What is the Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor?

The Ring of Honor is an award bestowed by the Phoenix Suns, a professional basketball team in the National Basketball Association (NBA). It is given to prominent players and employees to recognize their significant contributions and impact specifically on the Suns organization, rather than solely their overall NBA prominence.

What criteria are used for selecting individuals for the Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor?

The selection criteria focus on the significant role an individual has played within the Phoenix Suns organization. This means their prominence and impact on the team are the primary factors, not necessarily their broader career achievements in the NBA.

When was the Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor established?

The Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor was established and opened on April 18, 1999.

Where were the names and numbers of Ring of Honor inductees initially displayed?

Initially, the names and numbers of awardees were displayed at the Suns' home arena, which was then known as America West Arena, and later PHX Arena. Following a reimagining in 2023, permanent banners and murals were unveiled.

How has the Phoenix Suns' policy on retiring jersey numbers evolved in relation to the Ring of Honor?

While the Suns retired numbers early in their franchise history, recent inductees into the Ring of Honor had their names and numbers displayed, with the possibility of numbers being reused. However, starting with the 2023-24 season, the team resumed the practice of retiring jersey numbers on the Ring of Honor, officially designating previously honored numbers as retired.

What does the asterisk (*) symbol next to a jersey number signify in the context of the Suns' Ring of Honor?

The asterisk (*) symbol next to a jersey number indicates that the number has been officially retired by the Phoenix Suns franchise.

What does a yellow background color signify for an inductee in the Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor table?

A yellow background color in the inductees table signifies that the honoree has also been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, indicating a significant national or international recognition of their basketball career.

Who was the last player to wear jersey number 24 for the Suns before it was honored for Tom Chambers?

Tom Gugliotta was the last player to wear jersey number 24, which was Tom Chambers' former number, before it was honored as part of the Ring of Honor.

When was Kevin Johnson inducted into the Ring of Honor, and what was unique about his number's status?

Kevin Johnson was added to the Ring of Honor in 2001. His induction was notable because his jersey number 7 was retired at that time, making it an exception to the earlier policy where numbers displayed in the Ring of Honor could potentially be reused.

Beyond players, which other roles within the Suns organization have been recognized with induction into the Ring of Honor?

The Ring of Honor has recognized individuals in various capacities, including former athletic trainer Joe Proski, coaches Cotton Fitzsimmons and John MacLeod, general manager and owner Jerry Colangelo, and broadcaster Al McCoy.

When did the Phoenix Suns officially consider the numbers of Charles Barkley, Tom Chambers, Dan Majerle, and Steve Nash as properly retired?

The numbers worn by Charles Barkley, Tom Chambers, Dan Majerle, and Steve Nash became officially considered retired following the "reimagining" of the Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor, which included unveiling permanent banners and murals on October 28, 2023.

Who were the first two individuals to have their numbers retired on the Ring of Honor starting with the 2023-24 season?

Shawn Marion, wearing number 31, and Amar'e Stoudemire, wearing number 32, were the first players to have their numbers retired on the Ring of Honor beginning with the 2023-24 season.

On what date was Shawn Marion inducted into the Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor?

Shawn Marion was inducted into the Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor on December 15, 2023.

When did Amar'e Stoudemire's jersey number 32 become part of the Ring of Honor?

Amar'e Stoudemire's number 32 joined the Ring of Honor on March 2, 2024.

What significant franchise records did Alvan Adams hold according to his Ring of Honor induction details?

Alvan Adams played his entire career with the Suns, was named NBA Rookie of the Year, and holds the franchise records for games played (988), minutes played (27,203), rebounds (6,937), and steals (1,289).

What were Charles Barkley's major achievements during his tenure with the Phoenix Suns?

Charles Barkley won the NBA MVP award in 1993 and led the Suns to the NBA Finals in the same year. He is also recognized as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA history and is a Hall of Famer.

What current roles does Tom Chambers hold within the Phoenix Suns organization?

Tom Chambers is involved in Suns community relations and also works as a broadcaster for Suns games.

What distinguished Jerry Colangelo's leadership within the Phoenix Suns organization?

Jerry Colangelo was a four-time NBA Executive of the Year, a Basketball Hall of Famer, and notably served as the youngest general manager in US professional sports history.

