Alvin "Al" Attles, a towering figure in the history of the Golden State Warriors and the NBA, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. His passing marks the end of an era for a man whose contributions to the Warriors spanned decades, from his time as a player to his roles as coach and general manager.
Attles' journey with the Warriors began in 1960 when he was drafted in the fifth round of the NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors. Standing at just 6-foot-0, Attles played the guard position with unwavering tenacity. Over the course of 11 seasons, he became a stalwart for the team, appearing in 711 games. His career averages of 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game highlight his all-around contributions on the court.
One of Attles' most memorable moments as a player came on March 2, 1962, when he scored 11 points in the historic game where Wilt Chamberlain set an NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks. Beyond his playing days, Attles' legacy became even more pronounced role in the Warriors' history.
An Iconic Coach and Leader
In 1970, Attles broke new ground by becoming one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. His coaching prowess reached its pinnacle in 1975 when he guided the Warriors to an NBA championship with a four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets. This achievement not only solidified his status as a brilliant basketball mind but also as a trailblazer for future generations.
Following his coaching career, Attles served as general manager for the Warriors for three seasons, ensuring that his influence extended beyond the sidelines. His commitment to the organization saw him take on various roles, including vice president and consultant, always staying connected to the team he became synonymous with.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr poignantly captured this sentiment: "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."
Honored and Remembered
The Warriors organization recognized Attles' enduring impact by retiring his No. 16 jersey, a rare honor that stands as a testament to his contributions both on and off the court. In 2014, he was honored with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2019, his legacy was further immortalized when he was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019.
His relentless dedication to the game of basketball and his community was acknowledged by the Warriors in a heartfelt statement: "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."
Attles' influence went beyond the confines of the basketball court. He was a beloved figure in the Bay Area community, known for his kindness and humanitarian efforts. His passing leaves a void not only in the Warriors organization but also in the hearts of countless fans who admired his life's work.
As the Warriors and the broader basketball community reflect on Attles' life and legacy, there is a profound sense of gratitude for the man who became an enduring symbol of perseverance, leadership, and excellence. Alvin Attles' remarkable journey stands as a testament to the impact one individual can make in the world of sports and beyond.