Alvin Attles

Alvin Attles was an American professional basketball player and coach who spent his entire National Basketball Association career with the Philadelphia Warriors/San Francisco Warriors organization, first as a player and later as a coach, leading them to their first NBA Championship on the West Coast in 1975.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Alvin Austin Attles Jr. was born on November 7, 1936, in Newark, New Jersey, and passed away on August 20, 2024, in Oakland, California. He stood 183 cm tall and his weight was last listed at 79 kg. He shoots right and played point guard throughout his career.

Attles married Wilhelmina Rice in 1964, with Warriors teammate Wilt Chamberlain serving as his best man. They had two children, Alvin III and Ericka. He earned his master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of San Francisco in 1983.

High School and College Career

Attles attended Weequahic High School in Newark, New Jersey. He then played college basketball at North Carolina A&T from 1956 to 1960. The university later retired his jersey number 22.

Professional Career

Attles was selected by the Philadelphia Warriors in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA Draft. He spent his entire 11-year playing career with the Warriors organization, following the team's move from Philadelphia to San Francisco.

After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, becoming one of the first African-American coaches in NBA history. His most notable achievement came in 1975 when he led the Golden State Warriors to their first NBA championship since moving to California.

Career Highlights

• 1975 - NBA Champion (as coach)
• 1975, 1976 - NBA All-Star Game Head Coach
• 2017 - Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award
• Jersey Number 16 Retired by Golden State Warriors
• Jersey Number 22 Retired by North Carolina A&T