"Cookie and I send our prayers and condolences", "A strong and honest voice of reason for me" - NBA fraternity pays it's respect to Paul Silas

NBA legend Paul Silas, unfortunately, passed away at the age of 79 earlier today, Dec. 11, 2022),due to reasons yet unknown. He enjoyed an illustrious 16-year playing career which saw him earn two All-Star selections, three championship rings and five All-Defensive team selections. He won two titles as a member of the Boston Celtics and one with the Seattle Supersonics.

He then went on to coach in the league for 32 years as an assistant and head coach for various franchises. He was LeBron James' first-ever head coach and was part of the 2012 Charlotte Bobcats team right before his retirement. He was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017 as a member of the Creighton Bluejays.

He was known as a master rebounder during his playing days, earning five NBA All-Defensive team selections and leading the NCAA in rebounding in 1963.

Fran Fraschilla

@franfraschilla

Hey, kids, ever heard @BluejayMBB Paul Silas? Take a look the rebound numbers. All 3 years, he averaged 20+ rebounds!

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Hey, kids, ever heard @BluejayMBB Paul Silas? Take a look the rebound numbers. All 3 years, he averaged 20+ rebounds! https://t.co/OWAwSP38kK

Late coach Silas was heavily respected in the NBA community. Reporters, analysts, players, and coaches all enjoyed his company and were humbled by his down-to-earth attitude. He is the father of current Houston Rockets head coach Stephen Silas.

NBA fraternity remembers Paul Silas and pays tribute to the late legend

Most people today remember Paul Silas as a great coach, but a few older fans look back on his impact as a player. He was an important piece for the Boston Celtics titles in 1974 and 1976 and also played a veteran role in the Seattle Supersonics in 1979.

Take a look at some former NBA players and celebrities paying homage to late coach Silas on Twitter:

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Adrian Wojnarowski

@wojespn

Michael Jordan on the passing of Paul Silas

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Michael Jordan on the passing of Paul Silas https://t.co/gBwD1QZ2tL

Jay Jaffe

@jay_jaffe

RIP. The Sonics teams that went to the 1978 and ‘79 NBA finals were my first basketball rooting interest. My dad always liked pointing out Silas and the Bullets’ Wes Unseld using their wide bodies to box out opponents. “Get your big butt in there, Silas!” twitter.com/globebobryan/s…

Bob Ryan

@GlobeBobRyan

I am very sad to report that the Great Paul Silas has died at age 79. To watch him play was a joy. To be his friend was an honor.

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I am very sad to report that the Great Paul Silas has died at age 79. To watch him play was a joy. To be his friend was an honor.

RIP. The Sonics teams that went to the 1978 and ‘79 NBA finals were my first basketball rooting interest. My dad always liked pointing out Silas and the Bullets’ Wes Unseld using their wide bodies to box out opponents. “Get your big butt in there, Silas!” twitter.com/globebobryan/s…

Mike Dynon ☘️🏀

@MikeDynon

@GlobeBobRyan Tough news that we’ve lost another Celtics star. “Tall Paul,” as Johnny Most called him, was a winner and a pleasure to watch play. He came to Boston skeptical of Celtics Pride, but soon bought in and was a perfect fit alongside Dave Cowens. RIP Paul Silas.

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@GlobeBobRyan Tough news that we’ve lost another Celtics star. “Tall Paul,” as Johnny Most called him, was a winner and a pleasure to watch play. He came to Boston skeptical of Celtics Pride, but soon bought in and was a perfect fit alongside Dave Cowens. RIP Paul Silas. https://t.co/STkxooLdYp

Earvin Magic Johnson

@MagicJohnson

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 🏾

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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 🙏🏾❤️

Bill Simmons

@BillSimmons

RIP Paul Silas - beloved Celtic, beloved teammate, class act, huge part of Cowens/Hondo era, 2-time champ (then a 3rd in Seattle), played 16 yrs back when nobody played that long. My dad loved Silas + still complains that we didn’t pay him in 1976. A rare Auerbach blunder.

