Mon Oct 28 04:18:59 UTC 2024: ## Oakland Honors Legendary Warriors Coach Al Attles, Champion of the Community
Oakland City Hall hosted a special tribute last week to honor the late Al Attles, the legendary coach who led the Golden State Warriors to their first championship in 1975. The event, part of the city’s “Love Life” week, brought together former players, community members, and city officials to celebrate Attles’ legacy as a coach, innovator, and role model.
Attles, who spent his entire career with the Warriors, first as a player in the 1960s and then as coach from 1970 to 1983, passed away in August at the age of 87. Former players like Clifford Ray, Charles Dudley, and Chris Mullin reminisced about Attles’ supportive leadership and dedication to his team. Ray, who played for the Warriors from 1975 to 1982, described Attles and his assistant coach Joe Roberts as “like parents” to the players, creating a family atmosphere that contributed to their championship win.
Attles’ impact extended beyond the basketball court. As one of the few Black coaches in the NBA, he served as an inspiration to young people in Oakland, demonstrating that they too could achieve greatness. Kevin Smith, director of the Love Life Foundation, emphasized Attles’ “winning culture” and the positive influence he had on the community.
The “Love Life” campaign, founded by Donald Lacy in honor of his daughter LoEshe who was tragically killed by a stray bullet in 1997, aims to address violence and its root causes in Oakland. The event celebrating Al Attles’ life and legacy served as a reminder of the importance of community, leadership, and striving for excellence in all aspects of life.
First Piper 