Al Attles, the first man to coach the Golden State Warriors to an NBA championship, has died. He was 87.
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The Warriors announced in a press release that Attles passed away on Tuesday.
"Attles, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019, joined the Philadelphia Warriors in 1960 as the club's fifth-round draft choice and has been affiliated with the franchise ever since, a span of over 60 years that represents the longest stint with a single franchise for any one person in NBA history," the Warriors' release read. "He is one of only six Warriors in franchise history to have his number retired (#16), along with Rick Barry (#24), Wilt Chamberlain (#13), Tom Meschery (#14), Chris Mullin (#17) and Nate Thurmond (#42)."
Attles appeared in 711 games with the Warriors, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists for his career. He spent his final two seasons as player/coach.
After that, he became the coach on a full-time basis, leading the Warriors to a sweep of the Washington Bullets in the 1975 NBA Finals.
"My heart is heavy today with the loss of my mentor and friend," Barry said. "Al was my roommate during my rookie season in the league. He taught me valuable lessons on being a professional that couldn't be learned on the court.
"Later, as our coach during the 1975 championship season, he exemplified leadership, togetherness and a keen strategic ability that enabled us to succeed at the highest level. We shared so many wonderful and memorable moments together. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Wilhelmina, and his entire family. He will be dearly missed."
Added Mullin: "This is a difficult day for me. Alvin Attles had a huge, positive influence on me and my career, not just drafting me in 1985 and bringing me to the Bay Area but guiding me through my journey as a player and a young man, both in good and difficult times. He was a dear friend, mentor and role model and someone I admired tremendously and tried to emulate. He set the standard for all of us when it comes to integrity and humility and was truly a champion both on and off the court. There will never be another Alvin Attles."
(This article originally appeared on Hoops Wire and was republished with permission.)
