Former Phoenix Suns star Dick Van Arsdale, who scored the first points in franchise history, has passed away. He was 81.
Van Arsdale, a native of Indianapolis and Indiana University alum, entered the NBA with the New York Knicks in 1965. He spent three seasons with the team before the Suns made him their first selection in the 1968 expansion draft. Van Arsdale immediately made the NBA All-Star Game in each of his first three seasons in Phoenix, and still remains among the franchise leaders in several major categories.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Suns legend Dick Van Arsdale, the ‘Original Sun’ and a member of our Ring of Honor,” the Suns said in a statement.
“The first selection in the expansion draft to build the Suns roster and the scorer of the first points in team history, Van Arsdale was a cornerstone of the Suns organization. He earned three All-Star selections, was a member of the team’s first trip to the NBA Finals in 1976 and retired as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer in 1977. Beloved throughout the Suns organization and fanbase, Van Arsdale held several positions with the team, including broadcaster and front office executive, following his 12-year NBA career.
“Our thoughts are with his friends and family, including his twin brother and Suns teammate, Tom, during this difficult time.”
A 6-foot-5 shooting guard, Van Arsdale finished his career with averages of 16.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. He and his twin brother Tom shared the court for the Suns during the 1976-77 season, which was the final year in the NBA for both of them.
A member of the franchise’s Ring of Honor, Van Arsdale’s No. 5 is also retired by the Suns. In the 1980s, he became the team’s general manager and senior vice president of player personnel, even serving as interim head coach for the final 26 games of the 1986-87 season following the dismissal of John MacLeod.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Van Arsdale’s family and friends during this difficult time.
May he rest in peace.
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