Phoenix Suns The great Dick Van Arsdale, who was the first player selected in the franchise’s expansion draft to build the team, has died, the team announced Monday. He was 81 years old.
Van Arsdale, who was a second-round pick of New York Knicks In 1965, he played three seasons with the team before moving to Phoenix. He played for the Suns from 1968 to 1977.
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Phoenix Suns guard Dick Van Arsdale, No. 5, is defended by Atlanta Hawks guard Pete Maravich, No. 44, at the Omni on October 30, 1971 in Atlanta. (Manny Rubio-USA Today Sports)
“The No. 1 pick in the expansion draft to build the Suns roster and score the first points in team history, Van Arsdale has been a cornerstone of the Suns organization,” the team said in a news release. “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.
“Likeable throughout the Suns organization and fan base, Van Arsdale held numerous positions with the team, including broadcaster and front office executive, following his 12-year NBA career.”
A team spokesman told The Associated Press that the franchise received the news from his family. The cause of death was not immediately announced.
FILE – Phoenix Suns’ Dick Van Arsdale, No. 5, comes into play as New York Knicks’ Dick Barnett, No. 12, prepares to come up with the ball during an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden in New York City in October. 21, 1969. (AP Photo/Ron Freehm, 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 matches He averaged 16.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in his career.
“We mourn the loss of Knicks graduate Dick Van Arsdale. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the Van Arsdale family,” the Knicks added in a post on X.
Dick Van Arsdale is photographed on October 3, 2018, at his art studio in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Mark Henley, Mark Henley/The Republic)
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The “Original Sun” coached the Suns for 26 games in the 1986-87 season and was a radio commentator with Al McCoy.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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