The league confirmed that former NBA All-Star and veteran head coach Paul Silas died on Sunday at the age of 79. “The death of former NBA All-Star and head coach Paul Silas saddens us. Many players and coaches he inspired, including his son, Rockets head coach Stephen Silas, bear witness to Paul’s ongoing contributions to the game. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Paul’s family,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement issued on Sunday. Silas, known for his defensive prowess, was a three-time NBA champion during his 16-year career.
Paul Silas Extraordinary Career:
Silas won two NBA titles in 1974 and 1976 with the Boston Celtics and his third with the Seattle Supersonics in 1979. He was a two-time and five-time All-Defensive selection. Silas was a three-time All-American basketball player for Creighton from 1961 to 1964. He was one of the five players in NCAA history to average more than 20 rebounds, including Bill Russell, Julius Erving, Kermit Washington, and Artis Gilmore. In 2017, he was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame. Silas, the first cousin of the Pointer Sisters, has two children, Paula and Stephen. Silas died at the age of 79 on December 11, 2022.
Player To Coach:
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Silas entered the coaching ranks, eventually becoming the head coach of the Clippers in 1980 for three years. Following his stint with the Clippers, Silas was an assistant coach for over a decade before taking coach of the Charlotte Bobcats, Charlotte Hornets, and New Orleans Hornets. Silas was the head coach of superstar LeBron James while with the Cavaliers. Silas has a 387-488 record and guided the Hornets to the playoffs three times, reaching the conference. “Our Hornets family mourns Hornets owner Michael Jordan said in a statement following Silas’ death. Paul was a fantastic leader and motivator. Nearly 40-year NBA playing and coaching experience with an inherent understanding of how to temper discipline.
Tributes To Paul Silas:
“Whether on or off the court, the entertaining attitude was matched with a story.” He was one of our game’s all-time greats and will be missed. My prayers are with his wife, Carolyn, his children, Paula and Stephen, and the entire Silas family.” The Houston Rockets’ current head coach is Stephen Silas. Silas will miss the Rockets’ game against Milwaukee due to his father’s death. The Rockets announced in a statement Sunday, “The Fertitta Family and the Rockets organisation are very saddened, father of Rockets head coach Stephen Silas.”
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