Phoenix Suns 2010-11 Media Guide - NBA Media Central

Season Review 74-75
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Review74-75
Review74-75
Season
RECORD
The season was preceded by one of the largest transactions in Suns
history with center Neal Walk and a second-round draft pick going to New 32-50
Orleans in exchange for Curtis Perry, Dennis Awtrey, Nate Hawthorne
and a first-round pick in 1976.
Also new to the team was rookie John Shumate, a 6-8 forward from Notre Dame who was
the fourth pick in the 1974 NBA Draft. Unfortunately, Shumate had to sit out his rookie
season so he could receive treatment for blood clots. Perry had his best season as a pro
averaging 13 points and 12 rebounds, winning both the Suns’ Most Outstanding and Most
Popular Player awards.
Charlie Scott, who finished the season as the Suns’ scoring leader (24.3), was the club’s
lone All-Star representative. On January 14, 1975, Phoenix became the “Professional
Basketball Capital of the World.” The 25th annual All-Star Game was the first one ever
played in Phoenix. NBA Commissioner J. Walter Kennedy was presiding over his final NBA
All-Star Game before retiring.
In late February, the Suns had a shot at the NBA Playoffs, but injuries to Dick Van
Arsdale and Keith Erickson knocked them from contention. The Suns finished fourth in the
Pacific Division with a 32-50 mark.
FRONT ROW: Jim Owens, Keith Erickson, Curtis Perry, Head Coach John MacLeod, Gary Melchionni, Charlie
Scott, Greg Jackson.
BACK ROW: Assistant Coach Dennis Price, Nate Hawthorne, Fred Saunders, Dennis Awtrey, Earl Williams, Mike
Bantom, Dick Van Arsdale, Trainer Joe Proski.