The basketball world is mourning the loss of the legendary Al Attles, who passed away at the age of 87. Attles, a six-foot point guard, spent his entire 11-year playing career with the Warriors, starting back when they were known as the Philadelphia Warriors and ending as the San Francisco Warriors. Known for his loyalty and dedication to the team, Attles truly embodied what it meant to be a Warrior.
Attles, a Newark, New Jersey native, played college basketball for North Carolina A&T before being selected by the Warriors in the 1960 NBA Draft. Despite never winning a championship as a player, Attles helped lead the Warriors to two NBA Finals appearances in 1964 and 1967. His impact was felt both on and off the court, as Attles played a total of 62 playoff games for the Warriors, showcasing his skills and leadership abilities.
Throughout his playing career, Attles had several standout moments, including scoring a career-high of 33 points against the New York Knicks and recording a triple-double of 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists against the Seattle SuperSonics. With averages of 8.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game in 711 regular season games, Attles made his mark as a reliable and versatile player for the Warriors.
However, it was as a head coach that Attles truly made history. In the 1974-75 season, Attles led the Warriors to their second NBA championship, sweeping the Washington Bullets in the Finals. With a coaching career record of 557-518, Attles guided the Warriors to multiple 50+ win seasons, including a best of 59-23 in 1975-76. His teams made the playoffs six times, with two Western Conference Finals appearances in addition to their championship run.
The legacy of Al Attles will forever be tied to the Golden State Warriors, as he left an indelible mark on the franchise both as a player and a coach. His contributions to the team’s history and success will never be forgotten, as he will always be remembered as a true Warrior. As the basketball world mourns his passing, we celebrate his life and the impact he had on the game we all love. rest in peace Al Attles.
