An Iconic Legacy: Remembering Alvin "Al" Attles
The basketball world and the Bay Area community are in mourning following the passing of Alvin "Al" Attles on Tuesday at the age of 87. Attles, whose contributions to the Golden State Warriors extended beyond the court and into nearly every facet of the organization, leaves behind a rich legacy as a player, coach, executive, and humanitarian.
Early Life and Playing Career
Drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors, Attles quickly established himself as a tenacious 6-foot-0 guard. Over 11 seasons, he appeared in 711 games, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. Notably, Attles played a pivotal role in one of the NBA's most historic games—he scored 11 points in the March 2, 1962, game where Wilt Chamberlain set an NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks.
Trailblazing Coach and Leader
In 1970, Attles became one of the NBA’s first Black head coaches, a testament to his deep understanding of the game and his unrivaled leadership abilities. Under his guidance, the Warriors achieved a crowning moment by clinching the 1975 NBA championship with a dominant four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets.
A Storied Executive Career
After his success on the sidelines, Attles transitioned seamlessly into the front office, serving as the Warriors' general manager for three seasons. His impact didn’t stop there—he also held positions as vice president and consultant, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the franchise.
Honors and Legacy
The Warriors organization recognized Attles' invaluable contributions by retiring his No. 16 jersey. In 2014, he was honored with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, underscoring his enduring impact on the sport. His legacy was further cemented with his enshrinement into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019.
Reflecting on a Legend
In the face of this profound loss, the Warriors organization released 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."
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who has led the team to multiple championships in recent years, also expressed his deep admiration: "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."
Attles' influence transcended the basketball court, impacting countless lives both within and beyond the sport. His dedication to the game, leadership qualities, and humanitarian efforts have left an indelible mark on the Warriors franchise and the broader basketball community. While he may no longer be with us, Attles' spirit and contributions will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.