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This Paul Silas and Ira Newble story from their time together with the Cleveland Cavaliers is wild

By Chad Porto

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 19 : Head Coach Paul Silas of the Cleveland Cavaliers watches the game against the Washington Wizards on November 19, 2003 at the MCI Center in Washington DC. 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. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 19 : Head Coach Paul Silas of the Cleveland Cavaliers watches the game against the Washington Wizards on November 19, 2003 at the MCI Center in Washington DC. 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. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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Ira Newble and Paul Silas made the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003-2004 a bit messy.

The Cleveland Cavaliers said goodbye to one of their own on Sunday as it was announced that Paul Silas passed away. The passing of a very popular coach and former player had everyone bringing up their favorite moments and memories from the man’s life. The most notable involved Silas and Ira Newble.

For those who may not have been around, Newble was a hard man, a grinder, and better suited to be in the NHL. Newble was an enforcer. He had next to no real basketball talent. He couldn’t shoot, couldn’t dribble, couldn’t pass, couldn’t rebound but he could harass anyone who had the ball.

He was basically brought in to protect LeBron James’ back and help provide some perimeter defense. He also came in with a lot of attitude issues, apparently, as he had a very famous blowup with Silas.

Speaking with The Big Lead in 2008, Brian Windhurst recounted his time covering the Cavs in 2003, and witnessing Silas and Newble nearly coming to blows;

"Ira Newble, who lived in ATL and had just signed with the Cavs from the Hawks, only got a few minutes with all sorts of friends and family there. He got up in coach Paul Silas’ face in the locker room after the game. While we’re waiting to get in, Newble busts out of the locker room only half dressed. Silas follows him into the hallway and yells: “Get back here you hip hop muther——, I’m not done with you!” Newble stops and glares him and Silas gets into a stance like he’s ready to take a swing. I’m standing there in the middle, seven inches shorter than both, looking at the fire in their eyes. Ira leans like he’s going to come back but then goes the other direction. Silas just sniffled and said “S—,” and walked back into the locker room with a swagger."

Paul Silas’ legend as a man not to mess with is iconic

There are a lot of stories of Silas not dealing with peoples’ shenanigans. One of the more notable moments came about a decade ago when Silas was coaching the Charlotte Bobcats and went nose-to-nose with Tyrus Thomas. Silas didn’t think Thomas was taking the game seriously enough and confronted him.

Thomas tried to stand up and get in Silas’ face but the coach was having none of that and pushed Thomas into the locker. Thomas was 25, and Silas was 68.

Silas’ reputation as a tough man will be one of his more endearing legacies.

Next. 5 things you probably didn’t know about the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kevin Love. dark

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