Alvin "Al" Attles, a legendary figure in the world of basketball and an enduring symbol of the Golden State Warriors, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Attles' extraordinary connection with the Warriors spanned an incredible length of time, encompassing roles as a player, coach, and general manager. His impact on the franchise and the community is profound and lasting.
Player, Coach, and Mentor
Attles' journey with the Warriors began when he was drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors. At 6-foot-0, he carved out a significant presence on the court, playing 711 games over 11 seasons. As a guard, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game, statistics that echo his versatility and reliability. Notably, Attles scored 11 points in the iconic game on March 2, 1962, where Wilt Chamberlain broke records with a stunning 100-point performance against the New York Knicks.
In 1970, Attles broke new ground by becoming one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. Under his leadership, the Warriors reached new heights. His most remarkable achievement came in 1975, when he guided the team to an NBA championship with a decisive four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets. His ability to mentor and lead his players was instrumental in this historic victory.
Beyond the Court
After his tenure as a player and coach, Attles continued to shape the Warriors' future as their general manager for three seasons, imparting his vision and expertise to the broader organization's strategies. His influence did not stop there; he held several key roles within the Warriors, including vice president and consultant, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the team's success.
The Warriors honored Attles by retiring his No. 16 jersey, a testament to his invaluable contributions both on and off the court. Recognition of his impact extended beyond the Warriors, as Attles was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. Five years earlier, in 2014, the Hall of Fame bestowed him with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, underscoring his lifetime dedication to the sport.
A Lasting Legacy
Reflecting on Attles' enduring presence, the Warriors issued a 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." Such sentiments echo throughout the Warriors’ community, highlighting the personal connections Attles forged over the years.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr spoke to Attles' unique place in the franchise's history, 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." Kerr’s words capture the essence of Attles’ integral role within the Warriors’ legacy and his lasting impact on countless fans and players alike.
Al Attles' life and career are etched into the annals of basketball history, a testament to his dedication, skill, and leadership. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations, both within the Golden State Warriors organization and across the entire sport.