Today in Boston Celtics history: Paul Westphal drafted; Chuck Connors born
Today in Boston Celtics history, Paul Westphal was selected tenth overall by the storied ball club in the 1972 NBA Draft after he wrapped up his collegiate career at the University of Southern California. He played for three seasons with the Celtics, winning a championship in 1974 during his second season in the league. Following the end of the 1974-75 NBA regular season, Westphal was dealt to the Phoenix Suns along with two second round draft picks in exchange for point guard Charlie Scott.
During his tenure with Boston, the California native averaged 7. 3 points, 1. 7 rebounds, and 2.
1 assists per game. He passed away in January 2021 after a long battle with cancer - rest in peace. Birthdays It is also the birthday of Kevin Joseph Aloysius "Chuck" Connors, who was born on this date in 1921.
Better known for his acting role as Lucas McCain -- the star of the popular 1960s television show "The Rifleman" -- Connors played not just basketball professionally before becoming a famous actor but major league baseball as well. He is one of only 13 athletes in the history of North American professional sports to play both sports, current Celtics team president Danny Ainge being another. Connors played both forward and center for Boston despite being just 6-foot-5 for two seasons, averaging 4.
5 points and 0. 8 assists per game between 1946 and 1948. This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics history: Paul Westphal drafted; Chuck Connors born