Paul Westphal Quotes

A collection of quotes by Paul Westphal.

Paul Westphal, born on November 30, 1950, and unfortunately passed away on January 2, 2021, was an American professional basketball player and coach. Hailing from Torrance, California, he grew up with a passion for the game and eventually showcased exceptional skills both on and off the court.

Westphal's basketball journey began at the University of Southern California (USC), where he played for the Trojans from 1969 to 1972. Excelling as a point guard, he helped lead USC to a berth in the 1971 NCAA Tournament and was later named an All-American in his senior year.

In 1972, Westphal was selected as the 10th overall pick in the NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. Throughout his professional career, he played for multiple teams, including the Celtics (1972-1975), Phoenix Suns (1975-1980, 1983-1984), Seattle SuperSonics (1980-1981), and New York Knicks (1981-1983).

Known for his offensive prowess, Westphal was a dynamic scorer and playmaker. He earned five NBA All-Star selections and was named to three All-NBA teams. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the Phoenix Suns' memorable run to the 1976 NBA Finals.

Following his playing career, he embarked on a successful coaching journey. Westphal coached several NBA teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Seattle SuperSonics, and Sacramento Kings. He guided the Suns to the NBA Finals as head coach in 1993 and was twice named NBA Coach of the Month.

Paul Westphal's impact on the basketball world as both a player and coach earned him a place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, where he was inducted in 2019. His contributions and love for the game continue to inspire future generations of basketball enthusiasts.