WEB Warriors Hall of Famer Al Attles, One of NBA's First Black Head Coaches, Dies at 87
Al Attles, Trailblazing Coach and Witness to NBA History
Al Attles, a pioneering figure in basketball and one of the National Basketball Association's (NBA) first Black head coaches, has passed away at the age of 87.
Attles played a pivotal role in the Warriors' success during the team's early years, helping to establish the foundation for the franchise's future accomplishments.
A Legacy of Firsts
- Attles was one of the first four Black head coaches in the NBA, along with Bill Russell, Lenny Wilkens, and K.C. Jones.
- He led the Warriors to the NBA Finals in 1975, becoming the first Black head coach to reach the championship series.
- Attles was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019, receiving recognition for his contributions to the sport.
Watching History Unfold
Attles's career spanned some of the most iconic moments in NBA history, and he had a front-row seat to some of the game's greatest players.
As a player, he witnessed Wilt Chamberlain's legendary 100-point game in 1962.
As a coach, he guided the Warriors through the "Run TMC" era, known for its fast-paced and high-scoring style of play.
Tributes from the Basketball World
Attles's passing has drawn tributes from across the basketball community, including from Warriors superstar Stephen Curry, who called him a "legend" and a "pioneer."
Former teammate Rick Barry remembered Attles as a "great friend," while former Warriors general manager Bob Myers praised him as a "trailblazer."
Al Attles's legacy as a pioneer and a basketball icon will continue to inspire generations of players and fans.
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