Basketball Hall of Famer Paul Westphal has been diagnosed with brain cancer, according to his close friend and sports columnist Mike Lupica.
Lupica, a columnist for the New York Daily News and MLB.com who previously worked for ESPN, tweeted Sunday that Westphal has been diagnosed with glioblastoma. 먹튀검증
“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 friend, №44.”
The Phoenix Suns, for whom Westphal played and coached, released a statement Sunday evening to share “their unwavering support” for Westphal and his family.
“We are devastated to hear of his brain cancer diagnosis,” the Suns said. “Paul has been an iconic cornerstone of the Phoenix Suns franchise for decades, both as an outstanding player and coach. His tenacity on the court and on the bench led the franchise to two NBA Finals appearances and his impact on the Phoenix community extends well beyond the hardwood.”
Westphal, 69, was inducted into the Hall in 2019 after playing 12 seasons in the NBA. He was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1972 as the №10 overall pick and went on to win the NBA championship in 1974. He also played for the Suns, Seattle SuperSonics and New York Knicks and was named to five All-Star Games and was awarded first team All-NBA three times.
Westphal was head coach of the SuperSonics, Sacramento Kings and Suns, where his №44 jersey is retired.
