Alvin "Al" Attles, a towering figure in the history of the Golden State Warriors, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Attles' exceptional contributions to the Warriors spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark as a player, coach, and general manager. His legacy, both on and off the court, has left an enduring impact that will be remembered by generations of basketball fans.
Early Career and Playing Days
Drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors, Attles quickly rose to prominence as a reliable and talented guard. Standing at 6-foot-0, Attles played 711 games over 11 seasons, demonstrating remarkable consistency and skill. Throughout his playing career, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. His contributions were not limited to mere statistics; Attles was a crucial part of iconic moments in NBA history.
One such moment was on March 2, 1962, when Wilt Chamberlain set the NBA's single-game scoring record by dropping 100 points against the New York Knicks. Attles, playing alongside Chamberlain, scored 11 points in that legendary game, further cementing his place in basketball lore.
A Trailblazing Coach
In 1970, Attles broke new ground by becoming one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. His coaching prowess was swiftly evident as he led the Warriors to their 1975 NBA championship with a dominant four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets. Attles' leadership not only brought glory to the franchise but also paved the way for future generations of coaches.
Extending His Influence off the Court
Beyond his coaching success, Attles served as the Warriors' general manager for three seasons. His dedication to the team knew no bounds, as he took on various roles within the organization, including vice president and consultant. His deep-rooted connection to the Warriors was immortalized when the franchise retired his No. 16 jersey, a testament to his immense contributions.
Honors and Recognition
The basketball community extended its admiration for Attles when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. This recognition was a fitting tribute to a man whose influence extended far beyond the court. In 2014, the Hall of Fame honored Attles with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, further solidifying his status as a basketball legend.
Remembering Al Attles
Alvin Attles' passing is felt deeply not only within the Warriors organization but also within the broader Bay Area community. In a statement, the Warriors eloquently captured the essence of Attles' enduring 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 also reflected on Attles' indelible impact, 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."
As the basketball world remembers Al Attles, his legacy continues to inspire. His remarkable journey from player to coach to executive showcased not only his versatility but also his unwavering commitment to excellence. Attles' contributions will forever be etched in the annals of NBA history, serving as a beacon for future generations to follow. His life and career exemplified the values of hard work, dedication, and integrity, leaving an enduring legacy that extends far beyond the basketball court.