Alvin "Al" Attles, a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors and a beloved figure in basketball, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. News of his death brings a wave of reflection on a storied career that spanned several decades and numerous roles within the same organization.
A Warrior for Life
Attles' journey with the Warriors began in 1960 when he was drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Warriors. Standing at 6-foot-0, Attles carved out a niche as a determined and skilled guard. Over 11 seasons, he played in 711 games, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. Among his notable moments as a player was scoring 11 points during the legendary game in which Wilt Chamberlain set an NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962.
Trailblazing Coach
In 1970, Attles transitioned from player to coach, becoming one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. He quickly distinguished himself in this new role, leading the Warriors to their 1975 NBA championship with a dominant four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets. This championship run solidified his reputation as a forward-thinking and effective coach, earning the admiration and respect of his players and peers alike.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr encapsulated Attles' impact on 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."
Leadership Beyond the Court
Attles' leadership extended beyond coaching. He served as the general manager of the Warriors for three seasons, helping steer the organization through various transitions and challenges. Beyond this executive role, he held numerous positions within the team, including vice president and consultant, always remaining a guiding presence and a touchstone of the team’s history and ethos.
In recognition of his myriad contributions, the Warriors retired his No. 16 jersey, a testament to his enduring legacy and the profound mark he left on the franchise. His influence and impact were further recognized when he was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. The Hall of Fame also honored Attles with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, acknowledging his lifelong dedication and contributions to the game of basketball.
A Life of Legacy
The Warriors organization released a heartfelt statement following his passing, emphasizing Attles' multifaceted legacy: "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."
Attles’ footprint on the Warriors and the NBA as a whole cannot be overstated. His resilience, vision, and commitment to the sport have left an indelible mark, ensuring that his legacy will be remembered and cherished by basketball enthusiasts and the wider community for years to come.