Three-time NBA champion and basketball legend Paul Silas passed away at the age of 79 due to cardiac arrest. Silas was an admired player, coach, and contributor to the National Basketball League for many decades, which impacted tons of players and coaches still to this day.
He played professional basketball for sixteen prominent seasons, including two all-star appearances, three-time championship wins with the Boston Celtics and Seattle Supersonics, and was awarded five-time all-defensive.
After his impressive NBA career, Silas didn’t stop there. Silas continued his passion for basketball on the coaching side of things. After his retirement in 1980, he directly started his coaching career with the San Diego Clippers from 1980 to 1983. From San Diego, he went on to be an assistant coach for various teams, such as the New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, and Charlotte Hornets.
NBA Community’s Reaction
Hundreds of condolences were addressed acknowledging Sila’s impact on the game of basketball. NBA all-time great Magic Johnson tweeted this after the devastating news of Silas’s death. “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.”
During a press conference interview, Philadelphia 76ers head coach and NBA coaching legend, Doc Rivers described Silas as an “enforcer” and “the most gentle and honest human being.”
Most importantly, Michael Jordan, who is currently the chairman of the Charlotte Hornets organization, released the following statement. “Paul was an incredible leader and motivator who served as our head coach on two occasions. He combined the knowledge developed over nearly 40 years as an NBA player and coach with an innate understanding of how to mix discipline with his never-ending positivity.”
Dozens of NBA organizations, including the Boston Celtics, New Orleans Pelicans, Charlotte Hornets, and more, gave their condolences publicly over this unexpected distress. Although the unfortunate news is upsetting the basketball world at this time, Paul Silas will forever be remembered as a wonderful player, coach, father, and human being in the world of sports.
