The basketball world mourns the loss of an iconic figure, Alvin "Al" Attles, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Attles' remarkable contributions to the Golden State Warriors franchise spanned decades, imbuing the team with his leadership, dedication, and talent as a player, coach, and general manager.
Legacy on the Court
Drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors, Attles began his illustrious career as a 6-foot-0 guard. Over the course of 11 seasons, he showcased his skills in 711 games. During that time, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. One of his most memorable moments on the court was when he scored 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.
A Trailblazer in Coaching
In 1970, Attles transitioned from player to coach, becoming one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. Under his leadership, the Golden State Warriors achieved one of their greatest milestones: the 1975 NBA championship. Attles guided the team to victory with a stunning four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets, cementing his legacy as a brilliant strategist and leader.
Beyond Coaching: The Executive Era
The breadth of Attles' influence extended beyond the sidelines as he stepped into executive roles within the Warriors organization. He served as general manager for three seasons and fulfilled various other responsibilities, including vice president and consultant. His strategic insights and deep understanding of the game were invaluable to the team's long-term success.
Enduring Recognition
Attles' contributions to basketball and the Warriors did not go unrecognized. The organization honored him by retiring his No. 16 jersey, a testament to his monumental impact on the franchise. In addition, Attles was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019, solidifying his status as one of the sport's legendary figures. He was earlier honored with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award by the Hall of Fame in 2014.
Tributes and Remembrance
The Warriors organization released a heartfelt statement, emphasizing Attles' profound 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."
Warriors coach Steve Kerr also paid tribute to the beloved figure: "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 Sr. will be remembered not just for his impressive achievements and milestones but for the indelible mark he left on the NBA and the Golden State Warriors. His legacy as a player, coach, and exemplary figure in sports administration ensures that his influence will endure for generations to come.
The basketball community, alongside those who had the privilege of knowing Attles personally, will forever cherish the memories and the monumental contributions he made to the sport. His life serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the power of dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the game of basketball.