Alvin "Al" Attles, a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors franchise, passed away on Tuesday at the venerable age of 87. Attles left an indelible mark on the Warriors and the game of basketball through his multifaceted roles as a player, coach, and general manager spanning decades.
A Lifelong Commitment to the Warriors
Attles’ journey with the Warriors began when he was drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA Draft by the then Philadelphia Warriors. As a 6-foot-0 guard, Attles displayed determination and skill over his 11 seasons, accumulating a record of 711 games. On the court, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game, underscoring his steady performance. A notable moment in his playing career came when he scored 11 points in Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary 100-point game against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962.
Breaking Barriers as a Coach
In 1970, Attles made history as one of the NBA’s first Black head coaches. His leadership and strategic acumen led the Warriors to their triumphant 1975 NBA championship, achieved with a commanding four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets. This victory remains a highlight in the annals of the Warriors’ storied history.
Expanding His Influence
Beyond his coaching endeavors, Attles also steered the Warriors’ front office operations. He served as the general manager for three seasons and held various influential roles within the organization, including vice president and consultant. His deep-seated involvement in the organizational framework of the Warriors cemented his legacy within the franchise.
Recognition and Legacy
Alvin Attles’ contributions to basketball have not gone unrecognized. The Warriors retired his No. 16 jersey as a testament to his impact on and off the court. In 2014, the Hall of Fame honored him with the prestigious John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award. Further solidifying his legacy, Attles was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. These accolades highlight not just his prowess in the sport but also his enduring influence on basketball culture.
Remembering Alvin Attles
The Warriors issued a heartfelt statement mourning his loss: "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." The sentiment echoes the deep affection and respect that the Warriors family and the broader NBA community have for Attles.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr also reflected on Attles’ monumental influence: "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 Attles’ journey from a determined player to a revered coach and respected executive outlines a career punctuated by milestones and heartfelt contributions to the sport. His legacy, echoed through the halls of the Warriors’ organization and the greater NBA community, ensures his memory will be cherished for generations to come.