Amid the joy of escaping a loss to the lowly Orlando Magic on Sunday afternoon came some sobering, scary news — former Boston forward Paul Westphal has been diagnosed with cancer according to a press release from the Phoenix Suns, for whom he also played and coached.
Westphal, who won a title with Boston in 1974, has specifically been diagnosed with brain cancer according to the Suns.
“We are devastated to hear of his brain cancer diagnosis,”said the Suns. “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.”
After being drafted out of USC by the Celtics in 1972, the Californian would make a lifetime connection with friend and New York Daily News writer Mike Lupica.
#Suns statement on former player, coach Paul Westphal's brain cancer diagnosis: pic.twitter.com/yNhSZak335
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) August 9, 2020
The Post columnist shared his longtime friend’s diagnosis in an article earlier in the day.
“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. “With his permission I am letting the basketball world know he has just been diagnosed with brain cancer. Specifically glioblastoma.”
“Please pray for friend, No. 44,” he added.
Westphal also played for the Seattle SuperSonics and New York Knicks before moving on to coaching, and had a storied career in both roles before being elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.
Best of luck, Paul — we’re pulling for you at the Celtics Wire.
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