Phoenix Suns announcement that Dick Van Arsdale, who spent nine seasons with the team, died at age 81. Van Arsdale spent 12 years in NBAafter being drafted in the 1965 runoff election NBA Draft by the New York Knicks.
After three years with the Knicks, Van Arsdale was selected by the Suns in the 1968 expansion draft, when the league added the Suns and Milwaukee Bucks to the NBA. In his first season with the Suns – which was the franchise’s first year in existence – Van Arsdale immediately made an impact, earning his first All-Star nomination by averaging 21 points per game. He affectionately earned the nickname “Original Sun” after scoring the team’s first points.
The Suns released the following statement regarding the passing of Van Arsdale.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Suns legend Dick Van Arsdale, the “Original Sun” and member of our Ring of Honor.
The first selection in the expansion draft to build the Suns roster and 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 in throughout the Suns organization and fans, Van Arsdale has held multiple positions on the team. team, including broadcaster and front office manager, after 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. »
Van Arsdale helped the Suns earn their first-ever playoff appearance and played a key role in the team’s first NBA Finals appearance in 1976. Van Arsdale finished his career in 1977 and retired as the Suns’ all-time leading scorer. After retirement, he worked in Phoenix’s front office as general manager and senior vice president of player personnel. He also spent a brief stint as the team’s head coach following the firing of John MacLeod in February 1987, where he finished with a 14-12 record to end the season.
Van Arsdale remained connected to the Suns, serving as a radio and television commentator for the team.
Prior to his professional career, Van Arsdale spent three seasons at Indiana where he received All Big Ten honors during his junior year after averaging 22.3 points.
