Basketball Hall of Famer Paul Westphal has actually been identified with brain cancer, according to his friend and sports writer Mike Lupica.
Lupica, a columnist for the New York Daily News and MLB.com who formerly worked for ESPN, tweeted Sunday that Westphal has actually been identified with glioblastoma.
” Ive been close pals with Paul Westphal since his 1972-73 rookie year with the Boston Celtics and had the enjoyment of celebrating his wonderful profession with him last September when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame,” Lupica wrote. “With his approval I am letting the basketball world understand he has simply been diagnosed with brain cancer. Specifically glioblastoma. Please pray for friend, No. 44.”
Paul Westphal, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September, has been diagnosed with brain cancer, according to his close friend and sports writer Mike Lupica. AP Photo/Elise AmendolaWestphal, 69, won an NBA title with the Celtics in 1974 and reached the Finals with the Phoenix Suns in 1976. He was a five-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA first-team honoree, and his No. 44 is retired by the Suns.
As a coach, he went 318-279 with a trip to the 1993 Finals and two conference semifinals with the Suns. He likewise coached for the Seattle SuperSonics, Sacramento Kings and Pepperdine.
Westphal most just recently acted as an assistant coach for the Brooklyn Nets from 2014 to 2016.
He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in September.
According to the Mayo Clinic, glioblastoma is an aggressive type of cancer in the brain or spine that tends to be discovered frequently in older people. It can be hard to deal with.
Info from ESPNs Adrian Wojnarowski was utilized in this report.
” Ive been close good friends with Paul Westphal ever since his 1972-73 novice year with the Boston Celtics and had the pleasure of commemorating his wonderful profession with him last September when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame,” Lupica composed. “With his authorization I am letting the basketball world know he has actually just been diagnosed with brain cancer. Please hope for friend, No. 44.”
