An Enduring Legacy: Al Attles Passes Away at 87
The basketball world is mourning the loss of a legend. Alvin "Al" Attles, a towering figure in the history of the Golden State Warriors and the NBA, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Attles' contributions to the Warriors extended over decades and left an indelible mark on the franchise and the sport itself.
Attles' Storied Career
Attles began his association with the Warriors in 1960 when he was drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Warriors. Standing 6-foot-0, the guard quickly established himself as a reliable presence on the court. Over the course of 11 seasons, he played in 711 games, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game.
One of the most memorable moments of his playing career came on March 2, 1962. Attles was on the court and scored 11 points in the historic game where his teammate, Wilt Chamberlain, set an NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks.
A Trailblazer in Coaching
Attles' impact on the Warriors was not confined to his playing days. In 1970, he broke new ground by becoming one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. He guided the Warriors to one of their greatest triumphs, leading them to an NBA championship in 1975 with a spectacular four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets.
Beyond coaching, Attles took on the role of general manager for the Warriors for three seasons. His influence within the organization was far-reaching, and he occupied several positions, including vice president and consultant.
Honoring a Legend
Recognition of Attles' exceptional contributions came in various forms. The Warriors retired his No. 16 jersey as a tribute to his enduring impact on the team. In 2014, Attles' lifetime of dedication to basketball and the Warriors was honored with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award. Five years later, in 2019, he was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a testament to his significant influence on the sport.
The Warriors released a heartfelt statement expressing their grief and celebrating Attles' 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 echoed these sentiments, highlighting Attles' indispensable role in the franchise's history: "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."
A Life of Influence
Al Attles' life was defined by his passion for basketball, his unwavering dedication to the Warriors, and his groundbreaking achievements. His journey from a player to a trailblazing coach and influential executive exemplifies a lifetime of accomplishments that have left an indelible legacy.
As the Warriors and the basketball community reflect on Attles' contributions, they celebrate a man who not only shaped a franchise but also paved the way for future generations. His influence resonates not just in the statistics of his career but in the lives he touched and the barriers he broke on and off the court. Al Attles will forever be remembered as a true icon of the game.