Known as the 'Original Sun,' three-time All-Star Dick Van Arsdale scored the first points in Suns franchise history.
PHOENIX (AP) — Dick Van Arsdale, a three-time All-Star who became the first Phoenix Suns player after being selected by the franchise in the 1968 expansion draft, has died. He was 81.
The Suns announced Van Arsdale’s death in a statement on Monday and a team spokesman confirmed that the franchise had received the news from his family. A cause of death wasn’t disclosed.
The 6-foot-5 Van Arsdale played his first three NBA seasons with the New York Knicks before being selected by the Suns with their first pick in the 1968 expansion draft. He was an All-Star during his first three seasons in the desert, averaging a career-high 21.9 points during the 1970-71 season.
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 first selection in the expansion draft to build the Suns roster and the scorer of the first points in team history, Van Arsdale was a cornerstone of… pic.twitter.com/ujpVhLrsxK
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 16, 2024
Van Arsdale was part of the franchise’s 1976 team that advanced to the NBA Finals before losing to the Boston Celtics and retired in 1977 as the franchise’s all-time scoring leader. His is survived by twin brother, Tom Van Arsdale, who was also a three-time NBA All-Star and played with his brother in Phoenix during the 1976-77 season.
After his playing days, Dick Van Arsdale held several positions with the franchise, including broadcaster and front-office executive.
Suns Statement
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 first selection in the expansion draft to build the Suns roster and the 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 throughout the Suns organization and fanbase, Van Arsdale held several positions with the team, including broadcaster and front office executive, following 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.
