Remembering Alvin "Al" Attles: The Heart and Soul of the Golden State Warriors
On Tuesday, the basketball world lost an iconic figure, Alvin "Al" Attles, who passed away at the age of 87. Attles’ legacy with the Golden State Warriors is profound, marked by his enduring contributions as a player, coach, and executive. His influence extended far beyond the court, encapsulating the spirit and resilience of the Warriors franchise.
Early NBA Career
Attles was drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors. Standing at 6 feet tall, Attles played as a guard, quickly making a name for himself with his tenacious defense and unyielding dedication. Over 11 seasons, he played in 711 games, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds.
Throughout his playing career, one of Attles' most memorable moments came during Wilt Chamberlain's historic 100-point game against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962. Attles himself contributed 11 points in that legendary game, solidifying his place in basketball lore.
Trailblazing Coach and Championship Leader
In 1970, Attles broke new ground by becoming one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. His tenure as coach was marked by strategic brilliance and an unwavering commitment to his team. Attles guided the Warriors to the 1975 NBA championship with a commanding four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets, cementing his legacy as a formidable leader.
Extended Influence as Executive
After his coaching career, Attles continued to shape the franchise from the front office. He served as general manager for three seasons and held various roles including vice president and consultant. His leadership was instrumental during these periods, ensuring that the team's values and competitive spirit remained intact.
The Warriors honored Attles by retiring his No. 16 jersey, celebrating his contributions and the indelible mark he left on the franchise.
Hall of Fame Recognition and Lifetime Achievement
Attles’ illustrious career earned him a place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. Further acknowledging his significant impact, the Hall of Fame honored him with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.
A Legacy Beyond Basketball
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Attles was revered for his character and humanity. The Warriors released a heartfelt statement emphasizing the personal legacy he leaves behind. "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’ lasting influence: "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."
Al Attles’ powerful legacy as a player, coach, executive, and human being epitomizes the very best of what the sport of basketball can represent. His life and career will continue to inspire and influence future generations within the Warriors community and the broader NBA family.