With a hopeful new era set to begin with the Phoenix Suns this upcoming season, they will have to face an immense tragedy for their franchise first. NBA Hall of Famer and Phoenix Suns legend Connie Hawkins has passed away at the age of 75. Hawkins was a four-time All-Star over his 10-year tenure as a professional. The Suns released a statement on Hawkins’ death via their Twitter account:
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 7, 2017
Fellow Suns legend Steve Nash also took to Twitter to pass on his condolences:
Gonna miss the Hawk! Legend! RIP https://t.co/noev9VBpgT
— Steve Nash (@SteveNash) October 7, 2017
Connie Hawkins was a basketball pioneer in the truest sense of the word. Hawkins spent two seasons in the American Basketball Association before entering the NBA at age 27. During his ABA days, Hawkins cemented himself as a top scorer with averages of 28.2 points per game to go with 12.6 rebounds while earning MVP hardware and leading his team to a championship.
With the Suns, Hawkins made the All-Star team on four occasions and was one of the first stars to put the Suns on the map. Hawkins has his #42 jersey retired by the franchise and was the first Sun to make the Naismith Hall of Fame in 1992. Over his five years with Phoenix, the 6’8″ Hawkins averaged 20.2 points and 9 rebounds.
