PHOENIX — Phoenix Suns legend Dick Van Arsdale, known as the “Original Sun” has died at the age of 81, according to the team.
Van Arsdale was the first selection by the Suns in the expansion draft to build the team's roster. He earned three All-Star selections and was with the team for their first trip to the NBA Finals in 1976.
He played 12 seasons, was inducted into the team's ring of honor, and was later a broadcaster and front-office executive.
Van Arsdale still remains in the top 10 for career games, points, and assists for a Suns player.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Suns legend Dick Van Arsdale, the “Original Sun” and a member of our Ring of Honor.
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 16, 2024
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
