Dec 21, 2019; San Francisco, California, USA; Basketball Hall of Fame member Al Attles sits courtside during the game between the Arizona Wildcats and the St. John's Red Storm at Chase Center. / Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Alvin “Al” Attles, a legendary figure in the history of the Golden State Warriors, passed away at the age of 87. Attles, who dedicated over six decades to the Warriors as a player, coach, general manager, and ambassador, left an indelible mark on the franchise and the broader basketball community.
Early Life and Playing Career
Born on November 7, 1936, in Newark, New Jersey, Al Attles’ basketball journey began at North Carolina A&T State University, where he was a standout player. In 1960, he was selected by the Philadelphia Warriors in the fifth round of the NBA Draft. Despite being a late-round pick, Attles quickly established himself as a formidable guard known for his tenacious defense and physical style of play, earning the nickname “The Destroyer”.
Moreover, Attles spent his entire 11-season playing career with the Warriors, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He was a key player during Wilt Chamberlain’s historic 100-point game in 1962, contributing 17 points on a perfect 8-for-8 shooting.
Transition to Coaching
As his playing career wound down, Attles transitioned to coaching, becoming one of the NBA’s first Black head coaches. He served as a player-coach during the 1969-70 season before fully committing to coaching. Furthermore, Attles’ coaching career highlighted his leading the Warriors to their first NBA championship in 1975, a remarkable achievement that saw him sweep the Washington Bullets in the Finals.
Under Attles’ leadership, the Warriors became a formidable force in the NBA. He coached the team for 13 seasons, amassing a franchise-record 557 wins and guiding them to six playoff appearances. His strategic skills and ability to foster team unity were key in the Warriors’ success during this period.
Executive Roles and Legacy
After stepping down as head coach in 1983, Attles continued to serve the Warriors in various executive roles, including general manager and vice president. However. his influence extended beyond the court, as he became a beloved figure in the Bay Area community, known for his humility, grace, and dedication to humanitarian causes.
Attles earned induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019 for his contributions to basketball. The Warriors retired Attles’ No. 16 jersey, a testament to his enduring legacy with the franchise.
Final Years and Passing
In his later years, Attles remained actively involved with the Warriors as a community ambassador, attending games and events, and continuing to inspire new generations of players and fans. He passed away peacefully at his home in the San Francisco Bay Area, surrounded by his family.
The Warriors and the broader basketball community mourn the loss of Al Attles, a true pioneer and legend of the game. His legacy as a player, coach, executive, and humanitarian will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
