Paul Westphal

Westphal is unique in Suns history for having been both the franchise's most important player in one era (1970s Finals run) and the head coach of another era's most important team (1993 Finals run) — no other figure has shaped Phoenix's championship moments in multiple roles.

The 1976 NBA Finals Game 5 triple-overtime classic — often called the greatest game ever played — featured Westphal in one of his most memorable and celebrated performances as the Suns' primary offensive weapon.

He played on the 1974 Boston Celtics championship team before being traded to Phoenix, giving him the unique experience of winning a championship with one of the Suns' greatest rivals before helping build Phoenix into a contender.

Westphal's basketball intelligence was so evident during his playing career that his post-retirement transition into coaching felt natural to everyone who had watched him play — he essentially studied coaching from the floor his entire career.