NBA Legend Al Attles Passes Away at 87
The basketball world is mourning the loss of a true icon, Alvin "Al" Attles, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. A cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors' storied history, Attles leaves behind a legacy that stretches far beyond the court. Known for his contributions as a player, coach, and executive, Attles’ impact on the game and the Bay Area community is immeasurable.
Attles' journey with the Warriors began when he was drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors. Standing at 6-foot-0, the guard spent 11 seasons playing with the franchise, appearing in 711 games. He posted respectable career averages of 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. One of his notable performances came on March 2, 1962, when he scored 11 points in the historic game where Wilt Chamberlain famously netted 100 points against the New York Knicks.
Attles' influence on the Warriors wasn't confined to his playing days. In 1970, he became one of the NBA's first Black head coaches, marking a significant milestone not only for the franchise but for the league as a whole. Under his guidance, the Warriors captured the 1975 NBA championship by sweeping the Washington Bullets, a triumph that remains one of the franchise's enduring highlights.
His leadership extended to executive roles as well. Attles served as the general manager of the Warriors for three seasons and took on various other positions within the organization, including vice president and consultant. His enduring presence helped shape the franchise's cultural and strategic direction.
Reflecting on his multifaceted contributions, the Warriors honored Attles by retiring his No. 16 jersey. His exceptional achievements were further recognized when he was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. Additionally, in 2014, the Hall of Fame honored him with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Warriors released a heartfelt statement acknowledging the profound loss. "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 paid tribute: "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’ life and career serve as a testament to dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the sport of basketball. His endeavors off the court, coupled with his competitive spirit, have forged a legacy that will be cherished for generations to come.