NBA Hall of Famer Paul Westphal passed away this Saturday, the Phoenix Suns have announced.
Westphal, former guard, was a five-time NBA All-Star who made the All-NBA First Team on three occasions. The 70-year-old had been diagnosed with brain cancer in August, 2020.
“Westy will forever be remembered as a prominent Valley sports legend both on and off the court,” Suns managing partner Robert Sarver said in a statement. “He built an illustrious career as both a player and a coach. His legacy ranks among the most quintessential basketball icons of all time.
“Throughout the past 40 years, Westy has remained a great friend of the organization and as a trusted sounding board and confidant for me. His No. 44 will forever hold its place in our Ring of Honor, enshrined as one of the utmost deserving members.”
Westphal won a title with the Boston Celtics in 1974, coming off the bench and playing key minutes for the team that drafted him as the 10th overall pick two years prior. Following a trade to Phoenix, he helped the team reach its first NBA Finals (1976) and saw his scoring average double to 20.5 points per game.
The Hall of Famer took up coaching after retiring as a player and guided the Suns to the finals in 1993, as well as two conference semis. Westphal also coached the Seattle Supersonics and Sacramento Kings, leaving behind a 318-279 record.
His last NBA gig was with the Brooklyn Nets as an assistant coach from 2014 to 2016.
Westphal, who also represented the Sonics and New York Knicks as a player, worked as an assistant for the Dallas Mavericks from 2007 to 2008.
