Al Attles: A Storied Legacy in Basketball
Alvin “Al” Attles, an enduring figure in the world of basketball and a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Attles' long-standing association with the Warriors spanned several pivotal roles, from player to coach, and eventually to general manager and consultant, embodying a lifetime of dedication to the sport and the team.
In the 1960 NBA draft, Attles was selected in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Warriors. Standing at six feet tall, he played as a guard, dedicating 11 seasons to the team and racking up 711 games. Throughout his playing career, Attles demonstrated consistent performance, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. One of his notable contributions on the court was scoring 11 points during the historic game on March 2, 1962, when Wilt Chamberlain set an NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks.
Transitioning from player to coach, Attles made history in 1970 by becoming one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. His leadership abilities were soon on full display when he guided the Warriors to the 1975 NBA championship, securing the title with a decisive four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets.
His tenure as general manager of the Warriors lasted for three seasons, during which time he continued to influence the team’s direction and fortunes. Attles' influence within the organization extended beyond official titles as he also served as vice president and consultant, marking him as an integral and enduring presence within the franchise.
Reflecting on his profound and lasting impact, the Warriors organization 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." This sentiment encapsulates the wide-reaching influence Attles had on those within and beyond the basketball community.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr also expressed his admiration for Attles, 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."
In recognition of his impressive career and contributions, Attles' No. 16 jersey was retired by the Warriors, allowing his legacy to live on in the rafters. His contributions to the sport were further immortalized when he was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. Attles was also the recipient of the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, underscoring his lifelong commitment and service to basketball.
Al Attles' passing marks the end of an era for the Golden State Warriors and the game of basketball. His journey from player to esteemed executive illustrates a career replete with milestones and achievements. More importantly, his legacy is characterized by his unwavering dedication, impactful leadership, and profound humanity—a fitting tribute to a true legend of the sport.