Phoenix Suns Great Dick Van Arsdale, the first player selected in the franchise’s expansion draft to help build the team, has died, the team announced Monday. He was 81.
Van Arsdale, who was selected in the second round 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. (Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports)
“Van Arsdale was the first selection in the expansion draft to build the Suns roster and the scorer of the first points in team history. He was a cornerstone of the Suns organization,” the team said in a press release. “He was a three-time All-Star selection, participated in the team’s first appearance in the NBA Finals in 1976 and retired as the franchise’s leading scorer in 1977.”
“Van Arsdale is beloved throughout the Suns organization and fan base and has held multiple positions with the team following his 12-year NBA career, including broadcaster and front office manager.”
A team spokesman told The Associated Press that the franchise received the news from his family. A cause of death was not immediately announced.
FILE – Dick Van Arsdale, No. 5 of the Phoenix Suns, arrives for a play as Dick Barnett, No. 12 of the New York Knicks, prepares to take the ball during an NBA basketball game at New York’s Madison Square Garden to get out in October. 21, 1969. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm, File)
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“Our thoughts are with his friends and family during this difficult time, including his twin brother and Suns teammate Tom.”
Van Arsdale played along 921 games and averaged 16.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game for his career.
“We mourn the loss of Knicks alum Dick Van Arsdale. Our thoughts and condolences go out to 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)
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The “Original Sun” coached the Suns in 26 games during the 1986-87 season and was a radio commentator for Al McCoy.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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