Dick Van Arsdale dead at 81: Tributes pour in for three-time NBA All-Star labeled 'The Original Sun'
Dick Van Arsdale dead at 81: Tributes pour in for three-time NBA All-Star labeled 'The Original Sun'
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Dick Van Arsdale, a three-time NBA All-Star and the first player to ever be a Phoenix Sun, has passed away at the age of 81, according to the team. Van Arsdale was the first player selected by Phoenix in the team's 1968 expansion draft. '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 Suns posted to their account on X, formerly Twitter.
'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.
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