A Tribute to a Basketball Icon: Remembering Dick Van Arsdale
Basketball fans today mourn the loss of Dick Van Arsdale, affectionately known as the "Original Sun," who has passed away at the age of 81. Van Arsdale's impact on the NBA, particularly the Phoenix Suns, remains profound and lasting.
Born and raised with a passion for basketball, Van Arsdale's journey began at Indiana University. There, he honed his skills over three seasons, becoming a standout player by his junior year, during which he earned All Big Ten honors by averaging an impressive 22.3 points per game. This prowess on the court quickly turned heads, and the New York Knicks selected him in the second round of the 1965 NBA Draft. The Knicks provided him with a platform to introduce himself to the league, but it was not until his move to the Phoenix Suns that Van Arsdale's legacy was truly cemented.
The Foundation of a Franchise
Dick Van Arsdale became the first selection for the Phoenix Suns in the 1968 expansion draft, setting the stage for what would become a storied relationship between player and team. Van Arsdale baptized the expansion franchise's new era by scoring the first points in Suns history, a moment that foreshadowed his impactful tenure with the team.
Right from his debut season in Phoenix, Van Arsdale's performances were electrifying. Averaging 21 points per game, he quickly became the team’s cornerstone and earned his first All-Star selection. Over his nine seasons with the Suns, Van Arsdale would accumulate three All-Star nods, all while leading the team through its formative years.
Building a Phoenix Legacy
Van Arsdale played a pivotal role in guiding the Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance in 1976, an achievement that remains a touchstone in the franchise’s history. He retired in 1977 as the Suns' all-time leading scorer, a testament to his enduring presence on the court. As much as his numbers reflect his skill, it was his leadership and consistency that made him an indispensable part of the Suns’ identity.
His contributions extended beyond his playing years. After hanging up his jersey, Van Arsdale transitioned to broadcasting and various front office roles, including serving as a general manager and senior vice president of player personnel. In 1987, he took on the coaching mantle briefly, leading the team to a commendable 14-12 record by the end of the season. These roles underscored his commitment to nurturing the Suns’ burgeoning legacy, demonstrating dedication both on and off the court.
The Van Arsdale Dynasty
Dick was not alone in his basketball journey; his twin brother, Tom Van Arsdale, also shared the court with him as a teammate on the Suns. The pair added a unique narrative to the Suns’ history, giving fans memorable moments of sibling synergy and camaraderie.
The Suns’ Heartfelt Farewell
The Phoenix Suns conveyed their sorrow through an official statement, expressing, "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... 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."
As fans and former colleagues reflect on Van Arsdale’s life and career, it is clear that his impact extended beyond statistics and accolades. He embodied the spirit and resilience of the Phoenix community, and his contributions laid the groundwork for future generations of Suns players and fans. Unfortunately, the Suns family and the NBA world must now say goodbye to one of its most instrumental figures, whose legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.