Basketball legend Alvin "Al" Attles, a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors' history, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Throughout his tenure with the Warriors, Attles wore many hats, including those of a player, coach, general manager, and emissary of the franchise’s enduring legacy.
An Illustrious Career
Attles' journey with the Warriors began when he was drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the then-Philadelphia Warriors. Standing 6-foot-0, Attles played as a guard and made a significant mark on the court. Over 11 NBA seasons, he appeared in 711 games, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game.
One of the most iconic moments of his playing career came on March 2, 1962, when Attles scored 11 points in the historic game where Wilt Chamberlain set the NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks. This feat remains one of the most memorable in basketball history, with Attles playing a crucial supporting role.
Pioneering Coach
In 1970, Attles made history by becoming one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. Under his leadership, the Warriors reached the pinnacle of success in 1975 by capturing the NBA championship with a decisive four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets. His coaching tenure is remembered as one of the golden eras for the franchise.
Leadership Beyond the Court
Following his coaching career, Attles transitioned into various executive roles with the Warriors, including serving as general manager for three seasons. He further solidified his legacy by taking on roles such as vice president and consultant, consistently contributing to the organization’s growth and success.
In recognition of his invaluable contributions, the Warriors retired Attles' No. 16 jersey, forever etching his name in the annals of the team’s history. Moreover, his influence and impact were not confined to the Warriors. In 2014, Attles was honored with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, which subsequently enshrined him as part of the Class of 2019.
A Lasting Legacy
Reflecting on Attles' impact, the Warriors released 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."
Warriors coach Steve Kerr also expressed his admiration for Attles: "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."
Alvin Attles' storied career and his unwavering commitment to the Golden State Warriors and the greater basketball community serve as an inspiration. He leaves behind a legacy defined not only by his achievements on the court but also by his dedication to the sport, his team, and the generations of fans who admired his work. His life and career will be remembered and celebrated by many for years to come.