Phoenix Suns' Retired Numbers: A Legacy of Excellence
In the history of the Phoenix Suns, ten jersey numbers have been retired, representing the contributions of players who left an indelible mark on the franchise. Each number immortalized in the rafters of the Footprint Center tells a story of greatness, leadership, and dedication. These players—Dick Van Arsdale, Walter Davis, Kevin Johnson, Dan Majerle, Steve Nash, Tom Chambers, Alvan Adams, Charles Barkley, Connie Hawkins, and Paul Westphal—defined what it means to wear the Suns uniform.
Let’s take a closer look at the numbers and the players behind them, focusing on their statistical achievements and enduring impact on the team.
The Significance of Retired Numbers
In professional basketball, retiring a jersey number is a rare and prestigious honor. It signifies that the player’s contributions to the team were so profound that no one else will ever wear that number again. For the Phoenix Suns, this tradition honors the franchise’s legends who shaped its identity and brought success to the organization. The ten retired numbers represent not only individual excellence but also a connection to the Suns’ storied history.
Dick Van Arsdale (#5)
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Dick Van Arsdale, known as "The Original Sun," was the first player selected by the Suns in the 1968 expansion draft. Over his nine-season tenure with the Suns, Van Arsdale averaged 17.6 points per game and was a three-time All-Star. His leadership and scoring ability were instrumental in establishing the Suns as a competitive team in their early years. Van Arsdale’s number was retired in 1977, honoring his pioneering role in the franchise’s history. He later served as the team’s head coach during the 1986-87 season, further solidifying his legacy in Phoenix basketball. Walter Davis, nicknamed "The Greyhound," joined the Suns in 1977 and made an immediate impact, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award. Over 11 seasons with Phoenix, Davis averaged 20.5 points per game and was a six-time All-Star. Known for his smooth shooting stroke, Davis is the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with 15,666 points. Davis’ number was retired by the Suns in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the team’s success. His consistency and scoring ability made him one of the most beloved players in Suns history. Kevin Johnson, often referred to as "KJ," was acquired by the Suns in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1988. As the team’s point guard, Johnson was a three-time All-Star and won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 1989. During his 12 seasons with Phoenix, he averaged 18.7 points and 9.5 assists per game, becoming one of the league’s premier playmakers. Johnson was the engine behind the Suns’ offense for over a decade, leading the team to eight consecutive playoff appearances, including a trip to the 1993 NBA Finals. His number was retired by the Suns in 2001, recognizing his leadership and lasting impact on the franchise. Dan Majerle, affectionately known as "Thunder Dan," was selected by the Suns with the 14th overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft. A versatile guard/forward, Majerle was a three-time All-Star during his tenure with Phoenix. Known for his defensive tenacity, three-point shooting, and relentless hustle, Majerle played a key role in the Suns’ run to the 1993 NBA Finals. Over his eight seasons with the Suns, Majerle averaged 13.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. His number was retired by the Suns, honoring his significant impact on the franchise. Steve Nash, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, had two stints with the Phoenix Suns (1996–1998 and 2004–2012). During his time with the Suns, Nash revolutionized the point guard position with his exceptional vision, passing, and shooting. He averaged 14.4 points and 9.4 assists per game over ten seasons in Phoenix and led the league in assists per game for five seasons. Nash’s leadership and skill were instrumental in the Suns’ high-octane offense, which became known as "Seven Seconds or Less." His number was retired by the Suns, and he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018. Tom Chambers joined the Suns as a free agent in 1988 and quickly became one of the team’s most prolific scorers. In his first season with Phoenix, he averaged 25.7 points per game, earning All-NBA Second Team honors. Chambers’ most memorable performance came on March 24, 1990, when he scored a franchise-record 60 points against the Seattle SuperSonics. Over his five seasons with the Suns, Chambers averaged 20.