Original Phoenix Suns Player Dead at 81

Dick Van Arsdale, the three-time NBA All-Star and so-called "Original Sun," has died at the age of 81. 

Arsdale earned the honor of being the first-ever Phoenix Suns player when he was their first pick for the 1968 draft for the team's inaugural season. On Dec. 16, the Suns shared a touching tribute to their original player.

"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 team said in a statement mourning the loss.

"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. 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 team continued. "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. Our thoughts are with his friends and family, including his twin brother and Suns teammate, Tom, during this difficult time."

Van Arsdale joined the Suns after three years with the New York Knicks and remained there until his retirement. He went on to become the Suns' general manager and senior vice president of player personnel, and in 1987, he took over control of his beloved team as the interim head coach for the Suns' final 26 games that season.