According to Mike Lupica, Hall of Fame coach Paul Westphal has been diagnosed with brain cancer.
“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 tweeted out on Sunday. “With his permission I am letting the basketball world know he has just been diagnosed with brain cancer. Specifically glioblastoma. Please pray for a friend, No. 44.”
Westphal, who is 69, averaged 15.6 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.3 steals during his 12-year career as a player. He also was named an NBA All-Star on five occasions.
As a head coach, he compiled a 597-318 record in 10 seasons. His best season came in 1992-93 when he led the Phoenix Suns to a 62-20 record and a spot in the NBA Finals.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Westphal.
— Mike Lupica (@MikeLupica) August 9, 2020
