Basketball lost one of its enduring figures as Alvin "Al" Attles passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Attles' name is synonymous with the Golden State Warriors, where his influence spanned across the roles of player, coach, and general manager, leaving an indelible mark on the organization and the sport.
A Storied Career Begins
Al Attles' journey into the NBA began when he was drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors. Known for his grit and determination, the 6-foot-0 guard would eventually play 711 games over the course of 11 seasons. He became a reliable presence on the court, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game.
Attles wasn’t just a footnote in the pages of NBA history. On March 2, 1962, he was part of one of the most memorable moments in basketball. During the game where Wilt Chamberlain scored an astonishing 100 points against the New York Knicks, Attles contributed with 11 points, reminding fans that basketball is always a team effort, even in legendary moments.
Pioneering Leadership
In 1970, Attles broke new ground by becoming one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. His leadership skills were evident as he guided the Warriors to their 1975 NBA championship, clinching the title with a four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets. This victory was a testament not only to his tactical acumen but also to his ability to inspire and lead his team to greatness.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr highlighted Attles' profound impact on the franchise, saying, "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."
Beyond the Court
Attles' contributions extended beyond his roles on the court and sidelines. He served as the general manager for the Warriors for three seasons and held various other positions within the organization, including vice president and consultant. His versatility and dedication to the Warriors helped shape the team’s identity over the decades.
His contributions were never forgotten. The Warriors retired his No. 16 jersey, marking his permanent legacy within the team. His influence was further recognized in 2014 when the Hall of Fame honored him with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, and again in 2019 when he was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
A Lasting Legacy
Al Attles wasn’t just a basketball figure; he was a cherished member of the Bay Area community, known for his commitment as a family man and humanitarian. Reflecting on this, the Warriors issued 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."
In a sports world often dominated by statistics and accolades, Al Attles' life and career remind us of the profound impact one individual can have on a team, a sport, and a community. As an icon of the Warriors and a trailblazer in the NBA, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of fans and players alike.