Source: San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images / Getty
UPDATED: 2:30 p.m. ET., August 21st, 2024
As we’ve come to understand year after year, day after day even, death is unfortunately an inevitable part of life. Still, as much of a fact as that may be, the blow of experiencing loss never gets any easier, nor does reporting on the subject in Black culture.
NBA Legend Al Attles passed away on Tuesday at his Bay Area home at the age of 87. Over more than six decades, Attles dedicated his talents and passion to the Warriors organization in various roles, including player, general manager, and team ambassador.
Attles began his professional career with the Philadelphia Warriors in 1960 after earning his degree from North Carolina A&T University. Initially hesitant to join the team, he eventually accepted the offer and attended training camp, marking the beginning of a remarkable six-decade-long association with the Warriors. Known for his defensive skills, Attles earned the nickname “The Destroyer” for his aggressive and strategic play. Throughout his 11 seasons with the Warriors, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds, and his No. 16 jersey was retired in his honor.
In 1968, while still an active player, Attles took on the role of assistant coach, and by the middle of the 1969–70 season, he became one of the first Black Head Coaches in the NBA, serving as player-coach. His leadership shone brightly in 1975 when he led the Golden State Warriors to their first NBA championship, balancing the challenging dual roles of player and coach.
Al Attles’ contributions to basketball were further recognized in 2019 when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor celebrated his significant impact on the sport as a player, coach, and ambassador, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in basketball history.
Attles’ remarkable career and dedication to the Warriors organization leave an indelible mark on the sport, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
The post Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2024 appeared first on Black America Web.
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