Alvin "Al" Attles, a central figure in the history of the Golden State Warriors, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Attles' influence spanned across multiple roles within the Warriors organization, beginning his career as a player before transitioning into coaching and management roles.
A Storied Career
Drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors, Attles played as a 6-foot-0 guard over 11 seasons, featuring in 711 games. During his time on the court, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. One of his notable contributions as a player came during the historic game on March 2, 1962, where Wilt Chamberlain set an NBA record by scoring 100 points. Attles added 11 points in that game, cementing his place in basketball lore.
Transition to Coaching
The significance of Attles' impact on the Warriors organization extended far beyond his playing days. In 1970, he broke barriers by becoming one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. His leadership was transformative, guiding the Warriors to their first NBA championship in 1975 with a commanding four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets. This victory not only highlighted his tactical acumen but also solidified his legacy as a pivotal figure in the franchise's history.
Continued Contributions
Beyond coaching, Attles took on the role of general manager for three seasons, contributing to the organizational strategy and player development. His influence was also felt as he served in various capacities, including vice president and consultant. The Warriors honored his invaluable contributions by retiring his No. 16 jersey, a testament to his enduring legacy.
Recognition and Legacy
In 2019, Attles was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a fitting acknowledgment of his numerous contributions to the sport. His earlier recognition came in 2014 when the Hall of Fame presented him with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, underscoring his lifetime of dedication and service to basketball.
A Lasting Figure
Steve Kerr, the current Warriors coach, encapsulated Attles' impact perfectly: "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 Profound Loss
In a heartfelt statement, the Warriors organization mourned the loss of 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."
Alvin "Al" Attles’ legacy is deeply ingrained in the fabric of the Warriors and the broader basketball community. From his days as a player to his strategic mind as a coach and general manager, Attles’ influence will be remembered and cherished by all who had the honor of witnessing his extraordinary journey in the world of sports.