NBA Hall of Famer Dick Van Arsdale, the Phoenix Suns' inaugural draft pick and a cornerstone of the franchise's early years, has passed away at the age of 81. The Suns announced his passing on Monday.

Originally drafted by the New York Knicks in the second round of the 1965 NBA draft, Van Arsdale spent three seasons in New York before joining the Suns for their inaugural season in 1968. He remained with the team until his retirement in 1977, leaving an indelible mark on the organization.

Van Arsdale, affectionately known as "The Original Sun," scored the first points in franchise history and was instrumental in the team's early success. A three-time All-Star, he led the Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance in 1976 and retired as the franchise's all-time leading scorer. His contributions extended beyond the court, serving as a broadcaster and front office executive after his playing career.

The Suns organization released a statement expressing their condolences: "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 statement 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."

While the Suns received news of Van Arsdale's passing from his family, the cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed. The Knicks also expressed their condolences on social media, acknowledging Van Arsdale's contributions to their franchise.

Over his 12-season NBA career, Van Arsdale played 921 games, averaging 16.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. His legacy extends beyond statistics, solidifying his place as a true icon in Suns history.

Van Arsdale also briefly coached the Suns for part of the 1986-87 season and worked alongside Al McCoy as a radio commentator, further cementing his connection to the team and its fans.