On Tuesday, the basketball world mourned the loss of Alvin "Al" Attles, who passed away at the age of 87. Attles' storied career with the Golden State Warriors spans multiple decades and roles, making him an indelible part of the franchise’s rich history.
Attles' journey began in the 1960 NBA draft, where he was selected in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Warriors. Standing at 6 feet, he made his mark as a guard and proved to be an enduring force on the court. Over 11 seasons, Attles played in 711 games, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. One of his most memorable performances came on March 2, 1962, when he contributed 11 points in the game where Wilt Chamberlain set an NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks.
Following his playing career, Attles transitioned to coaching and broke ground as one of the NBA’s first Black head coaches in 1970. His leadership reached its pinnacle in 1975 when he guided the Warriors to their first NBA championship, a historic four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets.
A Legacy Beyond the Court
The impact of Attles' contributions extended beyond his time on the sidelines. He served as the general manager of the Warriors for three seasons and held various roles within the organization, including vice president and consultant. The Warriors honored his immense contributions by retiring his No. 16 jersey, a testament to the respect and admiration he commanded within the franchise.
In recognition of his lifelong commitment to basketball, Attles was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. His accolades also include the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award which he received in 2014, underscoring his lasting influence on the sport.
Remembering Al Attles
His passing prompted heartfelt tributes from those who knew him best. The Warriors released a statement reflecting on his profound influence: "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 echoed these sentiments, highlighting Attles' iconic status 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."
An Enduring Impact
Attles' dedication to the Warriors and his pioneering role in the NBA have ensured his legacy will endure for generations to come. His contributions as a player, coach, and executive have made him an icon in the world of basketball and a beloved figure in the Bay Area community.
As the basketball community reflects on his life and career, Attles' legacy serves as an enduring reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on a sport and a community. His life was a testament to dedication, leadership, and the powerful role of sports in bringing people together.