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

By Chad Porto

SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 29: Head coach Paul Silas of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings at Arco Arena on October 29, 2003 in Sacramento, California. The Kings won 106-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Copyright 2003 NBAE (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 29: Head coach Paul Silas of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings at Arco Arena on October 29, 2003 in Sacramento, California. The Kings won 106-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Copyright 2003 NBAE (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) /
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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

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;

Current Cavaliers color commentator and team legend Austin Carr also took time to address Silas’ passing.

Past players also weighed in on the passing of their former coach;

And NBA legends like Earvin “Magic” Johnson took time to salute the former NBA icon.

Fans posted some of their favorite Silas memories and quotes during his time with the Cavaliers.

https://twitter.com/BigKevinSports/status/1602138933059534849

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.

Rest in peace, coach.

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