Former Boston Celtics power forward Paul Silas, has died at the age of 79.
Silas, had a long association with the NBA, first as a player where he played for the Celtics between 1972 and 1976, winning two championships in 1974 and 1976, and also for the Seattle Supersonics (now Oklahoma City Thunder) from 1977 to 1980, winning the 1979 championship.
He was also President of the NBA Players Association, where he oversaw a growth in rosters, player salaries and welfare.
Silas began his coaching career in 1980, taking charge of the San Diego Clippers (now Los Angeles Clippers), Charlotte Hornets, New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans), and Cleveland Cavaliers among others.
NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, paid tribute to Silas, calling his contributions to the sport as “lasting” and seen through other players and coaches, including his son Stephen, who is currently in charge of the Houston Rockets.
“We mourn the passing of former NBA All-Star and head coach Paul Silas,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.
“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.”
As a manager, Silas led Charlotte and New Orleans to the playoffs, reaching the conference semi-finals with the former during the 2001-02 season
He won exactly 400 games during his coaching career — 387 in the regular season and 13 in the post-season.
