Phoenix Suns legend Dick Van Arsdale dies at 81

"Original Sun" Dick Van Arsdale, who played 12 seasons in the NBA, passed away at the age of 81, the Phoenix Suns announced on Monday.
By Ben Bradley
Published: Dec. 16, 2024 at 1:15 PM MST|Updated: Dec. 16, 2024 at 3:39 PM MST
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PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A Phoenix Suns legend and Ring of Honor member has passed away, the team announced early Monday afternoon.

Dick Van Arsdale was 81.

“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 team posted on social media.

Van Arsdale was the first selection in the expansion draft to build the Suns roster and scored the first points in the team’s history in 1968. He was named All-Star three times and a member of the Suns' first trip to the NBA Finals in 1976.

After retiring as the team’s all-time leading scorer in 1977, he held several other positions within the organization.

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