Alvin "Al" Attles, a legendary figure in the world of basketball and an icon within the Golden State Warriors organization, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Attles' association with the Warriors spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise through his roles as a player, coach, and general manager.
Drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors, Attles began his career as a 6-foot-0 guard. Over the course of 11 seasons, he played in 711 games, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. Attles' versatility and work ethic were evident from the start and highlighted by his performance on March 2, 1962, when he scored 11 points in the game where Wilt Chamberlain set an 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. He swiftly made his mark, guiding the Warriors to the 1975 NBA championship with a four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets. His leadership was not limited to the court; Attles served as the general manager for three seasons and held various roles within the organization, including vice president and consultant.
Legacy and Honors
The depth of Attles' influence within the Warriors organization is perhaps best illustrated by the honors he received. The team retired his No. 16 jersey, and in 2014, he was honored with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Further solidifying his legacy, Attles was enshrined into the Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019.
A Respected Figure
Attles' contributions to the game of basketball and his deep-rooted connection to the Bay Area community have been recognized by many. In a statement, the Warriors organization said, "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 the sentiment, remarking, "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."
As fans and the basketball community mourn the loss of Al Attles, his contributions and spirit will be remembered and celebrated for generations. His enduring legacy as a pioneering player, innovative coach, and esteemed general manager is cemented in the history of not only the Golden State Warriors but also the NBA at large.