How Danny Ainge, Isaiah Thomas, and others around the NBA reacted to former Celtics guard Paul Westphal’s death
"He was one of my all time favorite people I’ve met in this business."
Hall of Famer Paul Westphal, who started his playing career and won a championship with the Celtics, died Saturday at age 70.
Westphal blossomed into a star player with the Phoenix Suns, and he had a long coaching career as well.
Many who admired Westphal expressed their condolences and praised him after the news surfaced. Here are some reactions that stand out.
The Celtics said the organization is saddened by the news.
We are saddened by the news of the passing of former Celtic and @NBA Champion, Paul Westphal.
Our thoughts are with his family ☘️ #ForeverGreen pic.twitter.com/JA2MA2uhSo
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 2, 2021
Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge called him one of his all-time favorite people he’s met in basketball.
I’m so sad to hear that we lost Paul Westphal. I loved watching him play at USC and in Boston and Phoenix! I was blessed to have known him as Coach and as a man of God. He was one of my all time favorite people I’ve met in this business🙏🏼God bless Cindy and her family❤️#RIP #44
— Danny Ainge (@danielrainge) January 2, 2021
Player Isaiah Thomas included a personal story about his first NBA coach.
RIP Paul Westphal 🙏🏾
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) January 2, 2021
Coach Westphal was my first coach in the NBA. Appreciate our time together
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) January 2, 2021
There was a rule that nobody could back me down n practice because they always turned the ball over or forced a bad shot. First game of the season vs the lakers he puts me n the game and says “you got Kobe, remember nobody can back you down” I’m like stop hyping me thats KOBE lol https://t.co/To4RjNTVqY
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) January 2, 2021
Reporter Bob Ryan said Westphal was an even better person than he was a player.
You know the old cliche, “He was a better person than he was a player?” That the Gospel truth about Hall of Famer Paul Westphal. He died this morning from the effects of a brain tumor.
— Bob Ryan (@GlobeBobRyan) January 2, 2021
Gotta love Paul Westphal’s reaction when John Havlicek died in April of ‘19. Said Paul, “John Havlicek was who you thought he was.” Perfect summation.
— Bob Ryan (@GlobeBobRyan) January 2, 2021
Players Dwyane Wade and Jamal Crawford described him as great.
Rest In Heaven to one of the Greatest Coaches in our game of basketball🙏🏾 https://t.co/E4JTVEtK1L
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 2, 2021
Reporter Mike Lupica shared why he was such a dear friend.
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
Analyst Jay Bilas noted that he was “a star” and that it’s “such sad news.”
RIP to Naismith Hall of Famer Paul Westphal, who passed away at age 70. Westphal was a star player for Aviation HS and the USC Trojans before a long career in the NBA. Such sad news. pic.twitter.com/juGREO018K
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) January 2, 2021
Adam Silver complimented him for his intellect, among other traits.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Paul Westphal pic.twitter.com/OigNwCyUw4
— NBA (@NBA) January 2, 2021
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