Alvin "Al" Attles, a monumental figure in the history of the Golden State Warriors and the NBA, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Attles’ legacy in basketball spans decades, and his contributions as a player, coach, executive, and humanitarian have left an indelible mark on the sport and the Bay Area community.
An All-Around Contributor to the Warriors
Attles was selected in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors. Standing at 6-foot-0, Attles played as a guard and made an impact on the court over 11 seasons, notably participating in 711 games. His career statistics reflect his solid performance, with averages of 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. He notably scored 11 points during the historic game on March 2, 1962, when Wilt Chamberlain set an NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks.
Pioneering Coaching Career
In 1970, Attles broke new ground by becoming one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. With his leadership from the bench, he guided the Warriors to their 1975 NBA championship, executing a remarkable four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets. This championship remains a highlight in the franchise’s history, with Attles at the helm.
Executive Excellence
Following his coaching career, Attles transitioned into executive roles, serving as general manager for three seasons. His influence within the Warriors organization extended beyond his official roles as he also took on responsibilities as a vice president and consultant, helping to shape the future of the team.
Honors and Recognition
Attles' profound contributions to the Warriors and the sport of basketball have been recognized through numerous honors. The Warriors retired his No. 16 jersey, a testament to his lasting impact on the franchise. Additionally, Attles was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. In 2014, the Hall of Fame also honored him with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, further cementing his legacy in the sport.
Legacy and Remembrance
The Warriors organization expressed their deep sorrow and respect for Attles in 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 highlighted Attles' enduring significance to the franchise: "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."
Attles' impact transcends statistics and titles. His dedication and commitment to the Warriors organization and the broader basketball community have left a legacy that will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. Through his myriad roles with the team and his unwavering presence, Attles has become synonymous with the Warriors' spirit and history, embodying the essence of what it means to be part of this storied NBA franchise.