Walter Davis

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Lore & Background

Davis made an immediate impact after being selected with the fifth pick of the 1977 NBA draft, playing in 81 games and averaging a career-high 24.2 points per game in his first season. He won the 1978 Rookie of the Year Award and earned second team All-NBA honors. Over his first ten seasons, Davis averaged over 20 points per game six times and earned trips to six All-Star Games. On February 25, 1983, he set an all-time NBA record by scoring his first 34 points before finally missing a shot, making his first 15 field goals and converting four straight free throws. During the 1984 NBA Playoffs, he led the Suns to the Western Conference Finals, averaging 24.9 points, 6.7 assists, and 2.7 rebounds through 17 games before Phoenix was eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers. Davis' 15,666 points during his time with the Suns is the 2nd most in franchise history.

In Their Own Story

Born in Pineville, North Carolina, Davis was the youngest of 13 children. His high school teams at South Mecklenburg High School won three consecutive NCHSAA 4A state basketball titles in 1970, 1971, and 1972, losing only four games. After his senior year, he prepped at the Sanford School in Hockessin, Delaware, and made the Delaware All-State team in the 1972–73 season. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Davis hit a buzzer-beating jump shot against Duke at the end of regulation to send the game into overtime. He was also selected to play on the USA men's basketball team coached by UNC's Dean Smith that won the gold medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics. At Chapel Hill, he was called "Sweet D" because of his seemingly effortless, smooth style of play and because of his strong defensive play. Davis was affectionately known as "The Greyhound" for his speedy style and sleek physical appearance. Suns broadcaster Al McCoy created many alternate nicknames for him, including "The Candyman," "Sweet D," and "The Man with the Velvet Touch."

Reader's Guide

Walter Davis is defined by his exceptional scoring ability and smooth style. As a forward/guard, he averaged 18.9 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game over his NBA career. His arc includes winning the 1978 Rookie of the Year Award, earning six All-Star selections, and being named to the All-NBA Second Team twice. Defining moments include his record-setting 34-point streak without a miss on February 25, 1983, and leading the Suns to the Western Conference Finals in the 1984 NBA Playoffs. Davis' later years with the Suns were marred by recurring back problems and a drug scandal; in 1987, he testified on illegal drug use by other Suns players in exchange for immunity from prosecution, having twice entered rehabilitation clinics for cocaine addiction. After leaving the Suns in 1988, he played for the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers before finishing his career back in Denver in 1991. Davis later served as a broadcaster for the Nuggets and as a scout for the Washington Wizards.

Did You Know?

• Davis was the youngest of 13 children born between 1937 and 1954.
• He set an NBA record on February 25, 1983, by scoring his first 34 points before missing a shot, making his first 15 field goals and four straight free throws.
• Davis was the uncle of UNC men's head coach Hubert Davis, who also played for UNC and in the NBA.
• He was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on October 12–13, 2024.
• Davis' 15,666 points with the Suns is the 2nd most in franchise history, behind Devin Booker who surpassed him in 2025.