Alvin "Al" Attles, a towering figure in the history of the Golden State Warriors, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Attles’ enduring legacy spans an impressive range of roles within the organization, having served as a player, coach, and general manager over the course of several decades. The impact of his contributions will be felt for many generations of Warriors fans.
A Warrior from the Start
Attles’ association with the Warriors began in 1960 when he was drafted in the fifth round of the NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors. Standing at 6-foot-0, Attles carved out a solid career as a guard, playing 711 games over 11 seasons. During his playing years, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. Notably, Attles was on the court when Wilt Chamberlain set the NBA record by scoring 100 points in a single game against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962. In that same game, Attles added 11 points to the scoreboard.
A Trailblazing Coach
In 1970, Attles transitioned from player to coach, becoming one of the NBA’s first Black head coaches. His tenure as head coach is celebrated for guiding the Warriors to their first NBA championship in 1975, achieving a four-game sweep over the Washington Bullets. Attles’ leadership and strategic acumen earned him great respect and admiration within the basketball community.
Beyond the Bench
Attles’ influence extended beyond his coaching career. He served as the general manager for the Warriors for three seasons, helping to shape the future of the team. His roles within the organization also included vice president and consultant, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the franchise.
Honors and Accolades
In recognition of his immense contributions, the Warriors retired Attles’ No. 16 jersey, permanently enshrining his legacy within the franchise. His remarkable career was further honored with his enshrinement into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. The Hall of Fame also presented Attles with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, underscoring the lasting impact of his work in basketball.
A Profound Legacy
Following Attles’ passing, the Warriors released a heartfelt statement: "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 expressed his admiration for Attles, 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 "Al" Attles’ life and career are a testament to his dedication, resilience, and passion for the game of basketball. His contributions to the Warriors’ legacy and the broader basketball community will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.