Dick Van Arsdale
Phoenix Suns Interim Head Coach | Phoenix Suns Legend | 3x NBA All-Star
Dick Van Arsdale was born on February 22, 1943, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Nicknamed the ‘Original Sun,’ he joined Phoenix for its inaugural season and became closely identified with the young franchise. Years after his playing career, Van Arsdale stepped onto the sideline when the Suns needed an interim head coach late in 1986–87. He guided Phoenix for 26 games, making his coaching tenure a brief but distinctive chapter in a much longer association with the organization.
His identity in Phoenix had been established long before the temporary coaching appointment. Van Arsdale played in the Suns’ first game and became one of the team’s early stars, so his return to the bench represented an unusual example of a founding-era player guiding the same franchise. His wider contribution to Phoenix also included work away from the court.
Overall NBA regular-season head-coaching record: 14–12. NBA regular season only; excludes playoffs, assistant service and other leagues.
Dick Van Arsdale passed away on December 16, 2024.
Outside coaching, Van Arsdale also served Phoenix in executive and broadcasting roles, maintaining a lasting presence around the franchise.
Coaching Career
Phoenix turned to Van Arsdale on February 26, 1987, after longtime coach John MacLeod went 22–34 to begin the season. Known as the “Original Sun” from his playing days, Van Arsdale was a trusted figure in the organization rather than an established NBA head coach. The Suns featured veteran scorer Walter Davis, forward Larry Nance and playmaker Jay Humphries.
Under Van Arsdale, Phoenix won 14 of its final 26 games, improving to 36–46 overall but falling just short of the postseason. The team appointed John Wetzel for 1987–88, leaving Van Arsdale with a 14–12 NBA coaching record.
Notable Players Coached
- Walter Davis
- Six-time All-Star and 1978 Rookie of the Year
- Larry Nance
- Three-time All-Star and elite shot-blocking forward