Dick Van Arsdale, the first player added to the expansion roster of the Phoenix Suns in 1968, has died at the age of 81.
There is no reason for the death of Van Arsdale, known as “The Original Sun.”
Later, his identical twin, Tom, played with him on the Suns during the 1976-77 season — the brothers’ final NBA seasons.
The Sun announced the death of Dick Van Arsdale on Monday.
“We are saddened by the passing of Suns legend Dick Van Arsdale, ‘The Original Sun’ and member of our Ring of Honor,” the team said in a statement.
“The first draft pick to build the Suns’ roster and the leading scorer in team history, Van Arsdale was a cornerstone of the Suns organization. He received three All-Star selections, was a member of the team’s first tourney. He reached the NBA Finals in 1976 and he retired as the franchise’s leading scorer in 1977. Beloved by the entire Suns organization and fans, Van Arsdale held several positions and team, including broadcaster and executive, following his 12-year NBA career.”
An Indianapolis native, the 6-foot-5 Van Arsdale played collegiately at Indiana along with his brother. Dick was selected No. 13 overall in the 1965 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, and the Detroit Pistons took Tom one pick later.
Dick Van Arsdale was an All-Star in his first three seasons in Phoenix, averaging at least 21 points in each campaign.
He played in 921 career games and retired with 16.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.
The brothers later opened an art studio in the suburbs of Scottsdale.
–Field Level Media
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