Al Attles was born on July 11, 1936, in Newark, New Jersey. He discovered his love for basketball at a young age and honed his skills on the courts of his hometown. Attles was a standout athlete in high school, but it was at North Carolina A&T where he truly made a name for himself on the basketball court.
Attles played college basketball at historically Black North Carolina A&T, where he quickly became a star player. His exceptional talent caught the attention of NBA scouts, and he was selected 39th overall in the 1960 NBA draft.
Attles joined the Philadelphia Warriors in 1960 and would go on to spend his entire playing career with the franchise, which later became known as the Golden State Warriors. Known for his exceptional ball-handling and court vision, Attles quickly became a fan favorite and a key player for the Warriors.
During his time with the Warriors, Attles was a key part of the team that won the NBA championship in 1975. This victory was a historic moment, as Attles became the second African-American coach to lead his team to a championship, joining the legendary Bill Russell.
After retiring as a player, Attles transitioned into coaching and took over as head coach of the Warriors in 1970. He would go on to coach the team for over a decade, guiding them to multiple playoff appearances and further solidifying his legacy in Warriors history.
Attles' impact on the Golden State Warriors franchise cannot be overstated. His number 16 jersey was retired by the team, cementing his place in Warriors lore. Even in his 70s, Attles remained a dedicated fan of the team, attending every home game and cheering on the players with the same passion he displayed on the court.
Al Attles will always be remembered as a trailblazer in the world of basketball, both as a player and a coach. His contributions to the game and his unwavering dedication to the Warriors organization have left an indelible mark on the sport.
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