Paul Silas's journey in the world of basketball began at Creighton University, where he played college basketball and set the NCAA record for the most rebounds in three seasons. His prowess on the court caught the attention of the Boston Celtics, who selected him in the second round of the 1964 NBA Draft. Silas's professional career took off as he joined the St. Louis Hawks, where he played for several seasons before moving on to the Phoenix Suns.
During his time with the Suns, Silas developed a reputation as a tenacious rebounder and a defensive stalwart. His ability to control the boards and provide solid defense made him an invaluable asset to his teams. In 1972, Silas was traded to the Boston Celtics, where he became an integral part of the team's success. Playing alongside legends like John Havlicek and Dave Cowens, Silas helped the Celtics secure two NBA championships in 1974 and 1976.
After his successful stint with the Celtics, Silas joined the Denver Nuggets for a brief period before moving to the Seattle SuperSonics. In Seattle, he continued to demonstrate his skills on the court, contributing to the team's strong performances. Silas's playing career concluded with the SuperSonics in 1980, but his involvement in basketball was far from over.
Transitioning from player to coach, Silas embarked on a coaching career that spanned several decades. He began as an assistant coach with the New Jersey Nets and later served as an assistant for the New York Knicks and the Phoenix Suns. His first head coaching opportunity came with the San Diego Clippers in the early 1980s. Although his initial head coaching stint was challenging, Silas gained valuable experience that would serve him well in the future.
In the late 1990s, Silas took on the role of head coach for the Charlotte Hornets. Under his leadership, the Hornets became a competitive team in the Eastern Conference, making multiple playoff appearances. Silas's coaching style emphasized defense and teamwork, principles that he had embodied during his playing days. His ability to connect with players and foster a positive team environment earned him respect throughout the league.
Silas later coached the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he had the opportunity to mentor a young LeBron James. His guidance during James's early years in the NBA was instrumental in the player's development. Silas's coaching career continued with a return to the Charlotte franchise, now known as the Charlotte Bobcats, where he served as head coach until 2012.
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