Basketball Legend Al Attles Passes Away at 87
The basketball community is mourning the loss of one of its stalwarts, Alvin "Al" Attles, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Attles' career and contributions to the Golden State Warriors spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise and the sport.
An Extension of the Warriors
Drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors, Al Attles was poised for greatness from the beginning. Standing at 6 feet tall, he played as a guard and over the course of an 11-season playing career, took to the court in 711 games. Attles averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game, numbers that hint at his consistent and reliable presence on the court.
One of the more memorable moments of his playing days came on March 2, 1962, when he scored 11 points in the game where Wilt Chamberlain set an NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks.
Transitioning from player to coach, Attles became one of the NBA's first Black head coaches in 1970. His leadership and vision were critical when he guided the Warriors to the 1975 NBA championship with a decisive four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets.
A Multifaceted Contributor
Al Attles' legacy wasn't confined to his contributions on the court. He also served as the general manager for the Warriors for three seasons, showcasing his acumen and deep understanding of the game from an administrative perspective. His roles within the organization were diverse; he contributed as a vice president and a consultant, providing veteran insights and guidance across several facets of the team's operations.
In recognition of his immense contributions, the Warriors retired his No. 16 jersey, a testament to his enduring impact on the franchise. Furthermore, Attles was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019, a crowning achievement that acknowledged his multiple decades of dedication and service to the sport.
His accolades also include the prestigious John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, conferred upon him by the Hall of Fame in 2014, further cementing his legacy as a pillar of the basketball community.
Tributes and Memories
The Warriors organization released a heartfelt statement, encapsulating the profound loss felt by many: "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 echoed these sentiments, pointing out the unique place Attles held within the franchise's history: "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 passing of Al Attles marks the end of an era for the Golden State Warriors and the broader basketball world. His multiple roles, from a dynamic player and pioneering coach to a strategic general manager and respected consultant, illustrate the diverse and far-reaching influence he wielded throughout his life. The respect and accolades he garnered are a reflection of his remarkable ability to inspire, lead, and excel in every capacity he undertook.
As the basketball community reflects on his life and legacy, Al Attles' contributions will undoubtedly continue to serve as an inspiration for future generations. His journey, marked by perseverance, excellence, and a deep love for the game, ensures that his memory will endure well into the future.