Alvin "Al" Attles, a True Warrior, Passes Away at 87
The basketball world mourns the loss of a legend as Alvin "Al" Attles, a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors franchise, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Attles' life and career were marked by a profound dedication to the game of basketball and his unwavering commitment to the Warriors organization.
Drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors, Attles began his journey as a 6-foot-0 guard. Over the course of 11 seasons, he played in 711 games, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. His contributions were not just statistical; he was a pivotal player in one of the NBA's most historic moments. On March 2, 1962, Attles scored 11 points in the game where his teammate, Wilt Chamberlain, set an NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks.
Attles' influence extended far beyond his playing days. In 1970, he broke barriers as one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. He guided the Warriors to their 1975 NBA championship with a commanding four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets, cementing his legacy as a brilliant strategist and leader. After his tenure as head coach, which lasted for 14 seasons, Attles continued to shape the Warriors' destiny in various executive roles, including a three-season stint as general manager.
His relentless dedication to the organization was recognized with numerous accolades. The Warriors retired his No. 16 jersey, an honor reserved for the most impactful figures in the team's history. In 2014, the Hall of Fame American Basketball honored him with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, and five years later, he was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019.
A Lifelong Commitment to the Warriors
Al Attles was more than just a player and coach; he was the heart and soul of the Warriors for generations. His roles within the organization spanned from head coach to general manager, vice president, and consultant. Attles' name became synonymous with the Warriors’ enduring spirit and determination. As Warriors coach Steve Kerr aptly put it, "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."
The Warriors organization released a statement that encapsulated the deep sense of loss felt by all who knew Attles, stating, "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."
A Lasting Legacy Beyond Basketball
Al Attles' commitment to the game and his community left an indelible mark. His life story is not just one of personal achievement but is interwoven with the very fabric of the Warriors' history. He exemplified the power of dedication, perseverance, and integrity, both on and off the court.
The basketball community and Warriors fans alike reflect on Attles' remarkable journey with heavy hearts but also with immense respect and admiration for a man who gave so much to the sport and to the community. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations, and his contributions will forever be remembered as an integral part of NBA history.