What accolades did Walter Davis achieve during his time with the Phoenix Suns?

Walter Davis is the Phoenix Suns' all-time leading scorer with 15,666 points. He was also the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1978, a six-time NBA All-Star, and a gold medalist at the 1976 Olympics.

What were Cotton Fitzsimmons' coaching achievements that led to his Ring of Honor induction?

Cotton Fitzsimmons coached the Suns to a 341-208 record and was named NBA Coach of the Year twice, including for the 1988-89 season. He is also recognized in multiple Halls of Fame, including the Missouri Basketball Hall of Fame.

What were Connie Hawkins' notable accomplishments prior to his induction into the Suns' Ring of Honor?

Connie Hawkins was the American Basketball League's MVP in 1962, played for the Harlem Globetrotters from 1964-1966, won an ABA championship with the Pittsburgh Pipers in 1967, and is a Basketball Hall of Famer.

What significant career decision did Kevin Johnson make in March 2000 related to the Suns?

Kevin Johnson came out of retirement on March 23, 2000, to rejoin the Suns after their point guard, Jason Kidd, suffered an injury.

What coaching distinctions does John MacLeod hold for the Phoenix Suns?

John MacLeod is the Phoenix Suns' winningest head coach of all time with 579 wins and also holds the record for the longest tenure as the team's head coach. He is also recognized as one of the top 20 winningest coaches in NBA history.

What international basketball achievements did Dan Majerle accomplish?

Dan Majerle earned a bronze medal at the 1988 Summer Olympics and a gold medal at the 1994 USA Men's Basketball World Championship held in Toronto, Canada.

What are Shawn Marion's key statistical rankings in Phoenix Suns franchise history?

Shawn Marion ranks fifth in franchise history for points (12,134), second for rebounds (6,616), second for steals (1,245), and third for blocks (894).

What is Al McCoy's distinction in NBA broadcasting history regarding his tenure with the Suns?

Al McCoy holds the record for the longest tenure as a broadcaster in NBA history, having served 51 seasons with the Phoenix Suns and missing only one game throughout his entire career with the team.

What major individual awards did Steve Nash win during his time playing for the Phoenix Suns?

Steve Nash won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award twice, in 2005 and 2006, during his tenure with the Phoenix Suns.

What unique role did Joe Proski fulfill for the Phoenix Suns during the franchise's initial decades?

Joe Proski served as the sole athletic trainer for the Phoenix Suns franchise for its first 32 seasons, from 1968 to 2000.

What individual accolades did Amar'e Stoudemire receive during his time with the Suns?

Amar'e Stoudemire was named All-NBA four times, including to the First Team in 2006-07. He was also a five-time All-Star selection and earned the NBA Rookie of the Year award for the 2002-03 season.

What significant event is associated with Dick Van Arsdale's induction into the Ring of Honor?

Dick Van Arsdale is recognized for scoring the franchise's very first point on October 18, 1968. He also served as Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Suns.

In what dual capacity did Paul Westphal contribute to the Phoenix Suns, leading to his Ring of Honor induction?

Paul Westphal was inducted into the Ring of Honor for his significant contributions as both a player and a head coach for the Phoenix Suns.

What was the distinction between 'honored' numbers and 'retired' numbers for the Suns before the 2023-24 season?

Before the 2023-24 season, numbers that were 'honored' were displayed in the Ring of Honor but could potentially be reused by future players. Officially retired numbers were permanently taken out of circulation.

How did the Phoenix Suns' Ring of Honor and jersey number retirement policy change under new owner Mat Ishbia?

Under new owner Mat Ishbia, the Suns resumed retiring jersey numbers on the Ring of Honor starting in the 2023-24 season. This change meant that numbers previously considered only 'honored' were once again officially designated as retired.

What is the overall significance of the Ring of Honor award for individuals associated with the Phoenix Suns?

The Ring of Honor represents the highest recognition from the Phoenix Suns for individuals who have made substantial and meaningful contributions to the team's history and identity, acknowledging their deep impact on the organization.

Which player holds the record for the most games played in the history of the Phoenix Suns franchise?

