Phoenix Suns legend Walter Davis, known for his college basketball success at North Carolina, has passed away due to natural causes, as announced by the Tar Heels. He was 69 years old.
Walter Davis achieved many of his notable NBA accomplishments during his tenure with the Suns, who selected him as the fifth overall pick in 1977.
In his debut season in 1977/78, he received an All-Star selection, earned second-team All-NBA honors, and was named Rookie of the Year. He continued his success with All-Star and second-team All-NBA recognitions in ’78/79.
Standing at 6’6″, Davis, who played as a guard/forward, was a six-time All-Star during his 11 seasons with the Phoenix Suns and remains the team’s all-time leading scorer. The Suns retired his No. 6 jersey in honor of his contributions.
Davis, who also won a gold medal with the U.S. in 1976, maintained impressive career averages of 18.9 points, 3.8 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.2 steals over his 15-year NBA journey, including stints with the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers towards the end of his career, totaling 1033 regular season games with an average of 27.9 minutes per game.
Nbarepublic extends its condolences to Walter Davis’ friends and family, including his nephew, former NBA guard Hubert Davis, who currently serves as the head coach of the Tar Heels.