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RIP Paul Silas - beloved Celtic, beloved teammate, class act, huge part of Cowens/Hondo era, 2-time champ (then a 3rd in Seattle), played 16 yrs back when nobody played that long. My dad loved Silas + still complains that we didn’t pay him in 1976. A rare Auerbach blunder.

Shaun Livingston

@ShaunLivingston

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 Paradise 🏽

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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 Paradise 🙏🏽

Rex Chapman🏇🏼

@RexChapman

Paul Silas was a giant in basketball circles. A great man. Was fortunate to spend a couple of seasons with Paul when he was an asst coach with the Suns. I don’t know anyone with a bad word to say about him — ever. A sad day. My heart is with Stephen and the family. Rest, Paul. twitter.com/honestlarry1/s…

Honest☘️Larry

@HonestLarry1

R.I.P. Paul Silas. You will be dearly missed. THE most unsung Boston Celtic of all time. The perfect example of numbers don’t do the guy justice. Without him, there are no rings in 1974/1976.

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R.I.P. Paul Silas. You will be dearly missed. THE most unsung Boston Celtic of all time. The perfect example of numbers don’t do the guy justice. Without him, there are no rings in 1974/1976.

https://t.co/IT6gUicBPm

Paul Silas was a giant in basketball circles. A great man. Was fortunate to spend a couple of seasons with Paul when he was an asst coach with the Suns. I don’t know anyone with a bad word to say about him — ever. A sad day. My heart is with Stephen and the family. Rest, Paul. twitter.com/honestlarry1/s…

Coach McDermott

@cucoachmac

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Creighton legend, Paul Silas. His illustrious career as a player and coach, will be matched by few. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

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I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Creighton legend, Paul Silas. His illustrious career as a player and coach, will be matched by few. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. 🙏🙏 https://t.co/YYNwkYTQmU

Stephen A Smith

@stephenasmith

Incredibly sad to hear the news that former NBA Coach, Paul Silas, has passed away. Tough as nails. Big time competitor. Champion! And a man who was always, always good to me, especially when I started in this business. Condolences to @HoustonRockets’ coach Stephen Silas & Fam.

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Incredibly sad to hear the news that former NBA Coach, Paul Silas, has passed away. Tough as nails. Big time competitor. Champion! And a man who was always, always good to me, especially when I started in this business. Condolences to @HoustonRockets’ coach Stephen Silas & Fam.

mario elie

@marioelie1

My condolences go out to Coach Silas and his family. Paul Silas was a very good player and coach..RIP 🏾🏾🏾 @HoustonRockets

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My condolences go out to Coach Silas and his family. Paul Silas was a very good player and coach..RIP 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🏀 @HoustonRockets

The Pointer Sisters

@PointerOfficial

Our first cousin Paul Silas has passed. The POINTERS & The SILAS’ lived & grew up together in our house in Oakland CA. We were SO PROUD of him when he joined the “NBA”. We stayed in touch. He will be missed. SO MANY MEMORIES.

si.com/.amp/nba/2022/…

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Our first cousin Paul Silas has passed. The POINTERS & The SILAS’ lived & grew up together in our house in Oakland CA. We were SO PROUD of him when he joined the “NBA”. We stayed in touch. He will be missed. SO MANY MEMORIES.❤️

si.com/.amp/nba/2022/…

Dave “Softy” Mahler

@Softykjr

One of my favorite items. Last saw Paul Silas ⁦@millcreeksports⁩ with the rest of his ‘79 teammates. Had the same smile then that he had when they won the title. Rest in peace big fella

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One of my favorite items. Last saw Paul Silas ⁦@millcreeksports⁩ with the rest of his ‘79 teammates. Had the same smile then that he had when they won the title. Rest in peace big fella https://t.co/td6DhEreJF

