The basketball world has lost yet another legend. Phoenix Suns star and former coach Paul Westphal has passed away after a battle with brain cancer. He was just 70 years of age.
My dear friend, NBA Hall of Famer Paul Westphal, passed away today. He was 70, and had been diagnosed with brain cancer last year. He was a splendid husband, father, grandfather, player, coach, friend, and man of faith. God now receives into His arms a most honored guest.
— Mike Lupica (@MikeLupica) January 2, 2021
Westphal was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the 10th overall pick in the 1972 Draft and went on to win an NBA title with them in 1974. After three seasons with the C's, he was then traded to the Suns, where Westphal began to carve out quite the career for himself. The five-time All-Star helped Phoenix reach their first NBA Finals ever in 1976, in which Game 5 was often deemed as “The greatest game ever played.”
Westphal spent five seasons with the Suns before stints with both the New York Knicks and Seattle Supersonics to end his playing career. He averaged 15.5 points per game in his career and became just the second player ever to average 20 per night and shoot 50% from the field in four consecutive seasons. The only other player to do that? Michael Jordan.
Westphal moved into a coaching career right after he retired from the NBA, working up from the college ranks to eventually taking over the Suns. He was a very well-liked figure around the basketball world and will be sorely missed.
Rest in Peace Paul Westphal.
Follow Us
Subscribe