Three-time NBA champion Paul Silas is dead. The former basketball player and superstar LeBron James’ first NBA coach has died at the age of 79, the Houston Rockets said with reference to his family. His son Stephen Silas is currently the coach of the Rockets.
“Our sincere thoughts are with Stephen and his family at this difficult time,” the club wrote on Twitter.
“Paul’s lasting contributions to the game are evident in the many players and coaches he has inspired, including his son,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “We offer our deepest condolences to Paul’s family.” Basketball icon Magic Johnson tweeted: “Paul has made a huge contribution to the game of basketball and we will miss him dearly.”
Of his 30+ years as a coach, Silas worked with James from 2003-2005 with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He became NBA champion as a player in the 1970s with the Boston Celtics (2) and with the Seattle SuperSonics (1).