Dick Van Arsdale, one of the faces of the expansion Phoenix Suns, has died at age 81, the team announced Monday.

The shooting guard retired in 1977 as the Suns franchise’s leading scorer and remained associated with the team as a front office manager and broadcaster.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Suns legend Dick Van Arsdale, the “Original Sun” and member of our Ring of Honor,” the Suns wrote in a post on Twitter/X. “Van Arsdale was the first selection in the expansion draft to build the Suns roster and the first point scorer in team history. He was a cornerstone of the Suns organization. He earned three All-Star selections and was a member of the team’s first trip.” He reached the NBA Finals in 1976 and retired in 1977 as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. Van Arsdale was beloved throughout the Suns’ organization and fan base and held various positions with the team, including broadcaster and front office manager following his 12-year NBA career.

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

Van Arsdale was selected by the Suns in the 1968 expansion draft after playing three seasons with the New York Knicks. He made All-Star teams in his first three seasons in Phoenix. He played his final nine seasons (1968-77) with the Suns and finished his career with career averages of 16.4 points per game and 3.3 steals.

More information on this story from Newsweek Sports follows.