Six-time NBA All-Star Walter Davis died on Thursday, the University of North Carolina announced. Davis was once 69 years previous and passed on to the great beyond from natural causes. Davis, who grew up in North Carolina, would cross directly to play for Dean Smith as each a member of the Tar Heels and as a pacesetter on his 1976 gold-medal-winning Olympic staff. He is the uncle of present North Carolina basketball trainer Hubert Davis. He was once nicknamed “Sweet D” for each his protection and the graceful nature of his offense.
Davis was once picked No. 5 general within the 1977 NBA Draft by way of the Phoenix Suns, the place he made an instantaneous have an effect on on a successful staff. Davis was once named an All-Star in every of his first 4 seasons, however his rookie scoring reasonable of 24.2 issues according to recreation would in the end end up to be his career-high. As he elderly, again issues sapped some of the athleticism that made him one of these particular participant.
Still, Davis remained a high-level participant for many of his profession and made his 6th and ultimate All-Star look in 1987. He was once respected for his bounce shot, although he performed in an technology by which 3-point pictures weren’t valued as extremely as they’re lately. That shot made him very talked-about amongst different avid gamers, with Sam Smith noting in his seminal e-book concerning the Chicago Bulls, The Jordan Rules, that Michael Jordan incessantly attempted to get the Bulls to business for him.
Davis ended his profession with temporary stints as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets. He would then cross directly to careers in broadcasting (with the Nuggets) and scouting (with the Washington Wizards). His No. 6 jersey has been retired by way of the Suns, the staff he spent maximum of his profession enjoying for.Â