The basketball world and the Bay Area community mourn the loss of Alvin "Al" Attles, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. A towering figure in the history of the Golden State Warriors, Attles' contributions to the franchise were both extensive and profound, spanning his roles as a player, coach, and general manager.
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-foot-0, he played as a guard and made his mark over 11 seasons, during which he played in 711 games. Known for his consistent performance, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. One of the 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
In 1970, Attles broke new ground as one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. Under his guidance, the Warriors achieved one of their most memorable accomplishments - winning the 1975 NBA championship with a commanding four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets. Attles' coaching tenure left a lasting imprint on the franchise and the league as a whole.
Leadership Beyond Coaching
Attles' influence extended beyond the court as he transitioned into various roles within the Warriors organization. He served as the general manager for three seasons and held other significant positions, including vice president and consultant. His leadership and dedication to the team were recognized when the Warriors retired his No. 16 jersey, a testament to his enduring legacy with the franchise.
In 2014, the Hall of Fame honored Attles with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, and he was later enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. These accolades are reflective of his monumental contributions to the sport of basketball.
Remembering a Legend
The Golden State 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 paid tribute to Attles, emphasizing his significant role within the organization: "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."
A Lifelong Connection
Attles' lifelong connection with the Warriors is a narrative of dedication and passion, underscoring the pivotal role he played in shaping the franchise's history and culture. His multifaceted contributions as a player, coach, and executive illustrate a career that transcends the usual boundaries of professional sports, marking him as a pioneering figure in the NBA.
As the Warriors and the broader basketball community reflect on Attles' legacy, his story serves as a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on a team, a sport, and a community. His achievements and the respect he garnered throughout his life ensure that his name will be remembered for generations to come.