Emotional: Suns Release Statement on Passing of Franchise Legend, Dick Van Arsdale, “The Original Sun”, has passed away at the age of 81…See More

December 17, 2024 Sports Gist NBA 0

The Phoenix Suns send their condolences.

Feb. 24, 1970; New York, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; Phoenix Suns guard Dick Van Arsdale (5) in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-Imagn Images
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PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns have released the following statement on the passing of Dick Van Arsdale:

“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.”

Arsdale, a second round pick in the 1965 NBA Draft, spent three years with the New York Knicks and was the team’s first selection in the 1968 NBA expansion draft.

He was a three-time All-Star and claimed NBA All-Defensive Team and All-Rookie Team honors during his career in the NBA.

He passed away at the age of 81.

Dick Van Arsdale, “The Original Sun”, has passed away at the age of 81

The Phoenix Suns mourn the loss of another beloved legend who was an integral part of the organization’s fabric. Dick Van Arsdale, whose number resides in the Ring of Honor, brought validity to the young franchise.

John Voita is the Managing Editor of Bright Side of the Sun, co-host of the Suns JAM Session Podcast, and has been a credentialed member of the Phoenix media since 2023.

The Phoenix Suns and the basketball world have lost another beloved icon in 2024, as Dick Van Arsdale has passed away at the age of 81. Van Arsdale wasn’t just a foundational figure for the Suns franchise, he was a symbol of its early identity, helping shape a culture of resilience, hard work, and excellence both on and off the court.

Many might know of DVD and the brilliance he brought to the basketball court, but when you look into the rafters high above the Footprint Center’s hardwood, you’ll see his name and number five hanging as a reminder of the first member of the Phoenix Suns who put the franchise on the map.

Dick Van Arsdale, fondly known as “The Original Sun”, carved out a stellar 12-year career in the NBA as a shooting guard after attending college at the basketball powerhouse of Indiana University. A three-time All-Star, he earned a spot on the All-Rookie Team in 1965-66 and the All-Defensive Team in 1973-74, showcasing his two-way brilliance.

After being drafted by the New York Knicks in the 1965 NBA Draft — a pick before his twin brother Tom went to the Detroit Pistons — he put up a solid 12.3 points per game in his rookie season, followed by 15.1 in his sophomore campaign.

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