Dick Van Arsdale was a college star with the Indiana Hoosiers before he was drafted by the New York Knicks, where he played his first three seasons, but he was chosen by the expansion Phoenix Suns in the Expansion Draft and he became the face of the new team.
Van Arsdale developed a sweet mid-range shot, and coupled with his high free-throw ability, he was one of the most accurate shooters of his day. The original Sun was an All-Star in his first three seasons in Phoenix. In those All-Star years, Van Arsdale averaged over 21 Points per Game and was the main star for those struggling Suns squads. As he got older, Van Arsdale became a more competent defender and even won an All-Defensive (Second Team) Selection in 1973-74.
He would later provide a veteran role on Phoenix’s first NBA Final in 1976, and would retire a year later. Fittingly, Van Arsdale’s twin brother Tom was with him for his final campaign.
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