Walter Davis, a six-time Phoenix Suns All-Star, died on Thursday at the age of 69 from natural causes, according to a University of North Carolina press release.Davis, the uncle of UNC head coach Hubert Davis, played for the Suns from 1977 until 1988.
Davis won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1977-78, averaging 25.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game for Phoenix.He is second in Phoenix club history with 766 games played, trailing only Alvan Adams (988).Davis, who gets inducted into the Suns’ Ring of Honor, is the franchise’s all-time leader in points (15,666), field goals made (6,497), steals (1,040), and assists.
“We are heartbroken by the passing of Suns legend Walter Davis, the franchise’s all-time leading scorer and member of our Ring of Honor,” the Suns wrote on social media. “‘Sweet D’ was one of the game’s best, a prolific scorer whose silky playing style and’velvet touch’ won over generations of fans. He will always be a member of the Phoenix Suns family and community. Our sympathies are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
The 6-foot-6 shooting guard played 15 years in the NBA, with the Denver Nuggets (1988-91, 1991-92) and the Portland Trail Blazers (1991).He is presently ranked 58th in NBA/ABA career scoring history.In college, the Pineville, North Carolina native played for the Tar Heels under famed coach Dean Smith.
