https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/nb...nce-death.html

Walter Davis, the all-time leading scorer for the Phoenix Suns, has died age 69.

Per his alma mater, the University of North Carolina, Davis passed away of natural causes while visiting family in Charlotte.

The Suns have since reacted to the news in a statement.

'We are heartbroken by the passing of Suns legend Walter Davis, the franchise's all-time leading scorer and a member of our Ring of Honor,' the statement began.

'''Sweet D'' was one of the game's best, a prolific scorer whose smooth playing style and ''velvet touch'' endeared him to generations of our fans. He will forever be a member of our Phoenix Suns family and community. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends during this difficult time.'

Davis was a member of the Olympic gold medal-winning United States team at the 1976 Montreal Games. The swingman was also the uncle of current Tar Heels coach Hubert Davis.

Davis averaged 15.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 119 games over four seasons at North Carolina.

He made an immediate impression after being selected by the Phoenix Suns with the fifth-overall pick of the 1977 NBA Draft - ahead of future Hall of Famers Bernard King and Jack Sikma.

Ultimately Davis was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1977-78 and would spend 11 seasons with Phoenix.