PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns announced Monday the death of former player Dick Van Arsdale, one of the team's "Original Suns." He was 81.
With an NBA career spanning 12 years, Van Arsdale joined the Phoenix Suns in 1968, where he became the scorer of the first points in team history
"Van Arsdale was a cornerstone of the Suns organization. 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," the NBA team wrote in a statement.
His twin brother Tom also played for the Suns. In their retirement years, the Van Arsdale brothers opened an art studio in Scottsdale.
"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 added.