Alvan Adams holds the record for the most games played in Phoenix Suns franchise history, with a total of 988 games.

Who is recognized as the Phoenix Suns' all-time leading scorer?

Walter Davis is recognized as the Phoenix Suns' all-time leading scorer, having accumulated 15,666 points during his tenure with the team.

Which two individuals were inducted into the Ring of Honor on December 15, 2023, and March 2, 2024, respectively?

Shawn Marion was inducted on December 15, 2023, and Amar'e Stoudemire was inducted on March 2, 2024, marking recent additions to the Ring of Honor.

What unique broadcasting achievement does Al McCoy hold in the NBA related to the Phoenix Suns?

Al McCoy holds the record for the longest tenure as a broadcaster in NBA history, having served 51 seasons with the Phoenix Suns and remarkably missing only one game during his entire career with the team.

Which two individuals are listed in the Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor specifically for their roles as coaches?

Cotton Fitzsimmons and John MacLeod are recognized in the Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor for their significant contributions as head coaches.

What does the text suggest about the continuity and evolution of the Ring of Honor tradition for the Phoenix Suns?

The text indicates that the Ring of Honor is a long-standing tradition, established in 1999 and later "reimagined" in 2023 with permanent displays. This suggests a continuous effort by the franchise to honor its key figures, adapting the presentation over time.

What specific statistical categories does Alvan Adams lead the Phoenix Suns franchise in?

According to his Ring of Honor induction details, Alvan Adams leads the Suns franchise in games played (988), minutes played (27,203), rebounds (6,937), and steals (1,289).

What was the primary motivation behind the change in jersey number policy for the Suns' Ring of Honor starting in the 2023-24 season?

The policy change was driven by new owner Mat Ishbia, who decided to reinstate the practice of retiring jersey numbers on the Ring of Honor, thereby officially retiring numbers that had previously been only 'honored'.

Which player inducted into the Ring of Honor also served as Mayor of Sacramento, California?

Kevin Johnson, who is honored in the Ring of Honor, also held the public office of Mayor of Sacramento, California, from 2008 to 2016.

What specific recognitions did Joe Proski receive in 1979 and 1988 for his work as the Suns' athletic trainer?

Joe Proski was honored as Arizona Sports Personality of the Year in 1979 and received the NBA Athletic Trainer of the Year award in 1988.

What is the implication of the 2023 'reimagining' of the Ring of Honor regarding previously 'honored' numbers?

The 2023 reimagining means that numbers previously designated as 'honored' are now officially considered retired by the franchise, strengthening the connection between the Ring of Honor and the permanent retirement of jersey numbers.

Which inductee into the Ring of Honor is credited with scoring the franchise's first point?

Dick Van Arsdale is credited with scoring the franchise's first point, which occurred on October 18, 1968.

What specific broadcasting award did Al McCoy receive in 2007 for his work with the Suns?

Al McCoy received the Curt Gowdy Media Award in 2007, recognizing his electronic media personality and charisma throughout the league.

What were the years of Jerry Colangelo's extensive involvement with the Phoenix Suns organization?

Jerry Colangelo was involved with the Phoenix Suns organization for a significant period, spanning from 1968 to 2004.

Which player inducted into the Ring of Honor was a member of the renowned 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team, also known as the Dream Team?

Charles Barkley was a member of the 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team, famously known as the Dream Team.

What is the primary purpose of the Ring of Honor award for individuals associated with the Phoenix Suns?

The Ring of Honor serves as the highest form of recognition by the Phoenix Suns for individuals who have made substantial and meaningful contributions to the team's history and identity, acknowledging their deep impact on the organization.

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The Ring of Honor

Recognizing Excellence

The Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor is a distinguished award bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the Phoenix Suns organization. It serves as a testament to their impact on the team's history, culture, and success, extending beyond mere on-court performance to encompass influential figures in various capacities.

Evolution of Recognition

Initially, the Suns retired jersey numbers early in their history. However, the Ring of Honor, established on April 18, 1999, initially displayed names and numbers at the arena, with the possibility of numbers being reused. This practice evolved, and beginning with the 2023-24 season under new ownership, the franchise reinstated the tradition of permanently retiring jersey numbers for inductees, solidifying their legacy.

