Valley of the Suns
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Phoenix Suns: Top 15 best draft picks in franchise history

By Adam Maynes

PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns moves the ball upcourt during the NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at US Airways Center on February 19, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 102-90. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns moves the ball upcourt during the NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at US Airways Center on February 19, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 102-90. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – CIRCA 1976: Alvan Adams #33 of the Phoenix Suns in action against the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1976 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Adams played for the Suns from 1975-88. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – CIRCA 1976: Alvan Adams #33 of the Phoenix Suns in action against the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1976 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Adams played for the Suns from 1975-88. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

When the Suns selected Alvan Adams No. 4 overall in 1975, little did they know that they were selecting one of the franchise’s most important players ever to dress in the purple and orange.

His rookie year being his most statistically productive, averaging 19.0 points, 9.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.5 blocks, 1.5 per game steals (except for rebounds, each were career-highs), and Adams was not only selected to his only career All-Star game, but would go on to win NBA Rookie of the Year, the first in Suns history, and help guide the Suns to a surprise appearance in the NBA Finals.

Adams would remain a pillar of consistency for the franchise throughout his career, averaging at least 14.2 points over his first eight seasons, at least 7.3 rebounds over his first seven seasons, and an incredibly consistent 1.4 steals per game for five consecutive seasons in each of his fourth through eighth years.

After 13 seasons, all with the Suns, Adams would finish his career with the most games played in his his 1975 NBA Draft class (with 102 appearances than World B. Free who finished second), the most minutes, the 3rd most points, the second most rebounds, the second most assists (ironically, Phoenix’s second first round round pick, Ricky Sobers, would finish with the third most assists in that class), the highest Win Share, and the fourth highest Win Share per 48 minutes.

Alvan remains the franchise leader in games played, minutes played, offensive and total rebounds, steals, and personal fouls, while still sitting top-10 in a number of other categories.

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