The Greyhound Who Defined a Franchise Era
When the Phoenix Suns selected Walter Davis with the fifth overall pick in the 1977 NBA Draft, they were getting more than a talented forward — they were getting the face of their franchise for the next decade. Over eleven seasons in the desert, Davis would become the quintessential Sun: smooth, explosive, and utterly captivating to watch.
His nickname said it all. "The Greyhound" moved across the court with a fluid grace that made the game look effortless, his long strides eating up the floor as he attacked the basket or pulled up for one of his silky mid-range jumpers. In an era before player movement redefined the league, Davis was Phoenix through and through.
A Rookie Year That Announced His Arrival
Davis wasted no time establishing himself. In his first NBA season (1977-78), he averaged 24.2 points per game and earned NBA Rookie of the Year honors. It was a statement arrival — the Suns had something special, and Phoenix knew it immediately.
That rookie campaign set the tone for what would be a remarkable run. Davis brought a scoring versatility that was rare for his era: he could get to the rim with his athleticism, knock down mid-range jumpers off the dribble, and attack closeouts with precision. Defenders had no clean answer for him.
Six All-Star Selections: A Career of Elite Consistency
Davis earned six NBA All-Star Game appearances during his time in Phoenix (1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983), a testament to just how consistently he performed at an elite level. During that stretch, he was one of the most reliable scorers in the Western Conference.
His peak scoring seasons — often hovering near or above 20 points per game — came at a time when the Suns were building competitive rosters around him. Davis was the constant, the player opponents had to gameplan for, the one who could carry the offense on nights when others struggled.
Legacy and Jersey Retirement
Davis spent his core career in Phoenix before closing out with stints in Denver and Portland. His connection to the franchise never faded. Career numbers in Phoenix place him among the all-time franchise leaders in points scored — a product of longevity and excellence combined.
The Suns retired Walter Davis's #6 in 1994, formally enshrining him in franchise history. His banner in the rafters of what is now the Footprint Center stands as a reminder to every new generation of Suns fans about the Greyhound who helped build the foundation of professional basketball in the desert.
What Made Davis Different
Beyond statistics and All-Star appearances, Davis had something harder to quantify: he made basketball beautiful. His movement, his shot creation, his athleticism — it all combined into a style of play that was as aesthetically pleasing as it was effective.
For Phoenix fans who watched him play, no statistics are needed. The Greyhound was something special. Number 6 belongs in the rafters, and the Suns made sure the world would never forget it.