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, earning three All-Star selections. His number was retired by the Suns in recognition of his contributions to the team’s success. Drafted by the Suns in 1975, Alvan Adams became one of the franchise’s most reliable and versatile players. In his rookie season, Adams averaged 19 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, earning NBA Rookie of the Year honors and an All-Star selection. That same year, he led the Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance, where they pushed the Boston Celtics to six games. Adams played his entire 13-year career with the Suns, setting franchise records for games played (988), rebounds (6,937), and steals (1,289). His number was retired in 1988, and his legacy as a selfless and consistent player endures. Charles Barkley joined the Suns in 1992 and immediately made an impact, winning the NBA MVP award in his first season with the team. Barkley averaged 23.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game over four seasons in Phoenix. He led the Suns to the 1993 NBA Finals, where they faced Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls in a memorable six-game series. Barkley’s dominance on the court and larger-than-life personality made him a fan favorite. His number was retired by the Suns to recognize his extraordinary contributions. Connie Hawkins was the first player to have his jersey retired by the Suns in 1976, and for good reason. He joined the Suns in 1969 after a legal battle paved the way for his entry into the NBA. Hawkins immediately made an impact, averaging 24.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game in his debut season. That year, he earned All-NBA First Team honors and his first of four All-Star selections as a member of the Suns. Hawkins’ versatility and scoring ability transformed the Suns into a competitive team. His #42 hanging in the rafters is a testament to his trailblazing role in establishing the Suns as a franchise to be reckoned with. Paul Westphal’s time with the Suns was relatively brief, but his impact was monumental. Acquired in 1975, Westphal quickly became the team’s go-to scorer, averaging 20.6 points per game during his five seasons in Phoenix. He was a key player in the Suns’ run to the 1976 NBA Finals, where his clutch performances pushed the Boston Celtics to six games in one of the most iconic Finals series in league history. Westphal earned four consecutive All-Star selections with the Suns and was named to three All-NBA First Teams during his tenure. In 1989, the Suns retired Westphal’s #44 jersey, commemorating his role in elevating the franchise to new heights. Amar'e Stoudemire’s impact on the Suns franchise cannot be overstated. Drafted ninth overall in 2002, Stoudemire quickly became one of the most explosive and dominant power forwards in the NBA. During his eight seasons with Phoenix, he averaged 21.4 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, earning five All-Star selections and making the All-NBA First Team in 2007. Stoudemire was a critical part of the Suns’ "Seven Seconds or Less" offense, thriving alongside Steve Nash in one of the most dynamic pick-and-roll duos in NBA history. His energy, athleticism, and scoring ability made him a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the Suns’ success during the mid-2000s. In 2023, the Suns honored Stoudemire by retiring his #32 jersey, ensuring his legacy as one of the franchise’s all-time greats. In addition to retired numbers, the Suns celebrate their greatest players through the Ring of Honor. This exclusive group includes legends who have defined the franchise’s history. The Ring of Honor serves as a bridge between past and present, ensuring the legacy of these players endures. This prestigious circle includes icons like Shawn Marion, whose defensive prowess and versatility helped define the Suns during the 2000s, and Joe Proski, the team’s longtime trainer and one of the franchise’s most beloved figures. By including individuals from various roles, the Ring of Honor celebrates the full spectrum of contributions that make the Suns successful both on and off the court. The induction ceremonies are emotional and celebratory events, drawing players, fans, and teammates together to honor a legacy that connects generations. The retired numbers of the Phoenix Suns represent more than individual achievements; they symbolize the heart and soul of the franchise. From Dick Van Arsdale’s pioneering role to Charles Barkley’s MVP dominance, these players defined what it means to be a Sun. Their contributions continue to inspire fans and players alike, ensuring that their legacies will never be forgotten. As the Suns’ current stars build on this foundation, the tradition of excellence lives on. With a bright future ahead, it’s only a matter of time before new numbers join the rafters, adding to the rich history of the Phoenix Suns.Walter Davis (#6)
Kevin Johnson (#7)
Dan Majerle (#9)
Steve Nash (#13)
Tom Chambers (#24)
Alvan Adams (#33)
Charles Barkley (#34)
Connie Hawkins (#42)
Paul Westphal (#44)
Amar'e Stoudemire (#32)
The Ring of Honor: Preserving Suns Heritage
A Legacy That Endures
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