Alvin "Al" Attles, a towering figure in the history of the Golden State Warriors, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Attles' association with the Warriors spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark as a player, coach, and general manager.
A Storied Playing Career
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 over 11 seasons, he graced the court in 711 games. Throughout his career, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. One of his notable achievements as a player was scoring 11 points in the historic game where Wilt Chamberlain set an NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962.
Trailblazing as a Coach
In 1970, Attles transitioned from player to one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. His leadership culminated in guiding the Warriors to the 1975 NBA championship, sweeping the Washington Bullets in four games. His tenure as head coach not only brought success on the court but also set a precedent for future generations of Black coaches in the league.
Enduring Legacy in Management
Following his coaching career, Attles assumed the role of general manager for the Warriors, a position he held for three seasons. His influence extended beyond administrative duties; he served in various capacities including vice president and consultant. The Warriors honored his contributions by retiring his No. 16 jersey, a testament to his enduring legacy within the organization.
Recognition and Accolades
In 2014, the Hall of Fame bestowed upon Attles the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award. Five years later, in 2019, he was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying his status as a basketball legend.
Impact on the Community
Attles was much more than a basketball icon; he was a cherished figure in the Bay Area community. The Warriors released a heartfelt statement saying, "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 Role Model for Generations
Current Warriors coach Steve Kerr encapsulated Attles' significance to the franchise, 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."
Attles' passing marks the end of an era for the Warriors and the NBA at large. His contributions, both on and off the court, have left an indelible mark on the world of basketball, creating a legacy that will inspire future generations. As the Warriors and the broader basketball community mourn his loss, they also celebrate the life of a man whose impact was felt far beyond the hardwood.