Former NBA rookie of the year Walt Davis dies at age 69
November 3, 2023
Walter Davis (YouTube)
According to TSN on Thursday, former Phoenix Suns shooting guard and small forward Walter Davis of Pineville, North Carolina passed away on Thursday at the age of 69. Davis played 11 season with the Phoenix Suns from 1977 to 1988, four seasons with the Denver Nuggets from 1988 to 1992, and one season with the Portland Trail Blazers in 1991-92. He is the Suns all-time leading scorer with 15, 666 points.
In 1977-78, Davis became the second Suns player in franchise history to win the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. He followed power forward and center Alvan Adams of Lawrence, Kansas, who received the honour in 1976. In 81 games with the Suns in 1977-78, Davis averaged 24.2 points per game, six rebounds per game, 3.4 assists per game, 1.4 steals per game, a field goal percentage of .526, and a free throw percentage of .830.
During 1033 NBA regular season games, Davis averaged 18.9 points per game, 3.8 assists per game, three rebounds per game, 1.2 steals per game, a field goal percentage of .511, and a free throw percentage of .872. He was a six-time All-Star, with each time being honoured by the Suns. He was recognized in 1977-78, 1978-79, 1979-80, 1980-81, 1983-84, and 1986-87.
Nicknamed Candyman, Davis played his college basketball at North Carolina, the same school that Michael Jordan attended. Davis was a first team All-ACC player with the Tar Heels in 1977. Also while attending the University of North Carolina, Davis won a gold medal for the United States in men’s basketball at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.
After Davis’s playing career, he had his number six retired by the Suns. The ceremony took place on April 3, 1994.
Fill In The Form Below To Receive Our NBA News Straight To Your Email For FREE!
April 4, 2026
Kon Knueppel sets Charlotte Hornets record for most three point shots made in a season
It was a memorable Thursday evening for Charlotte Hornets small forward Kon Knueppel of Milwaukee, Wisconsin In a dominant 127-107 Hornets win over the Phoenix Suns, Knueppel set the Hornets Read MoreApril 3, 2026
Kings upset Raptors 123-115 as a 12.5 point underdog
It has simply been a tough season for the Sacramento Kings Heading into the year there was plenty of optimism with this veteran group, but the club was unable to come together under head coach Doug Read MoreApril 3, 2026
76ers score 150+ points in a game twice in a week
The Philadelphia 76ers's offense has put together two electrifying offensive performances over the last week The timing could not be better as the 76ers are trying to secure a spot in the top six in Read More
Tell Us What You Think Below