Remembering Al Attles

Al Attles, linked to great players, Wilt Chamberlain and Rick Barry, and an NBA legend as part of the Warriors’ organization for over 60 years, dating back to their days in Philadelphia, died days back at age 87.

What a competitor, a force, a protector and as the highlight, coach of the pre season and final round longshot, title winning, 1974-1975 NBA champion, Golden State Warriors, led by Rick Barry.

Truly admirable to me, however, probably a bit foolish (don’t worry Al lived a great life, was part of all 5 Warriors’ titles and truly loved and was loved) is Mr. Attles’ regret, at the fact a great G.S. team was “semi’d” out by the Phoenix Suns in a “dark match” #7 (i.e. the NBA which has all its ‘offs tilts on now, did not “tv” that one), that loss, one major example of why no NBA team repeated as champion from ’70-’87.

Attles had quick hands and was a “protector,” most notably getting ejected from the ’75 title clincher (what memories, not at the shore that weekend or ever, but the call to ecstatic Warriors fan Guy DiRenzo (is it Di Rienzo?)as congratulations afterward) when Mike Riordan and Barry “engaged.”

Wilt was best man at Al’s wedding to Wilhemina and both Al and Wilt started their playing careers, Wilt in ’59-’60, Al the next season as members of the Philadelphia Warriors.

A joke “Hot Rod” Hundley told was that he and Elgin (Baylor) once combined for say, 76 points, with Elgin getting 74 and Hundley 2.

Al talked of he and Wilt combining for 117 that great night in Hershey, Pennsylvania, when Wilt hit 100. Attles shot a “worthy of compliment” 8 of 8 from the field that night.

What a distinguished career, classy Al Attles produced.

Al Attles, pictured above.