The Boston Celtics lost yet another legend on Saturday, Jan. 2, as news broke that former champion Celtic guard Paul Westphal had passed away.
Westphal had been battling cancer of the brain for some time, and finally succumbed shortly after the new year. Most recently an assistant coach with the Brooklyn Nets in 2016, the former Celtic had a long career as a player and afterwards as the coach or assistant of a number of NBA teams. His longtime friend and renowned New York Post sports writer Mike Lupica was the initial person to release the sad news in a post on Twitter.
My dear friend, NBA Hall of Famer Paul Westphal, passed away today. He was 70, and had been diagnosed with brain cancer last year. He was a splendid husband, father, grandfather, player, coach, friend, and man of faith. God now receives into His arms a most honored guest.
— Mike Lupica (@MikeLupica) January 2, 2021
Lupica wrote of his friend a short message which read as follows:
“My dear friend, NBA Hall of Famer Paul Westphal, passed away today. He was 70, and had been diagnosed with brain cancer last year. He was a splendid husband, father, grandfather, player, coach, friend, and man of faith. God now receives into His arms a most honored guest.”
The USC product would win a title with the Celtics in 1974, and later face his old team as a member of the Phoenix Suns in the 1976 NBA Finals. The Suns released a post of their own commemorating his life and achievements soon after his passing as well.
Rest in Peace, Paul Westphal.
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