The Rise of Paul Westhead: A Coach's Journey to Excellence
In the world of basketball, where championships are celebrated and coaches are revered, the story of Paul Westhead's journey with the Phoenix Mercury is nothing short of remarkable. Let's dive into the details of how Westhead became a leading contender for the Coach of the Year award in 2007.
The Phoenix Mercury's triumph in 2007 marked their first championship, a hard-fought series against the Detroit Shock, with the Mercury emerging victorious 3-2. This victory was a culmination of their efforts since their last playoff appearance in 2000, where they were eliminated by the Los Angeles Sparks.
But here's where it gets controversial... After years of struggling to make the playoffs, the Mercury found their stride with the appointment of Paul Westhead as head coach in 2006. This was the same season they drafted Cappie Pondexter, who had an impressive rookie season, helping the team finish with a respectable record of 18-16, despite missing the playoffs.
And this is the part most people miss... Westhead's impact on the team was evident in 2007, when he led them to an impressive 23-11 record. His efforts didn't go unnoticed, as he became a strong contender for the Coach of the Year award. Westhead finished second, receiving 14 points, just behind Dan Hughes, who won the award with 51 points.
Hughes, the coach of the San Antonio Silver Stars, guided his team to a remarkable turnaround, improving their record from 13-21 to an impressive 20-14. This significant improvement saw the Silver Stars jump to second place in the Western Conference.
The Mercury's path to the championship series against Detroit began with a victory over the Los Angeles Sparks, while the Silver Stars defeated the Sacramento Monarchs. Phoenix then swept San Antonio, setting up the highly anticipated series against Detroit.
Both Westhead and Hughes had compelling cases for the Coach of the Year award, and they weren't alone. Bill Laimbeer, Pat Coyle, Bo Overton, Tree Rollins, Jenny Boucek, and Anne Donovan also received votes, showcasing the competitive nature of the race.
Westhead's unique coaching style, known as "Paul Ball," played a pivotal role in the Mercury's success. His departure after the championship win left a void, but his assistant, Corey Gaines, stepped up and led the team to another championship. This succession of successful coaches highlights the impact Westhead had on the Mercury's culture and performance.
The 2007 Coach of the Year race was a testament to the talent and dedication of these coaches. Westhead's leadership and strategic approach made him a frontrunner. To learn more about this exciting race and the impact it had on the WNBA, follow us on X @MercuryOnSI for an in-depth look at the 2007 Coach of the Year contenders!
