In Memoriam: Legendary Phoenix Suns' Leading Scorer, Walter Davis, Passes Away



by SEDEDIN DEDOVIC

In Memoriam: Legendary Phoenix Suns' Leading Scorer, Walter Davis, Passes Away
In Memoriam: Legendary Phoenix Suns' Leading Scorer, Walter Davis, Passes Away © Stephen Dunn / Getty Images

Former NBA basketball player Walter Davis passed away on Thursday at the age of 69. The American sports community mourns the loss of a true legend. Reports indicate that he succumbed to "natural causes," leaving behind an enduring legacy that will be remembered by fans and players alike.

Walter Davis is perhaps best known for his time with the Phoenix Suns, where he etched his name into the annals of NBA history as the franchise's all-time leading scorer, amassing an impressive 15,666 points during his career.

He was a six-time NBA All-Star, with all six of those selections coming during his tenure with the Suns, where he played from 1977 to 1988. Beyond his iconic Suns stint, Davis also had brief spells with the Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers.

His remarkable journey in the NBA was marked by accolades, with his standout rookie season in 1978 earning him the NBA's Rookie of the Year award. Davis was not only a force in the professional league but also showcased his talent on the international stage, clinching a gold medal at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal as a member of the American national team.

He has a great career behind him, which should be a motivation for young people

The retirement of Walter Davis's jersey, bearing the number 6, was a poignant and fitting tribute to his remarkable contributions. This gesture, displayed under the iconic arches of the Suns' hall, symbolized the enduring respect and admiration that Davis commanded throughout his illustrious career.

Fans in Phoenix held him in high regard, and his influence extended far beyond the city's borders, leaving an indelible mark on the global basketball community. Walter Davis's untimely passing resonates as a significant loss, not merely for the Phoenix Suns and the NBA but for the entire world of basketball.

His legacy endures as a testament to his enduring impact on the sport he cherished, and he is remembered as one of the most exceptional players in the history of basketball, with his memory continuing to inspire and shape the game for generations to come.

Phoenix Suns