing Days
Attles was drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors. Standing at 6-foot-0, he began his professional career as a guard. Over 11 seasons, Attles played in 711 games, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. His playing career was marked by significant moments, including 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.
A Trailblazing Coach
In 1970, Attles broke new ground by becoming one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. He led the Warriors to their first NBA championship in 1975, orchestrating a remarkable four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets. Attles’ leadership and strategic prowess were instrumental in that championship run, and his contributions were felt both on and off the court.
Executive Tenure and Legacy
Following his coaching career, Attles continued to shape the Warriors as general manager, a role he held for three seasons. His influence extended beyond traditional management positions, as he took on various roles in the Warriors organization, including vice president and consultant. Recognizing his enduring impact, the Warriors retired his No. 16 jersey, cementing his legacy within the franchise.
Hall of Fame Recognition
Attles' contributions to basketball did not go unnoticed. In 2014, he was honored with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award by the Hall of Fame. Five years later, in 2019, he was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a testament to his lasting influence on the sport and his exemplary career.
A Man of Profound Legacy
The Warriors issued a heartfelt statement honoring Attles: "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 team and its history: "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."
Attles’ legacy in basketball is undeniable. His journey from a determined guard drafted in the fifth round to a revered Hall of Famer illustrates a career dedicated not just to the sport, but to the community and to the values of leadership and perseverance. The basketball world mourns his loss but celebrates the immense contributions he made both on and off the court.