American · Lawrence, Kansas · Born 19 July 1954American basketball center who spent his entire 13-year NBA career with Phoenix Suns, winning 1976 Rookie of the Year and reaching NBA Finals as rookie.
Alvan Leigh Adams was born in Lawrence, Kansas in 1954 and attended the University of Oklahoma. Phoenix Suns selected him fourth overall in the 1975 NBA Draft. His 13-season career — spent entirely with the Suns — produced 14.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 1976 — an extraordinary debut season in which he also helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals, losing to the Boston Celtics in the celebrated triple-overtime Game 5. He was selected to one All-Star game. His passing ability as a center — 4.1 assists per game throughout a career in an era when centers did not pass — was genuinely unusual and made him a unique offensive weapon. He played through the entire first chapter of the Phoenix Suns franchise, becoming his all-time leader in games played, points and rebounds. His 13 one-franchise seasons represent an unusual loyalty in an era of increasing player movement. After his retirement he remained connected to Phoenix through business and community activities. His combination of scoring, rebounding and passing from the center position gave Phoenix a distinctive offensive identity throughout the late 1970s and 1980s.
Rookie of the Year winner and cornerstone of Phoenix Suns
How They Played
Skilled passing center with good shooting range
Lasting Impact
One of the greatest centers in Suns history
Career Honours
- Rookie of the Year (1976)
- All-Star 1x
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Suns | 1975–1988 | 1254 |
American Athletes