Alvin "Al" Attles, a cornerstone of the Warriors' legacy, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Attles leaves behind a rich history of contributions to the Warriors, spanning over decades in various capacities including player, coach, and general manager. His impact on the team and the larger basketball community remains undeniable.
Early Beginnings and Playing Career
Attles’ journey with the Warriors began when he was drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia Warriors. Standing at 6-foot-0, Attles played as a guard and spent his entire playing career with the Warriors. Over the course of 11 seasons, he played in 711 games, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. Notably, he was a key player in one of the most famous games in NBA history, scoring 11 points when Wilt Chamberlain set the NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962.
Transition to Coaching
In 1970, Attles became one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. His leadership and strategic acumen led the Warriors to their first NBA championship in 1975, guiding the team to a memorable four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets. This victory solidified his reputation as a skilled coach and a pivotal figure in Warriors history.
Executive Roles and Continued Influence
Beyond his coaching successes, Attles also served the Warriors in executive roles, including a tenure as general manager for three seasons. His influence extended further as he held positions such as vice president and consultant for the team. The Warriors honored his profound impact by retiring his No. 16 jersey.
Hall of Fame Recognition
Attles' contributions to basketball and his community did not go unrecognized. In 2014, he was honored with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. This was followed by his enshrinement into the Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019, cementing his legacy as one of the greats in the sport.
Personal Legacy
Attles' legacy is not only defined by his achievements in basketball but also by his character and community involvement. Reflecting on his influence, the Warriors released a heartfelt 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."
A Symbol of the Franchise
Warriors coach Steve Kerr emphasized Attles' lasting impact, 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."
Indeed, Al Attles' contributions to the Warriors and the broader basketball community have left an indelible mark. His legacy, defined by dedication, leadership, and humanity, will continue to inspire future generations.