Three-time All Star Dick Van Arsdale, nicknamed the “Original Sun” for his selection as the first ever Phoenix Suns basketball player, has passed away at the age of 81.
A pivotal figure in the franchise’s history and a member of their Ring of Honor, the Suns organization confirmed in a statement Monday that they had received the news of Van Arsdale’s passing from his family. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Van Arsdale’s journey with the Suns began in 1968 when he became the team’s first-ever player, selected in the expansion draft that year. He immediately made an impact on the court earning All-Star selections in his first three seasons with the team. During the 1970-71 season, Van Arsdale averaged 21.9 points per game, the most in his career.
The 6-foot-5 guard’s career with the Suns spanned nearly a decade, playing in the team’s first NBA Finals appearance in 1976. The Suns ultimately lost to the Boston Celtics in that series.
When he retired in 1977, Van Arsdale was the franchise’s all-time leading scorer.
Following his retirement, he remained an integral part of the Suns organization.
In a post on X, the Phoenix Suns said: “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”.
The statement also highlighted Van Arsdale’s achievements.
“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,” the Suns organization said.
“Our thoughts are with his friends and family, including his twin brother and Suns teammate, Tom, during this difficult time.”
Van Arsdale and his twin brother were born in Indianapolis on Feb. 22, 1943. His twin brother, Tom, was also a three-time NBA All-Star. Tom joined Dick on the Suns roster for the 1976–1977 season, Dick’s final year in the league.
Van Arsdale’s NBA career began with the New York Knicks, where he played for three seasons before joining the Suns.