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Three-time NBA champion and long-time coach Paul Silas has died at the age of 79. The news was confirmed by Silas’ family via a statement from the Houston Rockets, where Silas’ son, Stephen Silas, coaches. Paul Silas had a strong impact on many throughout his time as a player and coach, including NBA legend Michael Jordan.
Jordan has been the owner of the Charlotte Hornets since 2010 when they were still known as the Charlotte Bobcats. Silas coached Charlotte when they were originally the Charlotte Hornets from 1999 to 2002 as well as the Charlotte Bobcats from 2010 to 2012. So during Silas’ second stint in Charlotte, Jordan was the owner of the team.
In his statement on Silas’ passing, Jordan raved about Silas’ leadership and positivity during his time in Charlotte.
“Paul was an incredible leader and motivator who served as our head coach on two occasions,” 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,” Jordan continued.
Silas finished with a coaching record of just 193-208 as coach of the Charlotte Hornets. However, he is still the last coach to lead Charlotte to a playoff series win, which occurred back in 2002.
Paul Silas’ impact on Charlotte post-retirement
Even after Paul Silas’ coaching career ended in 2012, following the 2011-2012 NBA season, his positive impact on Charlotte continued. Silas still attended the Hornets' home games and even offered to mentor Hornets coach Steve Clifford when Clifford was hired in 2013.
“He went out of his way to develop a friendship and was great in guiding me through being a first-time head coach,” Clifford said.
“He used to sit right behind the bench. He used to come to practice a lot. He took me to lunch a lot and give me advice, about everything from X’s and O’s to leadership," Clifford continued.
Michael Jordan and Steve Clifford are just two of many who have come out to speak about Silas’ personal impact on them. So, it’s clear that Silas’ impact went far beyond the court.
For more tributes to Silas, click here.
Also read: Who is Paul Silas' son Stephen Silas? All you need to know
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