Al Attles: A Pillar of the Golden State Warriors Legacy Passes Away at 87
Alvin "Al" Attles, a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors for decades, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Attles' life and career were the embodiment of dedication and versatility, making him one of the most cherished figures in the franchise's history.
Attles' journey with the Warriors began in 1960 when he was drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Warriors. Despite his modest stature at 6 feet tall, Attles carved out a notable playing career over 11 seasons, featuring in 711 games and earning averages of 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. He also played a memorable role in one of the NBA's most iconic moments, scoring 11 points in the same game where Wilt Chamberlain set the unreachable mark of 100 points against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962.
Transition to Leadership
In 1970, Attles broke new ground by becoming one of the first Black head coaches in the NBA, setting the stage for his most significant contributions to the Warriors. Under his leadership, the team achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the 1975 NBA championship, sweeping the Washington Bullets in a historic series that remains etched in the annals of the franchise.
Steve Kerr, the current Warriors coach, summed up Attles' indelible impact on the franchise and its fans, 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."
Enduring Influence
Attles' influence extended beyond the court and far beyond his coaching days. He transitioned to the administrative side of the organization, spending three seasons as general manager and serving in several other roles including vice president and consultant. His jersey, No. 16, now hangs in the rafters of the Chase Center, a symbol of his lasting legacy in the Warriors community.
In recognition of his lifelong contributions to basketball, Attles was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. He had previously received the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hall of Fame in 2014, further cementing his legacy as a stalwart in the world of basketball.
Remembering Al Attles
The Warriors issued a heartfelt statement honoring Attles' 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."
Attles' life was characterized by a profound love for the game and an unwavering commitment to his community. From his days as a tenacious guard to his achievements as a trailblazing coach and respected executive, his contributions have left an indelible mark on the Golden State Warriors and the sport at large.
The passing of Al Attles marks the end of an era for the Warriors, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. As the franchise and its fans reflect on his extraordinary life and career, they celebrate the enduring impact of a man who truly exemplified the spirit of the game.