Hall of Famer, former Suns forward Connie Hawkins dies at 75

Hawkins' family confirmed the news to NBC 12 News Arizona. The Suns also released a statement on his passing.

"'The Hawk' revolutionized the game and remains to this day an icon of the sport and one of basketball's great innovators," the statement read. "His unique combination of size, grace and athleticism was well ahead of its time and his signature style of play is now a hallmark of the modern game.

"A flip of the coin changed the Sun's fortunes and he helped put Phoenix on the map as the city's first professional sports superstar. Rightfully, he became the first Suns player inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame and his No. 42 hangs in the rafters at Talking Stick Resort Arena as part of our Ring of Honor.

"Connie's passion for the game was only matched by his desire to give back to the Phoenix community, a role which he played proudly as a Suns community ambassador, spreading warmth and kindness to everyone he encountered. We will miss Hawk dearly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends as we mourn the passing of a true Suns legend."

Hawkins played seven seasons in the NBA, spending the majority of his career with the Suns from 1969 to 1973 before having stints with the Lakers and Hawks until his retirement after the 1975-76 season. He earned four consecutive All-Star honors with the Suns and averaged 20.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists during his time in Phoenix.

Before making it in the pros, Hawkins spent the early years of his career in the ABA and playing for the Harlem Globetrotters.