Skip to content

Hall of Famer Paul Westphal diagnosed with brain cancer

Rocky Widner / National Basketball Association / Getty

Hall of Fame point guard Paul Westphal has been diagnosed with brain cancer, according to The New York Daily News' Mike Lupica.

"I've been close friends with Paul Westphal ever since his 1972-73 rookie year with the Boston Celtics and had the pleasure of celebrating his wonderful career with him last September when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame," Lupica wrote. "With his permission, I am letting the basketball world know he has just been diagnosed with brain cancer. Specifically, glioblastoma. Please pray for (my) friend, No. 44."

Westphal was drafted 10th overall out of USC in 1972. He averaged 15.6 points on 50.6% shooting while also recording 4.4 assists and 1.3 steals during his 12-year NBA career.

The Torrance, California, native played for the Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Seattle Supersonics, and New York Knicks. He enjoyed his most successful seasons with the Suns, reaching the NBA Finals with the organization in 1976.

Westphal, 69, also served as a head coach with the Suns, Sonics, and Sacramento Kings, earning a combined record of 318-279 in parts of 10 seasons.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox