Alvin "Al" Attles, a cornerstone in the rich history of the Golden State Warriors, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. His legacy is intertwined with the very fabric of the franchise, contributing not only as a distinguished player but also as a coach, and general manager.
Attles was drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia Warriors. Standing at 6-foot-0 and playing as a guard, he embarked on a career that would span over 11 seasons and 711 games. His tenure on the court saw him averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. Notably, Attles scored 11 points in the historic game where Wilt Chamberlain set the still-standing NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962.
Breaking Barriers as a Coach
Attles’ influence on the game extended beyond his playing days. In 1970, he broke new ground, becoming one of the NBA’s first Black head coaches. His coaching prowess was soon evident, guiding the Warriors to a memorable 1975 NBA championship victory with a decisive four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets. His leadership brought a championship banner to a franchise that had not seen one since moving to the West Coast.
An Executive and a Leader
Beyond the sidelines, Attles' impact on the Warriors organization endured for decades. He served as the team’s general manager for three seasons and held various other roles, including vice president and consultant. His seamless transition from court to executive suite highlighted his all-encompassing knowledge and love for the game.
The Warriors honored Attles' enduring contributions by retiring his No. 16 jersey, making it a permanent fixture in the rafters. His excellence was formally recognized on a national level when he was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. Furthermore, the Hall of Fame honored him with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, underlining his lifelong dedication to basketball.
Legacy and Tributes
A poignant tribute from the Warriors encapsulated the breadth of his impact: "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 expressed the sentiment of many, stating, "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' life and career encapsulate an extraordinary commitment to basketball and the Warriors. From a dynamic player to a visionary coach and influential executive, his contributions enriched the franchise and left a lasting impact on the NBA. A revered figure both on and off the court, Attles will be remembered as a pioneer and a guiding force for future generations. His profound legacy remains an integral part of the Golden State Warriors' storied history.