Paul Silas Cause of Death: Paul Silas learned to have patience through basketball. He had to wait ten years as a player before claiming his first title. He waited 15 years as a coach before getting another opportunity to manage a squad. He had to wait 20 years as a father before his son was given the opportunity to run a business. In 2013, Silas claimed, “I always tried to be positive, and I think it usually worked well.”
His family revealed his passing on Sunday. Silas had a significant impact on the game as a player, coach, and president of the National Basketball Players Association. The Houston Rockets head coach Stephen Silas’ father, Silas, was 79 years old.
Michael Jordan, an owner of the Charlotte Hornets, said, “He blended the expertise accumulated over 40 years as an NBA player and coach with an inherent sense of how to mix discipline with his never-ending enthusiasm.” “Paul’s lively and personable attitude was followed with an anecdote for every situation, whether it occurred on the court or off. He was one of the greatest players in our history, and we will miss him.
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The New York Times was informed by Paula Silas-Guy, Silas’ daughter, that her father passed away from a heart arrest on Saturday night. Silas’ passing was initially reported by the Boston Globe. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said, “We mourn the passing of former NBA All-Star and head coach Paul Silas. The several players and coaches he influenced, including his son, Rockets head coach Stephen Silas, are examples of Paul’s lasting contributions to the game. Our sincere condolences go out to Paul’s family.
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
Funeral tributes poured in immediately. The Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams and Charlotte coach Steve Clifford were among those who spoke extensively about Silas’ impact on their careers during pregame moments of silence, which were observed among other locations in New Orleans, Philadelphia, New York, and Houston. He is a god in my family’s eyes. “He’s bigger than life,” stated Clifford.
Beginning in 1980, Paul Silas coached the then-San Diego Clippers for three years, marking the start of his tenure as a head coach. He returned to head coaching after more than ten years as an assistant, working with the Charlotte Hornets, the New Orleans Hornets, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Charlotte Bobcats.
By winning exactly 400 games—387 during the regular season and 13 more during the postseason—he led four of those clubs to the playoffs. After LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers defeated Detroit on Sunday night, Spectrum SportsNet quoted James as saying, “Probably one of the greatest human beings I’ve ever been around.”
“With him, my adventure in this league got underway. Hearing that news was really painful because of his command, his convictions, his attention to detail, and his love for his family. On Sunday night, the Rockets hosted Milwaukee and won 97-92. While the Silas family grieves, the Rockets have assistant coach John Lucas manage the club in the interim. It is unclear how long Stephen Silas will be absent from the team.
We mourn the passing of former NBA All-Star and head coach Paul Silas. Paul’s lasting contributions to the game are seen through the many players and coaches he inspired, including his son, Rockets head coach Stephen Silas. We send our deepest condolences to Paul’s family. -Adam
— NBA (@NBA) December 11, 2022
In a statement issued by the franchise, the Cavaliers praised Paul Silas for “inspiring generations of NBA players and coaches with his engaging presence and enormous personality.” “We extend our sincere sympathies to Silas’ family and all of his friends. Coach, take a deep breath. Beginning as an advance scout and subsequently working as an assistant on his father’s staff with the Hornets in 2000, Stephen Silas entered the NBA during the time that his father was coaching in Charlotte.
Stephen Silas had to wait 20 years for the opportunity to become a head coach; Houston gave it to him in 2020. In a 2021 Rockets documentary about his coaching career, Stephen Silas remarked, “My dad, obviously, he was my No. 1 mentor, someone I could lean on, ask questions, and he asked questions of me.” He greatly appreciated my viewpoint, which I found odd considering my youth and lack of expertise.
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
Before obtaining his big chance, Stephen Silas persevered for a very long period. He witnessed his father patiently waiting for the position he desired as well. After being sacked by the San Diego Clippers in 1983, Paul Silas didn’t have another head coaching opportunity until Dave Cowens, for whom Paul Silas had served as an assistant, resigned from Charlotte in 1999 following a 4-11 start to the abbreviated 1998–99 season.
“I remained upbeat. Paul Silas said in a 2013 speech to the Rotary Club of Charlotte, “I had an optimistic mindset. “Even though I was unsuccessful in getting the job, I vowed not to be dejected. I’ll think positively. In Cleveland, Silas would eventually assume command. He arrived in 2003, the same year that James was selected by the Cavaliers. LeBron was terrific during the two years that I was his coach, according to Paul Silas. At the age of 18, he was familiar with Bill Russell and many other players who had come through who most players his age were unaware of.
The Hornets organization mourns the loss of one of our all-time greats, Paul Silas. 💜 Chairman Michael Jordan released the following statement.
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) December 11, 2022
And he was aware of the game. James would eventually succeed and win a title. Paul Silas also needed some time to develop as a player before reaching that level. In 16 seasons with St. Louis and Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix, Boston, Denver, and Seattle, he averaged 9.4 points and 9.9 rebounds and was a five-time selection to the All-Defensive team.
Paul Silas was a consummate team player and an integral member of the 1974 and 1976 NBA World Championship teams. Silas was a fierce competitor, with his tenacious rebounding and deft scoring ability around the hoop. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/wL4plzIWOW
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 11, 2022
In his tenth season as a player, Silas won his first of two championships with the Celtics. He later won a third with the SuperSonics. When he retired, he was the oldest player in the NBA at age 36. And Silas presided over a period when rosters expanded, wages increased, and benefits improved in his capacity as union president.
Rest in Power, Coach! pic.twitter.com/qauzqSGezM
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) December 11, 2022
The Suns said in a statement on Sunday that he was respected by everyone who came into contact with him in the NBA and that they were appreciative of his career of service to the sport. In three seasons of collegiate basketball at Creighton, Paul Silas averaged 20.5 points and 21.6 rebounds. In 2017, he was elected to the College Basketball Hall of Fame. His stellar career as a player and coach will be matched by few, according to Bluejays coach Greg McDermott.
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