Paul Westphal
Inducted:
2019
Player Stats:
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
195 lb (88 kg)
Born:
November 30, 1950
Torrance, California, U.S.
Died:
January 2, 2021
Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.
Position:
Shooting guard
Point guard
College:
USC (1969–1972)
Paul Westphal was a brilliant scorer, creative passer, and respected coach whose impact spanned generations. As a player, he starred as a guard in the 1970s and early ’80s, most notably with the Phoenix Suns, where he led the team to the 1976 NBA Finals—one of the most legendary series in league history.
A five-time All-Star, Westphal averaged over 20 points per game for five straight seasons and earned three All-NBA First Team honors. Known for his smart, fluid style of play, he was a clutch performer and vocal leader on the floor. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching and led the Suns to the 1993 NBA Finals in his first year as head coach.
Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019, Westphal is remembered as both a graceful athlete and a deeply respected figure in basketball.
Westphal's Awards & Records:
- NBA champion (1974)
- 5× NBA All-Star (1977–1981)
- 3× All-NBA First Team (1977, 1979, 1980)
- All-NBA Second Team (1978)
- NBA Comeback Player of the Year (1983)
- 44 retired by Phoenix Suns
- Third-team All-American – NABC (1971)
- 2× Third-team All-American – UPI (1971, 1972)
- 2× First-team All-Pac-8 (1970, 1971)
- Second-team All-Pac-8 (1972)
- 25 retired by USC Trojans
NBA Records:
- First player in Suns history with three consecutive 20+ PPG seasons (1977–1979)
- Ranks among Phoenix Suns all-time leaders in: Points per game
- Won the 1974 NBA title with the Boston Celtics
NBA Teams:
As a player:
Boston Celtics 1972–1975
Phoenix Suns 1975–1980
Seattle SuperSonics 1980–1981
New York Knicks 1982–1983
Phoenix Suns 1983–1984
NBA Draft:
1972: 1st round, 10th overall pick
Boston Celtics
Number Worn:
44
NBA Stats:
Seasons:
12 (1972–1984)
Games Played:
823
Points:
12,809
Points Per Game:
15.6
Assists:
3,591
Assists Per Game:
4.4
FG%:
.504