Dick Van Arsdale was a professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 12 seasons. He was known for his shooting ability and his versatility on the court, playing both guard positions.
Van Arsdale began his basketball career at Indiana University, where he was a standout player. He was drafted by the New York Knicks in 1965 and played for them for four seasons. He then played for the Phoenix Suns for six seasons, where he became a fan favorite and was known as "The Original Sun."
Van Arsdale was a consistent scorer throughout his career, averaging 16.4 points per game over his 12 seasons. He was also a solid defender, earning All-Defensive Team honors in 1970. He was named an All-Star three times and was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1981.
After retiring from playing, Van Arsdale went on to have a successful coaching career. He served as an assistant coach for several NBA teams, including the Suns, and was the head coach of the Suns for two seasons in the early 1980s.
Van Arsdale's impact on the game of basketball extends beyond his playing and coaching careers. He was instrumental in the creation of the NBA Players Association and served as its president for several years. He also helped to establish the NBA's pension plan, which has provided financial security for retired players.
Overall, Dick Van Arsdale was a talented and versatile player who made significant contributions to the game of basketball both on and off the court. His legacy as a player, coach, and advocate for player rights and financial security continues to be felt in the NBA today.
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