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, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades and encompasses roles as a player, coach, and general manager. Attles' contributions to the Warriors are etched into the franchise’s rich history, making him a beloved figure in the Bay Area and the broader basketball community.
Attles was drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors, a decision that would set the stage for an 11-season career playing 711 games as a 6-foot-0 guard. During his time on the court, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. Notably, Attles scored 11 points in the historic game on March 2, 1962, when Wilt Chamberlain set the NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks.
A Trailblazing Coach
In 1970, Attles broke new ground by becoming one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. His leadership from the sidelines culminated in guiding the Warriors to the 1975 NBA championship, where they secured a stunning four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets. This achievement remains one of the highlights of the Warriors’ storied history.
Beyond his coaching tenure, Attles also served as general manager for three seasons and held various other roles in the organization, including vice president and consultant. The Golden State Warriors recognized his immeasurable contributions by retiring his No. 16 jersey, a testament to his enduring influence on the franchise.
A Legacy in the Basketball Community
In 2014, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame honored Attles with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, a precursor to his enshrinement into the Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. These accolades reflect the high esteem in which the basketball community holds him, acknowledging both his on-court prowess and his off-court contributions.
The Warriors organization issued a heartfelt statement in the wake of his passing: "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, highlighting Attles' iconic status within the franchise. "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," said Kerr, underscoring Attles’ significance to the team and its supporters.
A Continuing Influence
Attles' impact extended beyond his official roles. He was a constant presence in the organization, often seen offering guidance and wisdom to young players and staff. His dedication to the Warriors and the sport of basketball is evident in the countless lives he touched throughout his illustrious career.
The basketball world bids farewell to Alvin Attles with a sense of gratitude and reverence. His contributions on the court, his trailblazing role as a coach, and his steadfast commitment to the Warriors organization ensure that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
As the Warriors and the broader NBA community reflect on Attles’ incredible journey, it is clear that his influence will remain a cornerstone of the sport. His story stands as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have within a team and a community, both on and off the court.