Valley of the Suns
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Top-5 rookies in Phoenix Suns history

By Steve Miner

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Josh Jackson of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Josh Jackson of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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#1 – Walter Davis

LANDOVER, MD – CIRCA 1979: Walter Davis #6 of the Phoenix Suns goes up to shoot over Bob Dandridge #10 of the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1979 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Davis played for the Suns from 1977-88. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – CIRCA 1979: Walter Davis #6 of the Phoenix Suns goes up to shoot over Bob Dandridge #10 of the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1979 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Davis played for the Suns from 1977-88. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

Selected fifth overall in the 1977 draft, Walter Davis is another peculiar case. Statistically, he also had the best year of his career during his rookie season. Also similar to Adams, it was a dang good one. He averaged about 24 points and six rebounds while contributing 3.4 assists and 1.4 steals. He also shot a pretty amazing 53% from the floor for a shooting guard.

The Suns finished that year with a record of 49-33 – a 15 game improvement over the season before. That’s the kind of turnaround that could get someone MVP consideration. Well, he didn’t get that, but he did get a lot of recognition. Davis was not only named the NBA Rookie of the Year, but was also named to the 1978 All-Star and All-NBA Second teams. That’s not only the best rookie year in Suns’ history, but it has to be considered one of the best in NBA history.

Next: Top-5 Suns who were great after being traded away

Again, like Alvan Adams, Davis would never have as good of a season as his rookie campaign. It’s really strange how that happens. He would, however, have a wonderful career and go on to become one of the greatest players in Suns’ history. He had six All-Star appearances and two All-NBA Second teams, all in Phoenix. Davis entered the Suns Ring of Honor in 1994 and had his No. 6 retired. He is still the franchise leader in points scored.

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