Alvin "Al" Attles, a legendary figure whose association with the Warriors spanned over six decades, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Attles' passing marks the end of an era that saw him transition from a player to a coach, and finally into roles as a general manager and beyond, cementing his legacy within the Warriors organization and the NBA at large.
A Storied Career
Attles was drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors, who would later become the Golden State Warriors. As a 6-foot-0 guard, Attles played 11 seasons, participating in 711 games. Known for his remarkable consistency and leadership, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game.
One of the highlights of his playing career came on March 2, 1962, when Wilt Chamberlain set an NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks. Attles was an instrumental figure in that historic game, contributing 11 points to the Warriors' total.
Pioneering a Path as a Coach
Attles made history in 1970 when he became one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. Displaying the tenacity and strategic acumen that defined his playing days, he guided the Warriors to the 1975 NBA championship. The series was a landmark moment for the team, as the Warriors swept the Washington Bullets in four games, securing their first title under Attles' leadership.
After his tenure as head coach, which lasted until 1983, Attles transitioned into the front office, serving as general manager for three seasons. His impact didn't cease there; Attles continued to be a pivotal figure within the Warriors organization, taking on roles that included vice president and consultant, always steering the team with his wealth of knowledge and unwavering dedication.
A Lasting Legacy
In recognition of his immense contributions, the Warriors retired Attles' No. 16 jersey, a symbol of his indelible impact on the franchise. His influence extended beyond the basketball court and basketball operations. He was also celebrated for his humanitarian efforts and commitment to the community.
Attles' storied career and multifaceted contributions were honored when he was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. Previously, in 2014, the Hall of Fame acknowledged his lifetime of achievements with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, underscoring his significant influence on the sport and beyond.
Tributes and Reflections
The Warriors released a heartfelt statement following Attles' passing, highlighting the personal and professional legacy he leaves behind: "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 offered a poignant reflection on Attles' profound 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."
Alvin "Al" Attles, through his enduring dedication and multifaceted contributions to the game, remains a beacon of excellence. His legacy is firmly entrenched in the annals of basketball history, a testament to his enduring spirit and the profound impact he had on the game, the Warriors, and the broader community. With his passing, the NBA has lost not only a trailblazer and champion but also a beloved figure whose influence will be felt for generations to come.