NBA Champion and professional coach Paul Silas has died at 79. He was also legendary basketball star LeBron James’ the first coach.
Bob Ryan, a longtime Boston Celtics insider, shared the news of his death Sunday. “I am very sad to report that the Great Paul Silas has died at age 7,” Ryan said, according to TMZ. “To watch him play was a joy. To be his friend was an honor,” he said. Silas began his coaching career in 1980 with the San Diego Clippers. He began coaching the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003-2004 season, according to TMZ.
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
Before becoming a coach, Silas was a successful player in his own right as a 2-time All-Star. He was selected to five all-defensive teams and won three championships with the Boston Celtics in 1974, 1976, and 1979, as part of his many career accomplishments, according to TMZ.
The Boston Celtics posted a touching memoriam to their Twitter in honor of Silas and the many lives he touched in the sports world.
“Paul Silas was a consummate team player and an integral member of the 1974 and 1976 NBA World Championship teams,” they wrote.
“Silas was a fierce competitor, with his tenacious rebounding and deft scoring ability around the hoop,” the Celtics wrote to Twitter. (RELATED: Former NBA Player Says LeBron’s Nike Contract Is Hush Money For China)
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
Major Hall of Famers have come forward to share their condolences, including Magic Johnson, who wrote on Twitter, “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,” he continued.
Silas’ cause of death has not yet been released.
The story continues to develop.