Passing of Dick Van Arsdale, First Identical Twin in NBA History

At the age of 81, Dick Van Arsdale, an NBA star thrice selected as an All-Star, passed away. Renowned for his roles on the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns, he also played alongside his indistinguishably identical brother, Tom, for a single season.

Dick Van Arsdale, alongside his brother Tom, made NBA history as the first duo of identical twins to compete in the league. Their journey began with notable performances that bewildered both opposition and teammates during their tenure at Indiana University and high school. Dick's life came to an end at his residence in Phoenix on a Monday.

The unfortunate causes of his death were heart and kidney complications, as confirmed by Tom Van Arsdale.

Despite parallel career statistics, Dick distinguished himself with contributions to significantly successful teams. Over the course of 12 years in the NBA, he played for the Knicks and the Suns, reaching the playoffs on four occasions. Meanwhile, his brother Tom represented five different teams but did not achieve playoff contention within the same period.

The Van Arsdale twins, with their blonde hair and blue eyes, epitomized the image of their rural Indiana upbringing. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, they did not fit perfectly into traditional positions; not swift enough for guard duties and lacking the size for forward roles.

Transitioning in his NBA role from forward to guard, Dick Van Arsdale was noted for his stalwart defense and scored an average of 16.4 points per game throughout his career, hitting over 20 points per game in three seasons with the Suns.

Van Arsdale had completed three seasons with the Knicks when, in 1968, he was recruited by the nascent Phoenix Suns. The team, an expansion of the league, selected Van Arsdale first under the guidance of general manager Jerry Colangelo. His contributions began with scoring the team's initial points, cementing his legacy as the team's first significant player.

Reflecting on Van Arsdale's impact, Colangelo remarked to The Arizona Republic in 1970, "Dick encompassed everything one could desire in a player, both on the court and off it. If the team had five players like him, any shortfall in size or rebounding would be counterbalanced by sheer determination and spirit."