Dick Van Arsdale, the Knicks' former second-round pick who later became known as the “Original Sun,” has died, the Suns announced on social media Monday.
He was 81 years old.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Suns legend Dick Van Arsdale, an 'Original Son' and member of Ring of Honor,” the Suns said in a statement. “The first selection in the expansion draft to build the Suns' roster and the first leading scorer in team history, Van Arsdale became a cornerstone of the Suns' organization.”
Before building his legacy in Phoenix, Van Arsdale helped the Knicks reach the playoffs twice in his three seasons with the franchise.
The Knicks selected Van Arsdale in the 1965 NBA Draft after his college career at Indiana University, and he averaged 12.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game in 236 games during his time in New York.
Mike Vaccaro of the same newspaper ranked the top 75 players in Knicks history in 2021, and Van Arsdale was ranked 64th.
Sands. NBAE (via Getty Images)
However, after the 1967-68 season, the Suns acquired Van Arsdale with the first pick in the expansion draft, and he earned All-Star honors the next three seasons while spending the final nine years of his NBA career in Phoenix. I continued to do so. .
Van Arsdale helped lead the Suns to the 1976 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Celtics.
His identical twin brother, Tom, joined the Suns after a strong run in the postseason, and in what turned out to be their final season together, they played as teammates for the first time since their college seasons with the Hoosiers. We were able to meet again.
Van Arsdale also ended his career as the Suns' all-time leading scorer.
“I'll always remember that season,” Van Arsdale said of the 1976-77 season in the Suns' 25th anniversary book published in 1992. But when it comes to basketball itself, things could have been much better. ”
Ten years after retiring, Van Arsdale served as the Suns' interim coach, leading the Phoenix to a 14-12 record and ending the season with a 10-win streak in 11 games.
He also served as Phoenix's general manager and senior vice president of player personnel.
“Van Arsdale, beloved throughout the Suns organization and fan base, held multiple positions with the team during his 12-year NBA career, including broadcaster and front office executive,” the Suns said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his friends and family, including his twin brother and Suns teammate Tom, during this difficult time.”
