Array
Basketball taught Paul Silas how to be patient.
As a player, he waited 10 years before winning his first championship. As a coach, he waited 15 years for a second chance at running a team. As a father, he waited 20 years before seeing his son get a chance to lead a franchise.
“I always tried to remain positive,” Silas said in 2013, “and I think it usually worked out.”
Silas — who touched the game as a player, coach and president of the National Basketball Players Association — died, his family announced Sunday. Silas, whose son, Stephen Silas, is coach of the Houston Rockets, was 79.
“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,” Charlotte Hornets chairman Michael Jordan said. “On or off the court, Paul’s enthusiastic and engaging personality was accompanied by an anecdote for every occasion. He was one of the all-time great people in our game, and he will be missed.”
Silas’ daughter, Paula Silas-Guy, told The New York Times that her father died Saturday night of cardiac arrest. first reported Silas’ death.
“We mourn the passing of former NBA All-Star and head coach Paul Silas,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “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.”
Tributes began arriving quickly. New Orleans had a moment of silence for Silas prior to its game with Phoenix on Sunday, and both Suns coach Monty Williams and Charlotte coach Steve Clifford spoke at length about Silas’ role on their careers.
“For my family, he’s a God. He’s larger than life,” Clifford said.
Silas began his career as a head coach with a three-year stint leading the then-San Diego Clippers starting in 1980.
