Alvin "Al" Attles, a legendary figure in the history of the Golden State Warriors, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Attles’ enduring legacy spans decades, marked by his exceptional contributions to the Warriors as a player, coach, and general manager. The basketball world mourns the loss of a pioneering giant whose influence extended far beyond the court.
A Distinguished Career
Selected in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors, Attles quickly made his mark as a 6-foot-0 guard. Over an illustrious 11-season career, he played 711 games and recorded averages of 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. Attles was also part of one of the most historic moments in NBA history, scoring 11 points when Wilt Chamberlain set an NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962.
Pioneering Leadership
In 1970, Attles broke new ground by becoming one of the NBA’s first Black head coaches. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the Warriors to their first NBA championship in 1975, culminating in a four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets. Steve Kerr, the current head coach of the Warriors, acknowledged Attles' indelible impact: “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.”
Beyond the Basketball Court
After his coaching tenure, Attles continued to make significant contributions to the Warriors organization, notably serving three seasons as general manager. His dedication to the franchise was acknowledged through various roles, including stints as vice president and consultant. To honor his incomparable impact, the Warriors retired Attles’ No. 16 jersey.
In recognition of his extraordinary career and commitment, Attles was enshrined in 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, a testament to his lifelong contributions to the sport.
A Legacy of Humanity
While Attles' accomplishments on the court were remarkable, his contributions off the court were equally notable. A compassionate humanitarian and a devoted family man, Attles left an indelible mark on the Bay Area community. In their statement, the Warriors eloquently summed up his far-reaching influence: “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.”
The passing of Al Attles marks the end of an era for the Golden State Warriors and the broader basketball community. His life’s work stands as a shining example of dedication, excellence, and humanitarianism. As Warriors fans reflect on his vast contributions, the flood of gratitude and remembrance underscores just how deeply Attles touched the world of basketball.