What is paul westhead?

Paul Westhead is a notable figure in the world of basketball, recognized primarily for his innovative coaching style known as "The System," which emphasizes a fast-paced, high-scoring approach to the game. Born on February 21, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Westhead began his coaching career at the collegiate level before moving on to professional basketball.

Westhead made a significant impact in the NBA when he took over as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1979-1980 season, replacing Jack McKinney after a bicycle accident. Under Westhead's leadership, the Lakers, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, won the NBA Championship that season. However, his tenure with the Lakers was short-lived, as he was dismissed early in the 1981-1982 season.

After his stint with the Lakers, Westhead continued to coach in the NBA with teams like the Chicago Bulls and Denver Nuggets. His coaching approach with the Nuggets was particularly noted for an extreme embodiment of "The System," which resulted in high-scoring games but limited success in terms of wins and losses.

Outside the NBA, Westhead enjoyed success coaching in other leagues and at the collegiate level. He coached the Loyola Marymount University men's basketball team from 1985 to 1990, where he built one of the most thrilling and high-scoring teams in college basketball history. The team made a memorable run in the 1990 NCAA tournament, reaching the Elite Eight.

Westhead also found success in women's basketball, coaching the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA to a championship in 2007. This accomplishment made him the first coach to win both an NBA and a WNBA championship.

Overall, Paul Westhead's legacy in basketball is cemented by his pioneering fast-break offense and the influence it has had on coaching strategies across different levels of the sport.