Alvan Adams
The Oklahoma Kid who rewrote the Suns' record books.
Alvan Leigh Adams (born July 19, 1954) is an American former professional basketball player who spent his entire 13-year career with the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Raised in Oklahoma City and nicknamed the "Oklahoma Kid," Adams was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1975 and selected as an NBA All-Star in 1976. He retired in 1988 and holds Suns franchise records for games played (988), minutes played (27,203), rebounds (6,937), and steals (1,289). His jersey number (33) was retired by the Suns, though he later granted Grant Hill permission to wear it.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 19 July 1954
- Birthplace
- Lawrence, Kansas, U.S.
- High school
- Putnam City (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
- College
- Oklahoma (1972–1975)
- Draft round
- 1
- Draft pick
- 4
- Drafted by
- Phoenix Suns
- Career number
- 33
Lore & Background
Adams was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the fourth pick of the 1975 NBA draft. As a rookie, he helped lead the Suns on an improbable playoff run all the way to the 1976 NBA Finals. That same year, he won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, was selected to the All-Star Game, and was named to the All-NBA Rookie Team. On February 22, 1977, Adams recorded a triple-double with 47 points, 18 rebounds, and 12 assists against the Buffalo Braves. He is one of five players in NBA history (along with Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, Russell Westbrook, and Vince Carter) to have as many as 46 points and 16 rebounds in a triple-double performance. He is also one of two players to have recorded multiple games of at least 30 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks in the NBA during their rookie season, along with Victor Wembanyama.
Reader's Guide
Alvan Adams is the franchise leader in games played (988), minutes played (27,203), rebounds (6,937), and steals (1,289); he ranks second in field goals made and attempted; third in assists; and fourth in blocks. His career spanned from 1975 to 1988, entirely with the Phoenix Suns. After retiring, Adams served as vice president for facility management for the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, starting in 2000. He is married and has two children.
Did You Know?
- His mother, Ilse, was from Austria and met his father, Richard Paul, when they were students at the University of Kansas.
- Adams tied an Oklahoma school record with 21 double-doubles during the 1973–74 season, a record that stood until Blake Griffin broke it on February 14, 2009.
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