Phoenix Suns great Dick Van Arsdale, who was the first player chosen in the franchise’s expansion draft to build the team, has died, the team announced Monday. He was 81 years old.
Van Arsdale, a second-round pick of the New York Knicks in 1965, played three seasons with the team before leaving for Phoenix. He played for the Suns from 1968 to 1977.
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Phoenix Suns guard Dick Van Arsdale, #5, is defended by Atlanta Hawks guard Pete Maravich, #44, at The Omni on October 30, 1971 in Atlanta. (Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports)
“Van Arsdale, the first pick in the expansion draft to build the Suns’ roster and the scorer of the first points in team history, was a cornerstone of the Suns organization,” the team said in a statement. of press. “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 by the entire Suns organization and fan base, Van Arsdale held several positions with the team, including broadcaster and front office executive, following his 12-year NBA career.”
A team spokesperson told The Associated Press that the franchise had received the news from his family. The cause of death was not immediately revealed.
FILE – Dick Van Arsdale, #5 of the Phoenix Suns, enters a play as Dick Barnett, #12 of the New York Knicks, prepares to go out with the ball during an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden in New York City on October 1, 2019. 21, 1969. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm, File)
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“Our thoughts are with his friends and family, including his twin brother and Suns teammate Tom, during this difficult time.”
Van Arsdale played in 921 games and averaged 16.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game for his career.
“We are saddened by the loss of Knicks alum Dick Van Arsdale. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Van Arsdale family,” the Knicks added in a post on X.
A portrait of Dick Van Arsdale on October 3, 2018, at his Scottsdale Art Studio in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Mark Henle, Mark Henle/The Republic)
The “Original Sun” coached the Suns for 26 games in the 1986-87 season and was a radio commentator with Al McCoy.
