Alvan Adams

Rookie of the Year and the cornerstone of the Phoenix Suns franchise across 13 seasons.

Alvan Leigh Adams was born in Lawrence, Kansas in 1954 and attended the University of Oklahoma. Phoenix Suns selected him fourth overall in the 1975 NBA Draft. His 13-season career — spent entirely with the Suns — produced 14.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 1976 — an extraordinary debut season in which he also helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals, losing to the Boston Celtics in the celebrated triple-overtime Game 5. He was selected to one All-Star game. His passing ability as a center — 4.1 assists per game throughout a career in an era when centers did not pass — was genuinely unusual and made him a unique offensive weapon. He played through the entire first chapter of the Phoenix Suns franchise, becoming his all-time leader in games played, points and rebounds. His 13 one-franchise seasons represent an unusual loyalty in an era of increasing player movement. After his retirement he remained connected to Phoenix through business and community activities. His combination of scoring, rebounding and passing from the center position gave Phoenix a distinctive offensive identity throughout the late 1970s and 1980s.

Skilled passing center with good shooting range

One of the greatest centers in Suns history

• Rookie of the Year (1976)
• All-Star 1x