Criteria for Induction

Induction into the Ring of Honor recognizes individuals for their substantial roles within the Suns franchise. This includes players who achieved remarkable statistical milestones or accolades, coaches who led the team to significant success, executives who guided the organization's vision, and even broadcasters who became the voice of the team for generations.

A Chronicle of Honor

Inaugural Class and Early Years

The Ring of Honor was inaugurated on April 18, 1999. The initial ceremony honored several franchise stalwarts, including Tom Chambers, Connie Hawkins, Dick Van Arsdale, Alvan Adams, Paul Westphal, and Walter Davis. These individuals were transitioned from the previous "Banners for Retired Numbers" display at the America West Arena, marking a formalization of the team's recognition efforts.

Notable Additions and Realignments

Over the years, the Ring of Honor expanded to include figures like Kevin Johnson (whose No. 7 was also retired), Joe Proski, Dan Majerle, Charles Barkley, Cotton Fitzsimmons, Jerry Colangelo, Steve Nash, and Al McCoy. A significant shift occurred with the "reimagining" and unveiling of permanent banners and murals on October 28, 2023, which officially designated the numbers of Barkley, Chambers, Majerle, and Nash as retired.

Recent Inductees

The tradition of honoring significant contributors continues. Shawn Marion was inducted on December 15, 2023, followed by Amar'e Stoudemire on March 2, 2024. These recent ceremonies underscore the ongoing commitment to celebrating the franchise's most impactful figures.

The Honorees

Inductees and Their Contributions

The following table details the individuals inducted into the Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor, their associated jersey numbers, positions, tenure with the team, the date of their honor, and notable achievements or roles.

