Phoenix Suns 2010-11 Media Guide - NBA Media Central

Season Review 76-77
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Review76-77
Review76-77
Season
RECORD
It could have been and should have been the best of times. With the
addition of first-round draft pick Ron Lee, and Tom and Dick Van Arsdale 34-48
playing together for the first time as pros, the Suns seemed certain to
make another strong playoff run. Indeed, the Suns entered the year with the highest of
expectations, but had to watch helplessly as injuries eventually claimed the entire starting
frontline.
Gar Heard and Curtis Perry each missed nearly half the season and Alvan Adams, who
was injured in the fourth game of the season, did not regain top form until February. The
Suns had all players healthy and available for duty for only six games the entire season and
finished 34-48, fifth in the Pacific Division.
Paul Westphal led the club in scoring (21.3) for the second-straight season and was
named to the All-NBA First Team for the first time in his career. Lee was named to the
All-Rookie Team and the Suns set a new home attendance mark, averaging more than
10,000 fans per game.
Westphal was voted to the starting unit of the West squad at the All-Star Game in
Milwaukee, scored 20 points and nearly captured the game’s MVP award. As a team, the
Suns set a new assist record (2,100) breaking the record they set in 1975-76. At the
conclusion of the season, both Van Arsdales retired from the NBA.
On November 19, 1976, future Hall of Famer Connie Hawkins became the first Suns
player to have his uniform number retired (42).
FRONT ROW: Dale Schleuter, Dennis Awtrey, Gar Heard, Ronnie Lee, Butch Feher, Alvan Adams, Paul Westphal.
BACK ROW: Head Coach John MacLeod, Ricky Sobers, Dick Van Arsdale, Keith Erickson, Ira Terrell, Tom Van
Arsdale, Assistant Coach Al Bianchi, Trainer Joe Proski.