A Legacy Beyond the Court: Remembering Dick Van Arsdale
The basketball community is in mourning over the loss of Dick Van Arsdale, who passed away at the age of 81. A towering figure in the annals of the Phoenix Suns, Van Arsdale’s legacy resonates deeply with fans and former teammates alike, celebrated for his indelible contributions to the game and the franchise.
Dubbed the “Original Sun,” Van Arsdale carved out his place in history when he scored the first points for the Phoenix Suns, a moment symbolic of the dawn of a new era for the team. Selected in the 1968 expansion draft, Van Arsdale was foundational in the Suns roster and remains a cornerstone figure within the organization.
As the Phoenix Suns eloquently expressed in their tribute, "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."
A Tenure with the Suns
Van Arsdale's journey with the Suns was more than just historical inception. In his first season, he averaged an impressive 21 points per game, earning his first All-Star nod—a testament to his incredible skill and dedication on the court. Over his nine seasons with the Suns, he became a three-time All-Star, setting a standard of excellence and competitiveness.
Notably, Van Arsdale played a pivotal role in guiding the Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance in 1976. His leadership and scoring prowess were instrumental in ushering the Suns into the upper echelon of the league during a transformative era for the franchise.
By the time he retired in 1977, Van Arsdale was the Suns’ all-time leading scorer, a record that underscored his impact and longevity in Phoenix. His departure from active play did not mark an end, but rather a transition into new roles that would further influence the Suns’ legacy.
Beyond the Hardwood
Following his retirement, Van Arsdale embraced different capacities within the organization. He moved seamlessly into broadcasting, bringing his deep knowledge and enthusiasm for the game to fans in a new way. He also contributed strategically from the front office, taking on roles such as general manager and senior vice president of player personnel, where he helped shape the team's future.
His coaching stint in 1987, albeit brief, was notable for its success. Stepping in as head coach toward the end of the season, Van Arsdale led the team to a commendable 14-12 record, demonstrating his adaptability and understanding of the game from the sidelines.
The Twin Legacy
A unique aspect of Van Arsdale’s career was his partnership with his twin brother, Tom Van Arsdale, who was also a Suns player. This fraternal dynamic brought an added dimension to the team and intrigued fans who watched the duo play together, each complementing the other's strengths on the court.
A Lionized Figure
Today, as a member of the Suns' Ring of Honor, Dick Van Arsdale's contributions continue to be celebrated and remembered by those who cherish Phoenix’s rich basketball heritage. His story is not just one of individual accolades but one of commitment and loyalty to a team that he helped nurture from the ground up.
Van Arsdale’s passing marks the end of a vibrant chapter in NBA history, but his influence endures, embraced within the memories of the Suns' community and the broader sphere of basketball. As the Suns memorialize their “Original Sun,” the light of his legacy remains ever bright.