Key
*	Retired number
	Inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Inductees
Honoree	Jersey No.	Position	Tenure	Initial Date of Honor/Jersey retired	Notes
Alvan Adams	33*	C	1975–1988	November 9, 1988	Played entire career as a Sun, NBA Rookie of the Year, Phoenix's career leader in games played (988), minutes played (27,203), rebounds (6,937) and steals (1,289)
Charles Barkley	34*	F	1992–1996	March 20, 2004	One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA history; Hall of Famer; gold medalist with the Dream Team at the 1992 Olympics; won the NBA MVP award in 1993 and led Suns to NBA Finals the same year; is an Emmy award winning broadcaster for the NBA on TNT
Tom Chambers	24*	F	1988–1993	April 18, 1999	Four-time NBA All-Star (three as a Sun); works in Suns community relations; is a broadcaster for Suns games
Jerry Colangelo	—	GM, coach, owner, executive	1968–2004	November 4, 2007	Four-time NBA Executive of the Year, Hall of Famer, youngest general manager in US professional sports
Walter Davis	6*	G	1977–1988	April 3, 1994	Gold Medalist at the 1976 Olympics, NBA Rookie of the Year (1978), Phoenix's all-time leading scorer (15,666), six-time NBA All-Star
Cotton Fitzsimmons	—	Coach	1970–1972, 1988–1992, 1996	March 18, 2005	Suns head coach with a 341–208 record, two times NBA Coach of the Year (with Suns, 1988–89 season), Missouri Basketball Hall of Famer, National Junior College Hall of Famer, Missouri Sports Hall of Famer
Connie Hawkins	42*	F	1969–1973	November 19, 1976	American Basketball League's MVP (1962), Harlem Globetrotter (1964–66), American Basketball Association champion (1967's Pittsburgh Pipers), Hall of Famer, worked in Suns community relations until his death in 2017.
Kevin Johnson	7*	G	1988–1998, 2000	March 7, 2001	Suns leader in free throws made (3,851) and free throws attempted (4,579); came out of retirement on March 23, 2000, after Suns point guard Jason Kidd was out due to injury; Mayor of Sacramento, California (2008–2016)
John MacLeod	—	Coach	1973–1987	April 18, 2012	Suns winningest head coach of all time (579) and longest-tenured Suns head coach, a top 20 winningest head coach (707), 6th winningest head coach based on services made for one team, Assistant head coach 1999-2000, Coach of five other Ring of Honor players, 1995 Big East Coach of the Year, Indiana Basketball Hall of Famer, Arizona Sports Hall of Famer
Dan Majerle	9*	F	1988–1995, 2001–2002	March 9, 2003	Played first seven seasons in Phoenix and concluded his career as a Sun; bronze medalist at the 1988 Olympics. 1994 Gold Medalist USA Men's Basketball World Championship in Toronto, Canada.
Shawn Marion	31*	F	1999–2008	December 15, 2023	Played 660 regular season games from 1999 to 2008, averaging 18.4 points on 48.1% shooting, 10.0 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.4 blocks. He ranks fifth in franchise history in points (12,134), second in rebounds (6,616), second in steals (1,245) and third in blocks (894). Four-time All-Star, Two-time All NBA
Al McCoy	—	Announcer	1972–2023	March 3, 2017	Longest tenured broadcaster in NBA history at 51 seasons with the Suns; Missed only one game throughout his time as an announcer for the team. Won the Curt Gowdy Media Award in 2007 for his electronic media personality and charisma throughout the league; Also, a member of the Broadcasters Hall of Fame and Iowa Hall of Pride.
Steve Nash	13*	G	1996–1998, 2004–2012	October 30, 2015	Suns leader in assists made (6,997); won the NBA MVP award in 2005 and 2006; eight-time All-Star (six with the Suns); He ranks second in franchise history in three-point field goals (1,051).
Joe Proski	—	Athletic trainer	1968–2000	April 1, 2001	Only athletic trainer during the franchise's first 32 seasons, Arizona Sports Personality of the Year (1979), NBA Athletic Trainer of the Year (1988)
Amar'e Stoudemire	32*	F	2002–2010	March 2, 2024	Stoudemire played 516 regular season games, averaging 21.4 points on 54.4% shooting, 8.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. He ranks seventh in franchise history in points (11,035), fifth in scoring average (21.4), third in rebounds (4,613) and fifth in blocks (722). Was named All-NBA four times, including to the First Team in 2006–07, was a five-time All-Star selection and the 2002-03 NBA Rookie of the Year during his time with the Suns.
Dick Van Arsdale	5*	G	1968–1977	November 13, 1977	Scored franchise's first point (October 18, 1968), fifth highest scorer in club history (12,060), Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Suns
Paul Westphal	44*	G, coach	Player: 1975–1980, 1983–1984 Head coach: 1992–1996	April 15, 1989	Phoenix's eighth all-time leading scorer (9,564), Phoenix's top scorer each season, assistant coach for the Suns (1988–92), head coach for the Suns (1992–96)

Diverse Contributions

Players

The most visible inductees are often the star players who delivered memorable performances, led the team to championships, or set franchise records. Figures like Charles Barkley, Steve Nash, and Kevin Johnson exemplify this, with their individual accolades and impact on team success being paramount.

Coaches and Executives

Beyond the players, coaches like Cotton Fitzsimmons and John MacLeod, and executives like Jerry Colangelo, are recognized for their leadership and strategic vision. Their contributions were instrumental in building successful teams and shaping the franchise's identity over decades.

Voices of the Suns

The Ring of Honor also acknowledges those who brought the game to the fans. Al McCoy, the long-serving broadcaster, is celebrated for his iconic voice and dedication, becoming synonymous with Suns basketball for generations of listeners.

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References

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Suns Legacy: Honoring Phoenix Basketball's Elite

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The Ring of Honor 🏆

🌟 Recognizing Excellence

🔄 Evolution of Recognition

🏛️ Criteria for Induction

A Chronicle of Honor 🗓️

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⭐ Notable Additions and Realignments

🏆 Recent Inductees

The Honorees 🏅

📜 Inductees and Their Contributions

Diverse Contributions 👤

🏀 Players

🧑‍🏫 Coaches and Executives

🎤 Voices of the Suns

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The Ring of Honor

Recognizing Excellence

Evolution of Recognition

Criteria for Induction

A Chronicle of Honor

Inaugural Class and Early Years

Notable Additions and Realignments

Recent Inductees

The Honorees

Inductees and Their Contributions

Diverse Contributions

Players

Coaches and Executives

Voices of the Suns

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice