Former NBA superstar Paul Silas has died at the age of 79.
Across an illustrious playing career, Silas played for the St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets and Seattle SuperSonics. He was a two-time All-Star, a five-time All-Defensive Team selection and a three-time NBA champion before he immediately transitioned into coaching.
As a head coach, Silas compiled a 387-488 record with the San Diego Clippers, Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Charlotte Bobcats. He notably served as LeBron James’ first NBA coach during the 2003/04 season at the Cavs after he was selected by the franchise with the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft.
The cause of Silas’ death is not yet known.
His son, Stephen, is the current coach of the Houston Rockets and the team is scheduled to play on Sunday against Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks. However, the Houston Chronicle has reported he will not be present with John Lucas believed to lead the team instead.
Silas was involved in basketball throughout his life, starring at collegiate level at Creighton where he averaged over 20 rebounds per game in each of his three seasons from 1961-1964. The school subsequently retired his No.35 jersey.
Selected in the second round of the draft by the Hawks in 1964, Silas averaged 9.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 1,254 games across his career before retiring with Seattle in 1980. He was named an All-Star in 1971/72 and 1974/75 while he won championships with the Celtics in 1973/74 and 1975/76 alongside Dave Cowens, John Havlicek, Paul Westphal and Jo Jo White among others.
Silas won his third and final NBA championship as a member of the SuperSonics in 1978/79.
As a head coach, Silas led San Diego (1980/83), the Hornets (1999/2003), Cavaliers (2003/05) and Bobcats (2010/12) while also serving as a perennial assistant. His son Stephen has previously recalled his admiration for his father during his playing days.
“The Sonics won the championship and I went to the parade, the celebrations, enjoying the championship experience,” Stephen Silas said in 2019. “I was attached to the game and my dad whenever I could be.”
