The Phoenix Suns celebrated a poignant moment last October as Charles Barkley and 14 other luminaries were inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor. The ceremony, held during a halftime event at the Suns’ home opener against the Utah Jazz, was shadowed by a notable absence that deeply affected Sir Charles. Walter Davis, the franchise’s all-time leading scorer and a beloved figure in Phoenix basketball history, passed away just days after the celebration, on November 2, 2023, at the age of 69.
Walter Davis, affectionately known as “Sweet D” during his storied NBA career, was drafted by the Suns with the 5th pick in the 1977 NBA Draft. He retired in 1991 after a distinguished career that saw him amass 15,666 points for the Suns, holding the record as the 18th highest scorer in NBA history at the time of his retirement. His incredible contributions were honored by the Suns in 1994 when they retired his No. 6 jersey and inducted him into the Ring of Honor.
During his induction, Charles Barkley shared heartfelt words that resonated with the audience and listeners of ‘The Dave Pasch Podcast’, where he later recounted his feelings about the event and Davis’s absence. “Man, we lost one of the great Suns players last week. But really one of the great gentlemen, Walter Davis. When I saw that, it really broke my heart because I was wondering why Walter wasn’t there. And I was like- Then I saw the news that he had passed away,” Barkley said, reflecting on the loss of his predecessor and friend.
The ceremony was not just a celebration of past achievements but also a somber reflection on the passage of time and the legacies left behind. Over 60 former players attended, witnessing Barkley and other Suns greats like Steve Nash receive special watches and see their names permanently etched into the annals of the franchise’s history.
Walter Davis was not only a legend in Phoenix but also held in high regard by other NBA greats, including Michael Jordan. Jordan, who encountered Davis during summer camps early in his career, often spoke of Davis’s profound influence on his playing style and approach to the game. “It’s got to be Walter Davis. I had the opportunity to compete against Walter Davis during the summer, and he’s truly an exceptional basketball talent,” Jordan remarked in an interview following the 1984 NBA Draft. Jordan had always expressed a wish to play alongside Davis, a testament to Davis’s skill and character.
Walter Davis’s legacy extends beyond his on-court achievements; his demeanor and professionalism made him a role model for future generations. His style of play and dedication during his four seasons at North Carolina, where he averaged 15.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists over 119 games, exemplified his passion for basketball.
As the basketball community continues to mourn his loss, the impact of Walter Davis’s career remains a significant chapter in the history of the Phoenix Suns and the NBA. His passing is not just the loss of a former athlete but the fading of an era that shaped modern basketball in many ways.
As Phoenix and the broader sports world remember “Sweet D,” his contributions to the game and the lives he touched endure, immortalized in the memories of fans and the respect of peers like Barkley and Jordan. His spirit, much like his records, will continue to inspire long after his passing.
