The NBA world has lost yet another legend today in Paul Silas. Earlier today, on November 11th, the Boston Globe’s Bob Ryan revealed the sad news that the Boston Celtics veteran had passed away at 79 years old.
I am very sad to report that the Great Paul Silas has died at age 79. To watch him play was a joy. To be his friend was an honor.
— Bob Ryan (@GlobeBobRyan) December 11, 2022
Silas was one of the greatest basketball players of his time. The St. Louis Hawks (now Atlanta Hawks) drafted Paul in the 1964 NBA Draft as the 10th pick in Round 2. That was the start of something special for Silas. He would have never expected the impact he was going to have on the league at that point.
Silas played for the Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, and Seattle SuperSonics during his career. But it was in Boston where he truly made his mark. He helped the Celtics win two NBA championships during the brief stint he had with the franchise. Silas was a Celtics player only from 1972 to 1976. And to realize that he averaged 11.5 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 325 games speaks at length about his abilities.
Paul Silas was LeBron James’ first head coach at the Cleveland Cavaliers
Silas wasn’t just an exceptional rebounder at just 6 feet 7 in, he was also a great head coach as well. He has been the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets/New Orleans Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Charlotte Bobcats(now Charlotte Hornets) again. An interesting fact about the man is that he was the one and only LeBron James‘ first coach at the Cavs.
LeBron’s first coach in Cleveland, one of the great rebounders of his day at just 6-7 and a towering NBA figure. Paul Silas will be missed so much … sending love and warmest wishes to Rockets coach Stephen Silas and their whole family. https://t.co/U5LSsEQjzc
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) December 11, 2022
The NBA world has understandably been shaken by Paul’s loss. Despite retiring from coaching a decade ago, his impact could still never go unnoticed. His son, Stephen Silas, is the Houston Rockets‘ head coach right now. It looks like coaching runs in the family for the Silas men.
Paul Silas — a three-time NBA champion and two-time All-Star — has passed away at 79, per @GlobeBobRyan. Silas was a fierce competitor and beloved figure. He coached several teams, including Cleveland to start LeBron James’ career. His son, Stephen, is the Rockets coach. pic.twitter.com/DAVSd1Up6r
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 11, 2022
RIP Paul Silas – beloved Celtic, beloved teammate, class act, huge part of Cowens/Hondo era, 2-time champ (then a 3rd in Seattle), played 16 yrs back when nobody played that long. My dad loved Silas + still complains that we didn’t pay him in 1976. A rare Auerbach blunder.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) December 11, 2022
The Fertitta Family and the Rockets organization are deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Silas, father of Rockets head coach Stephen Silas.
Our heartfelt thoughts are with Stephen and his family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/EOMSjv23t5
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 11, 2022
RIP to Hall of Famer, 3X NBA Champion, and my guy Paul Silas. Paul made a huge contribution to the game of basketball and will be sorely missed! Cookie and I send our prayers and condolences to the entire Silas family 🙏🏾❤️
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 11, 2022
Paul leaves behind a huge legacy with his playing coaching career. He is the second person from the Celtics family that the NBA world bids goodbye to, after the legendary Bill Russell. Silas will look down on his son, Stephen, with pride, because of the work he has been doing with the Rockets.