Alvin "Al" Attles, the beloved figure whose legacy intertwined deeply with the Golden State Warriors and the broader basketball community, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. His contributions to the Warriors spanned decades, as he served the organization in nearly every capacity imaginable—from player to coach, general manager to vice president, and finally, consultant.
A Storied Career with the Warriors
Attles' journey with the Warriors began in 1960 when he was drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Warriors. Standing at 6-foot-0, he played as a guard for 11 seasons, appearing in 711 games. Over the course of his playing career, Attles averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. One of his most memorable moments on the court came on March 2, 1962, when he scored 11 points in the iconic game where Wilt Chamberlain set an NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks.
Attles' transition from player to coach came in 1970, making him one of the NBA’s first Black head coaches. His leadership from the sidelines reached its pinnacle in 1975 when he guided the Warriors to an NBA championship, culminating in a four-game sweep of the Washington Bullets. The achievement cemented his place in NBA history and deepened his bond with the Warriors organization and its fans.
His influence didn't stop at coaching; Attles also served as the Warriors' general manager for three seasons. In various roles over the years, including as vice president and consultant, his presence within the organization was a constant, helping to shape the team’s culture and direction.
A Legacy Honored
In recognition of his countless contributions, the Warriors retired Attles' No. 16 jersey, making sure that his impact on the team’s history would always be remembered. Further solidifying his legacy, he was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. Prior to that, in 2014, the Hall of Fame honored him with the prestigious John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award.
Remembering Al Attles
The Warriors organization expressed their profound sense of loss with a statement on Attles’ passing: "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 highlighted Attles' integral role within the franchise, stating, "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’ profound impact extended beyond just statistics and achievements. He was a symbol of dedication, service, and unyielding spirit. Through all his roles, he embodied the qualities that inspire both players and fans alike.
The news of Alvin Attles’ passing reverberates through the world of basketball, reminding us of the indelible mark he left on the sport and the community. His life will be celebrated not just for his professional accomplishments, but for the warmth, wisdom, and unwavering integrity he brought to everything he did. As the Warriors and the basketball community mourn his loss, they also honor the remarkable legacy of a man who truly personified the spirit of the game.