The basketball world mourns the loss of Alvin "Al" Attles, a cherished figure in NBA history who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Attles left an indelible mark on the Golden State Warriors and the broader basketball community through his multifaceted roles as a player, coach, and general manager.
A Storied Career Begins
Attles' journey with the Warriors began in 1960 when he was drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Warriors. Standing at 6-foot-0, Attles showcased his skills as a guard over 11 memorable seasons, playing a total of 711 games. Known for his tenacity and playmaking ability, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds throughout his playing career.
One of Attles' most notable contributions as a player came during the historic game on March 2, 1962, when Wilt Chamberlain set an NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks. Attles chipped in with 11 points, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable and steady performer.
Pioneering Leadership
In 1970, Attles transitioned to a new role, becoming one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the Warriors to the pinnacle of success. Under his guidance, the team captured the 1975 NBA championship with a decisive four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets, a feat that remains etched in Warriors lore.
Beyond coaching, Attles served as the general manager for three seasons, demonstrating his diverse capabilities and deep understanding of the game. His unwavering dedication to the Warriors organization saw him take on various roles, including vice president and consultant, further cementing his legacy within the franchise.
Honoring a Legend
In recognition of his immense contributions, the Warriors retired Attles' No. 16 jersey. His outstanding achievements were further acknowledged when he was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. Additionally, the Hall of Fame honored him with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, underscoring his enduring impact on the sport.
The Warriors organization expressed their profound grief in a statement, reflecting on Attles' legacy: "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."
A Lasting Legacy
Warriors coach Steve Kerr encapsulated the essence of Attles' significance: "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 the basketball community honors Al Attles' memory, his contributions as a player, coach, and executive will continue to inspire future generations. His life and career serve as a testament to the impact one dedicated individual can have on a sports franchise, echoing through the annals of basketball history.