Former Phoenix Suns Head Coach, John MacLeod, was inducted into the Suns Ring of Honor, the club’s highest achievement, during halftime of Wednesday’s Suns-Thunder game.
MacLeod coached the Suns from 1973 – 1987, and remains the winningest head coach in franchise history, having tallied 579 victories during his tenure. Only five coaches in NBA history have won more games with a single team.
“The Phoenix Suns are proud to induct John MacLeod into the Suns Ring of Honor,” said Suns Managing Partner Robert Sarver. “Coach MacLeod played an instrumental role in our organization’s legacy of success, so it’s only appropriate to put his name up alongside the other Suns legends.”
The induction ceremony took place at halftime with “The Voice of the Phoenix Suns,” Al McCoy serving as emcee. Ring of Honor members were on hand for the ceremony, which featured comments from Paul Westphal and Alvan Adams, with MacLeod’s family and friends nearby. Throughout the night former colleagues, players and friends also paid tribute to with video messages.
As fans entered US Airways Center, they were able to write a personal message to MacLeod, in addition to enjoying photos and memorable moments of the honoree during his tenure with the Suns.
MacLeod led the 1976 Suns to one of the team’s two NBA Finals appearances, and still holds Suns coaching records for NBA Playoffs appearances (9) and playoff victories (37). MacLeod’s 707 career coaching victories place him as one of the NBA’s Top 20 all-time wins leaders.
MacLeod joins twelve other Ring of Honor members (Alvan Adams, Charles Barkley, Tom Chambers, Jerry Colangelo, Walter Davis, Cotton Fitzsimmons, Connie Hawkins, Kevin Johnson, Dan Majerle, Joe Proski, Dick Van Arsdale and Paul Westphal).
Fans interested in leaving comments or well wishes for Coach John can do so by logging on to Here.
