Paul Silas dies at 79 NBA world reacts t

Paul Silas, longtime NBA veteran and head coach, has died at the age of 79.On Sunday, Dec. 11, the Rockets organization confirmed early reports of Silas' pa sing, sharing a statement expre sing condolences to the Silas family. Rockets head coach Stephen Silas is the son of Paul Silas and got his start in coaching as an a sistant under his father.The Fertitta Family and the Rockets organization are deeply saddened by the pa sing of Paul Silas, father of Rockets head coach Stephen Silas.Our heartfelt thoughts are with Stephen and his family during this difficult time. Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) Silas was drafted 12th overall by the St. Louis Hawks in the 1964 NBA Draft, and enjoyed a 16-year NBA career with five teams. A 6-foot-7 forward, Silas earned five All-Defensive D.K. Metcalf Jersey Team selections, made two All-Star appearances and won three NBA titles during his time with the Celtics.Upon retiring in 1980, Silas began his coaching career as head coach of the San Diego Clippers, a title he held for three seasons. He returned to coaching as an a sistant with the Nets in 1988 and held various a sistant positions before taking over as head coach of the Charlotte Hornets 16 games into the lockout-shortened 1999-2000 season.Silas led the Hornets franchise to the postseason in each of the three full seasons that he was at the helm, leading Charlotte to the second round in the 2001 and 2002 NBA Playoffs before the franchise relocated to New Orleans ahead of the 2002-03 season, effectively making Silas the first head coach in New Orleans' franchise history.After the New Orleans Hornets were eliminated in the first round of the 2003 NBA Playoffs, he was let go by the franchise and subsequently hired by the Cavaliers, owners of the No. 1 pick in Duane Brown Jersey the 2003 NBA Draft. In addition to being the first head coach in New Orleans franchise history, Silas is also LeBron James' first head coach, a title he held prior to being let go late in the 2004-05 season.The final stop of Silas' coaching career was back in Charlotte, where he led the then-Bobcats for a season and a half before stepping into an advisory role with the franchise.A number of NBA players past and present, writers and teams have taken to social media to pay their respects to Silas, a legendary player, coach and person.We mourn the pa sing of former NBA All-Star and head coach Paul Silas. Pauls 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 Pauls family. -Adam NBA (@NBA) The Hornets organization mourns the lo s of one of our all-time greats, Marshawn Lynch Jersey Paul Silas. Chairman Michael Jordan released the following statement. Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) New Orleans Pelicans' statement on the pa sing of Paul Silas: New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) An intense and driven player on the court, the personable and gracious Silas was an amba sador for the sport of basketball and a gentleman off the court. The Boston Celtics mourn his pa sing and extend our sympathies to his family and loved ones. (2/2) Boston Celtics (@celtics) Rest in Peace to a basketball legend Phoenix Suns (@Suns) Rest in Power, Coach! Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) 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 Delano Hill Jersey sorely mi sed! Cookie and I send our prayers and condolences to the entire Silas family Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) So sad to hear of the pa sing of the legendary Paul Silas. A giant of a man on and off the court, who was always generous and honest with his time. My condolences to Stephen and his family. RIP. David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) Prayers to his family! Jamal Crawford (@JCro sover) My prayers go to the Silas Family. I enjoyed my time as a player with Coach Paul Silas in Charlotte. A strong and honest voice of reason for me. Thank you Coach! Rest in Ethan Pocic Jersey Paradise Shaun Livingston (@ShaunLivingston) Sad to hear about Paul Silas,he was good friend, and one of best people i have had the gift to know, my family sends its condolences to Pauls family Austin Carr (@MrCavalier34) He will truly be mi sed.. Drew Gooden (@DrewGooden) My first NBA Coach. He made me the nba player I became, he told the honest truth about everything pertaining to basketball, raw and uncut, we still had multiple conversations til this day, and I have been wondering why I havent heard from him lately, this saddens me, great man Eddie Robinson (@erob3232) Paul Silas was to be liked and admired for characteristics that extended far beyond a basketball court John DeShazier (@JohnDeShazier)