Paul Westphal (born November 30, 1950) was an American professional basketball player and coach. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooting guards of his era, known for his scoring ability, versatility, and leadership on the court.
As a player, Westphal enjoyed a successful career in the National Basketball Association (NBA) during the 1970s and 1980s. He played for multiple teams, including the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Seattle SuperSonics, and New York Knicks. Westphal was known for his smooth shooting stroke, agility, and ability to create his own shot. He possessed great court vision and was known for his ability to deliver accurate passes to his teammates. Westphal was also a reliable free throw shooter, regularly ranking among the league leaders in free throw percentage.
In addition to his playing career, Westphal had a successful coaching tenure in both the NBA and college basketball. He notably coached the Phoenix Suns, leading them to the NBA Finals in 1993. Westphal was known for his ability to motivate and inspire his players, as well as his innovative offensive strategies.
Ultimately, Paul Westphal left a lasting impact on the game of basketball as a player and coach. His skills on the court, leadership qualities, and contributions to the sport make him a revered figure in the basketball community.
