Alvin "Al" Attles, a towering figure in the history of the Golden State Warriors and the NBA as a whole, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. His contributions to the Warriors spanned decades, encompassing roles as a player, coach, and general manager, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise and the sport.
A Storied Playing Career
Drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors, Attles played as a 6-foot-0 guard. Over an impressive 11-season career, he appeared in 711 games, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. One of the standout moments of his playing career came on March 2, 1962, when he scored 11 points in the historic game where Wilt Chamberlain set the NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks.
Pioneering Coaching Achievements
In 1970, Attles made history by becoming one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. His tenure as a coach reached its pinnacle in 1975 when he guided the Warriors to an NBA championship, achieving a remarkable four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets. His coaching success cemented his legacy within the organization and the broader basketball community.
Leadership Off the Court
Beyond his playing and coaching careers, Attles also served the Warriors as a general manager for three seasons. His contributions to the Warriors didn't end there; he also held various roles within the organization, including vice president and consultant. His leadership and dedication were so profound that the Warriors retired his No. 16 jersey in his honor.
A Lifetime of Recognition
The basketball world recognized Attles' impact in multiple ways. In 2014, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame honored him with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award. Five years later, he was enshrined into the Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019, a testament to his enduring influence on and off the court.
Legacy and Tributes
Attles' contributions reached beyond just statistics and championships. According to a statement from the Warriors, "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 elaborated on Attles’ significance to the franchise, 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."
As the Warriors and the basketball community at large mourn the loss of Alvin Attles, it is clear that his legacy will be remembered not only for his achievements on the court but also for his profound character and contributions to the community. His life's work has left an indelible mark on the sport and will continue to inspire future generations of players, coaches, and fans.