Michael Jordan among NBA legends to pay respects following Paul Silas’ death
- Jason Soutar
- 12 December 2022
NBA legend Paul Silas passed away on Sunday, and fellow icons have paid their respects to the former All-Star.
Silas was a three-time champion, two-time All-Star, five-time All-Defense, NBA legend who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.
At the age of 79, Silas, father of Houston Rockets coach Stephen, passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Stephen Silas was absent from the Rockets' surprise win against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday.
John Lucas led Houston to victory and said afterwards: "That's for Coach. That one's for him.''
Prior to the win over the Bucks, Lucas said: "From the team, the coaching staff, all the basketball personnel, all our prayers and thoughts are with Coach and his family right now.
"Paul Silas did a lot for basketball."
Silas Sr. was also a successful coach in the NBA, with his last role with the Charlotte Bobcats between 2010 and 2012.
Charlotte chairman and the greatest player of all time, Michael Jordan, had this to say about the legendary big man:
"Our Hornets family mourns the passing of Paul Silas. 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.
"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.
"My thoughts, and the thoughts of our entire organization, are with his wife, Carolyn; his children, Paula and Stephen; and the entire Silas family."
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson 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."
Lakers star LeBron James had this to say: "Every time I would go back to Charlotte, he would always come to the games, and I would always try to look for him in the crowd.
"To hear that news is very sad for myself and my teammates who played for Coach Silas throughout those years in Cleveland. And our well wishes and our hearts go out to the Silas family, that's for sure."
