Paul Westfall, NBA player and coach, dies at 70
According to USCF, Westphal died after a battle with brain cancer, where he played from 1969 to 1972. He is survived by his wife Cindy, two children and grandchildren.
According to USC, Westfall was drafted by the Boston Celtics as the 1972 NBA draft. He won the NBA title in 1974 with the Celtics.
After his playing career, Westphal entered coaching, starting at several smaller colleges. His 1988 Grand Canyon College team won the NAIA National Championship. He then moved to the NBA with the Suns as an assistant coach.
He spent 10 seasons as the head coach for three different NBA teams, including the Suns – whom he coached in the 1993 NBA Finals – Supersonics and the Sacramento Kings.
Silver said, “His perseverance, skill and intelligence have contributed to him as a perennial all-star with the Boston Celtics 1974 championship team and the Phoenix Suns.”
“He will be remembered for his generosity, leadership and love for the game, which defined his many years in the NBA,” Silver said. “We express our deepest condolences to Paul’s wife, Cindy, and her family.”
CNN’s Dakin Andon contributed to this report.
“Wannabe troublemaker. Pop culture fanatic. Zombie nerd. Lifelong bacon advocate. Alcohol enthusiast. Tv junkie.”
