LeBron James’ first NBA coach Paul Silas dies aged 79, fans pay tribute to three-time NBA champion
Earlier on Sunday, it was confirmed that former NBA player and coach Paul Silas passed away aged 79. The cause of his death is still unspecified. As a player, Silas won three NBA Championships and he was a two-time All-Star as well. He played for St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, and Seattle SuperSonics. Silas won two NBA titles with the Nuggets and one with Seattle.
Paul Silas’ NBA coaching career
Following a stellar career as a player, Silas moved on to coaching and joined the San Diego Clippers in 1980. After a rather underwhelming spell with the Clippers for three years, Silas took a break from coaching before returning as an assistant coach for 11 years. He then had brief spells as head coach of the Charlotte Hornets, New Orleans Pelicans, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Paul Silas, a three-time NBA champion as a player and a 12-season coach in the NBA, has died, his family announced Sunday.
He was 79.
More: https://t.co/7YrkLT7Xne pic.twitter.com/FJ92q0cIzf
— ESPN (@espn) December 11, 2022
Although Silas never won an NBA Championship as a coach, he was the man who first gave LeBron James his debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs had a 69-77 under Silas, but James emerged as the team’s talisman, averaging 24.1 points, 6.6 assists, and 6.4 rebounds in his first two years in the NBA. He offered the youngster a platform to showcase his ability and James has gone on to win four NBA Championships since then.
The NBA community was quick to pay their tributes and respects to Silas. Several NBA players, legends, and fans on Twitter offered their condolences as well. The likes of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and many other NBA franchises had special messages crafted for Silas.
So sad to hear about Paul Silas, who was as rugged a rebounder as the NBA ever saw, and a basketball lifer, in all the best ways. Won three championships and played, and later coached, with great passion and toughness. Condolences to his son Stephen and all his family. pic.twitter.com/OSvftBXCRN
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) December 11, 2022
Rest In Peace to Paul Silas 🙏 pic.twitter.com/YY3UcLv7Jr
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) December 11, 2022
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
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
Michael Jordan on the passing of Paul Silas pic.twitter.com/gBwD1QZ2tL
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) 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
