Former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Paul Silas passes away and the NBA Community reacts
By Chad Porto

The NBA community is mourning the passing of former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Paul Silas.
Most fans who grew up in the dark times of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Pre-LeBron James Era, will certainly remember Paul Silas. He was the man that was tasked with taking the young, No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, LeBron James, and taking him from high school prospect to NBA leading man. He did just that, helping turn James into the player he was.
Silas was a legendary coach, notably with the original Charlotte Hornets franchise (now the Pelicans), and then with New Orleans after the team’s move, and was brought back to the club in 2010 to helm the new Charlotte squad; the Bobcats (now the Hornets).
Yet, before he was a coach, he was an intimidating defensive big man in the NBA during the ’60s, ’70s, and even at the start of the ’80s, playing for the Hawks when they were in St. Louis and then when they moved to Atlanta, then playing for the Phoenix Suns, the Boston Celtics, the Denver Nuggets, and then with the Seattle Supersonics, long before they moved to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder.
During his time in the league, he was among the best defensive players going, earning five NBA All-Defense selections, on top of two All-Star trips. His physicality made him a beloved member of any team he was on.
Silas was a man many thought highly of, respected, and had wonderful stories about. On Sunday, the long-time NBA player and coach passed away at 79. His impact on the modern NBA was telling, as just about everyone started sharing their thoughts, memories, and best stories about the coach.
The NBA world reacts to former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Paul Silas’ passing
Rest in Power, Coach! pic.twitter.com/qauzqSGezM
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) December 11, 2022
In Memoriam: Paul Silas (1943-2022) pic.twitter.com/XJOiBbijhp
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) December 12, 2022
The Hornets organization mourns the loss of one of our all-time greats, Paul Silas. 💜 Chairman Michael Jordan released the following statement.
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) December 11, 2022
Former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach John Lucas, who Silas succeeded as coach of the squad, took time to talk about the team’s former coach;
John Lucas on passing of Paul Silas: "All our prayers and thoughts are with coach and his family. Paul Silas did a lot for basketball." pic.twitter.com/XwHSw4NOFu
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) December 11, 2022
Current Cavaliers color commentator and team legend Austin Carr also took time to address Silas’ passing.
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) December 11, 2022
Past players also weighed in on the passing of their former coach;
It’s a sad day for our @nba family. Rest Easy Coach🙏🏾🕊️🕊️🕊️ #PaulSilas #Cavs #Celtics #Hornets @cavs pic.twitter.com/d5o8NsHPWI
— Drew Gooden (@DrewGooden) December 11, 2022
And NBA legends like Earvin “Magic” Johnson took time to salute the former NBA icon.
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 🙏🏾❤️
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 11, 2022
Fans posted some of their favorite Silas memories and quotes during his time with the Cavaliers.
"Am I Speaking Chinese?" - Paul Silas pic.twitter.com/dGLrVbB2oq
— John Ledesma (@JohnnyNBA) December 11, 2022
https://twitter.com/BigKevinSports/status/1602138933059534849
I'll never forget the time he called Carlos Boozer a See You Next Tuesday. RIP Mr. Silas. https://t.co/n3F5gsfa97
— LuNcHBoX (@LuNcHBoX2099) December 11, 2022
Coach Silas trying to lay hands on Ira Newble is my favorite memory of him. RIP Coach https://t.co/5Bz1cn27j4
— Girl Dad x 3 👧🏾👼🏾👧🏾 (@NWDuval904) December 11, 2022
Silas’ son Stephen is the head coach of the Houston Rockets and missed the most recent Rockets game due to the passing of his father, and the Rockets wanted their coach to know he was in their thoughts.
Rockets head coach Stephen Silas missed tonight’s game due to the death of his father, beloved former NBA coach/player Paul Silas.
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) December 12, 2022
Rockets beat the Milwaukee Bucks 97-92. @JalenGreen: “That one’s for coach Silas..” @ATTSportsNetSW @HoustonRockets pic.twitter.com/0tu8Vsk54h
Rest in peace, coach.
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