Alvin "Al" Attles, a revered figure in the history of the Golden State Warriors, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. His legacy within the organization and the broader basketball community is profound, spanning roles as a player, coach, and general manager. Attles' significant contributions cemented him as a central figure in Warriors' history.
A Distinguished Playing Career
Drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors, Attles quickly established himself on the court. Playing as a 6-foot-0 guard, he appeared in 711 games over 11 seasons, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. His defensive prowess and leadership were key attributes that he brought to every game.
Attles was also immortalized in one of the NBA's greatest moments. On March 2, 1962, he scored 11 points in the game where Wilt Chamberlain famously set the NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks. This game remains a landmark in NBA history, and Attles' participation in it speaks to his integral role during that era.
Transition to Coaching and Management
Attles' transition from player to coach was a pioneering move, as he became one of the NBA's first Black head coaches in 1970. His coaching tenure reached its pinnacle in 1975 when he guided the Warriors to an NBA championship, triumphing in a four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets. This victory remains one of the franchise's most cherished achievements.
Attles didn't stop at coaching. He also served as the general manager for the Warriors for three seasons. His leadership helped steer the team through various phases, reflecting his deep understanding and love for the game.
Beyond the Court
Throughout his career, Attles held multiple roles within the Warriors organization, including vice president and consultant. His influence extended beyond the court and front office, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise's culture and community presence.
In recognition of his immense contributions, the Warriors retired Attles' No. 16 jersey. His legacy was further honored when he was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. The Hall of Fame also awarded him the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, underlining his lifelong commitment to basketball.
A Lasting Legacy
Reflecting on Attles' passing, the Warriors released a poignant 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 paid tribute to Attles, emphasizing his unique position within the franchise's history. "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," Kerr remarked.
Al Attles' impact on the Golden State Warriors and the NBA at large is immeasurable. His journey from a dedicated player to a trailblazing coach and respected executive exemplifies a life devoted to basketball. While his passing leaves a void, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations within the Warriors' community and beyond.