Last Updated on September 10, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

Here’s a detailed profile of Paul Westphal:

  • Full Name: Paul Douglas Westphal
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born on November 30, 1950, Paul Westphal passed away on January 2, 2021, at the age of 70.
  • Hometown: Torrance, California, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm)
  • Weight: 195 pounds (88 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm)
  • Shoe Size: Size 13 (US).
  • Jersey Numbers: Primarily wore #44 and #25 during his NBA career.
  • Position: Shooting Guard / Point Guard
  • High School: Aviation High School in Redondo Beach, California
  • College: University of Southern California (USC) (played from 1969 to 1972)
  • NBA Draft: Selected 10th overall in the 1972 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics.
  • Teams Played For:
    1. Boston Celtics (1972–1975)
    2. Phoenix Suns (1975–1980, 1983–1984)
    3. Seattle SuperSonics (1980–1981)
    4. New York Knicks (1981–1983)
  • Accolades:
    • Championship Rings:
      • 1× NBA Champion (1974) with the Boston Celtics.
    • NBA Finals Appearances:
      • Led the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals in 1976 during his prime, although they lost to his former team, the Boston Celtics, in a memorable series.
  • Coaching Career: After his playing career, Westphal had a notable coaching career, leading the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals in 1993 as head coach. He also coached the Seattle SuperSonics and Sacramento Kings, among others.
  • Kids:
    • Paul Westphal had two children:
    • Michael Westphal (son)
    • Victoria Westphal (daughter)
  • Siblings: Information about Paul Westphal’s siblings is not widely publicized.

Paul Westphal was known for his scoring, ball-handling, and leadership. His #44 jersey was retired by the Phoenix Suns. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019. Westphal’s influence extended beyond the court through his coaching and mentoring of players, making him one of basketball’s most respected figures.