The NBA lost one of its most cherished figures as Dick Van Arsdale, known as the “Original Sun,” passed away at the age of 81. The Phoenix Suns announced his passing on Monday, honoring his legacy as a cornerstone of the franchise. While the team did not disclose a cause of death, the outpouring of tributes from the basketball community underscores the impact of Van Arsdale’s life and career.
Van Arsdale, a second-round pick by the New York Knicks in the 1965 NBA Draft, made his mark on the league long before he donned a Suns jersey. A product of Indiana University, Van Arsdale brought a blend of grit and scoring ability to the court. During his three seasons with the Knicks, he averaged 12.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, helping the team to two playoff appearances. His contributions earned him recognition as one of the top 75 figures in Knicks history, as ranked by *The New York Post’s* Mike Vaccaro.
However, it was his tenure with the Phoenix Suns that solidified his place as a basketball icon. When the Suns entered the league as an expansion team in 1968, Van Arsdale was their first pick in the expansion draft. He scored the franchise’s first points and quickly became the face of the team, earning All-Star honors in his first three seasons in Phoenix.
Van Arsdale was instrumental in leading the Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance in 1976, a legendary series against the Boston Celtics that remains etched in NBA history. Although the Suns fell short, his leadership and skill left an indelible mark on the franchise. That same year, he reunited with his identical twin brother, Tom, for their final NBA season—a sentimental highlight for both players after years apart since their days as Indiana Hoosiers.
Reflecting on their shared farewell season, Van Arsdale said, *“We’ll always remember that season, because it was our last in the league, and we got to play together. But, as far as the basketball itself went, things could have been a lot better.”*
Beyond his playing career, Van Arsdale continued to serve the Suns organization in multiple roles, including broadcaster, general manager, senior vice president of player personnel, and even interim head coach. In 1987, he led the team to a 14-12 record during a transitional period, proving his basketball acumen extended far beyond the hardwood.
A beloved figure in the Phoenix community, Van Arsdale’s legacy goes beyond stats and accolades. He embodied the heart and soul of the Suns, inspiring fans and teammates alike with his humility, work ethic, and loyalty. His influence is immortalized in the Suns’ Ring of Honor, a fitting tribute to the man who became synonymous with the franchise.
The Suns’ statement captured the sentiment of many: *“Beloved throughout the Suns organization and fan base, Van Arsdale held several positions with the team following his 12-year NBA career. Our thoughts are with his friends and family, including his twin brother and Suns teammate, Tom, during this difficult time.”*
As fans remember Van Arsdale’s contributions to basketball and the community, his legacy as the “Original Sun” will shine brightly for generations to come.