Ron Harper

@HARPER04_5

@marioelie1 @HoustonRockets Give coach Silas my condolences his dad was a awesome men and a good coach much respect to Paul Silas and love for the family @HoustonRockets

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@marioelie1 @HoustonRockets Give coach Silas my condolences his dad was a awesome men and a good coach much respect to Paul Silas and love for the family @HoustonRockets

Several organizations give their condolences and remember their time with Paul Silas

Late coach Silas is a Creighton Bluejays legend and the university retired his number 35 jersey. He was drafted by the St. Louis Hawks in 1964 and then went on to play for the Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, and Seattle Supersonics. He coached the Clippers, Nets, Knicks, Pelicans, Suns, Hornets and Cavaliers, either as an assistant or head coach.

Creighton University

@Creighton

The Creighton community mourns the death of the great Paul Silas, a Bluejay basketball legend and Hall of Fame member as well as an NBA All Star, champion and coach.

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The Creighton community mourns the death of the great Paul Silas, a Bluejay basketball legend and Hall of Fame member as well as an NBA All Star, champion and coach. https://t.co/yqMpP5GxCQ

New Orleans Pelicans

@PelicansNBA

New Orleans Pelicans' statement on the passing of Paul Silas:

neworlns.co/SilasStatement

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New Orleans Pelicans' statement on the passing of Paul Silas:

neworlns.co/SilasStatement https://t.co/afYOk1W2gI

Creighton Men’s Basketball

@BluejayMBB

We are sorry to learn of the passing of all-time Creighton great Paul Silas.

gocreighton.com/Silas121122

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We are sorry to learn of the passing of all-time Creighton great Paul Silas.

gocreighton.com/Silas121122 https://t.co/YPJhS2PJdv

NBA

@NBA

We mourn the passing of former NBA All-Star and head coach Paul Silas. Paul’s 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 Paul’s family. -Adam

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We mourn the passing of former NBA All-Star and head coach Paul Silas. Paul’s 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 Paul’s family. -Adam

Houston Rockets

@HoustonRockets

The Fertitta Family and the Rockets organization are deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Silas, father of Rockets head coach Stephen Silas.

Our heartfelt thoughts are with Stephen and his family during this difficult time.

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The Fertitta Family and the Rockets organization are deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Silas, father of Rockets head coach Stephen Silas.

Our heartfelt thoughts are with Stephen and his family during this difficult time. https://t.co/EOMSjv23t5

Boston Celtics

@celtics

Paul Silas was a consummate team player and an integral member of the 1974 and 1976 NBA World Championship teams. Silas was a fierce competitor, with his tenacious rebounding and deft scoring ability around the hoop. (1/2)

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Paul Silas was a consummate team player and an integral member of the 1974 and 1976 NBA World Championship teams. Silas was a fierce competitor, with his tenacious rebounding and deft scoring ability around the hoop. (1/2) https://t.co/wL4plzIWOW

Houston Rockets

@HoustonRockets

Paul Silas was a three-time NBA champion and a premier rebounder and defender during his 16 seasons before serving as coach for over two decades, including several years with Stephen working alongside him.

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Paul Silas was a three-time NBA champion and a premier rebounder and defender during his 16 seasons before serving as coach for over two decades, including several years with Stephen working alongside him. https://t.co/T96CohogP6

Phoenix Suns

@Suns

Rest in Peace to a basketball legend 🧡

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Rest in Peace to a basketball legend 💜🧡 https://t.co/dehuwwoNuG

Charlotte Hornets

@hornets

The Hornets organization mourns the loss of one of our all-time greats, Paul Silas. Chairman Michael Jordan released the following statement.

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The Hornets organization mourns the loss of one of our all-time greats, Paul Silas. 💜 Chairman Michael Jordan released the following statement.

Here at Sportskeeda, we send our condolences to the family and friends of Paul Silas. May they be comforted during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.

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