Imagine a coach transforming a struggling team into champions in just one season. That’s exactly what Paul Westhead did with the Phoenix Mercury, earning him a spot as a Coach of the Year candidate in 2007. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was Westhead’s success a product of his innovative coaching style, or did he simply ride the wave of a talented roster? Let’s dive in.
The Mercury’s journey to their first championship in 2007 was nothing short of remarkable. After a seven-year playoff drought, the team finally broke through, defeating the Detroit Shock in a thrilling 3-2 series. This wasn’t just a fluke—it was the culmination of hard work, strategic coaching, and a roster bolstered by the addition of rookie sensation Cappie Pondexter, drafted in 2006.
Westhead took the helm in 2006, inheriting a team that had missed the playoffs for six consecutive years. Despite finishing the season with a respectable 18-16 record, the Mercury fell just short of postseason play. And this is the part most people miss: Westhead’s impact wasn’t immediate, but it was undeniable. His fast-paced, high-scoring style, affectionately dubbed 'Paul Ball,' began to reshape the team’s identity.
In 2007, everything clicked. The Mercury soared to a 23-11 record, securing their first playoff berth since 2000. Westhead’s leadership didn’t go unnoticed—he finished second in the Coach of the Year race, earning 14 points out of a possible 51. But here’s the kicker: Dan Hughes, who led the San Antonio Silver Stars to a 20-14 record after a 13-21 season the year prior, took home the award. Was Hughes’s turnaround more impressive than Westhead’s championship run? It’s a debate worth having.
The Mercury’s playoff run was a testament to Westhead’s coaching prowess. After sweeping the Silver Stars, they faced the Detroit Shock in the finals, clinching the title. Yet, the Coach of the Year race wasn’t just a two-man show. Bill Laimbeer, Pat Coyle, Bo Overton, Tree Rollins, Jenny Boucek, and Anne Donovan all received votes, highlighting the competitive nature of the WNBA coaching landscape.
Westhead’s 'Paul Ball' philosophy was a perfect fit for the Mercury’s talented roster, emphasizing speed, scoring, and teamwork. However, his departure after the championship left fans wondering: Could the Mercury sustain their success without him? The answer came quickly—Corey Gaines, one of Westhead’s assistants, stepped in and led the team to another championship, proving the system’s durability.
Here’s the burning question: Did Westhead deserve the Coach of the Year title more than Hughes? Or was Hughes’s ability to turn a losing team into a contender more impressive? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The 2007 Coach of the Year race was a showcase of exceptional leadership, and Westhead’s impact on the Mercury remains a defining chapter in WNBA history. To explore more about this thrilling season, follow us on X and click here: https://x.com/MercuryOnSI!
