NBA News Roundup: League mourns Paul Silas, John Wall returns to D.C., and more
The NBA community is mourning the death of three-time NBA champion and long-time coach Paul Silas. His passing has been met with great sadness across the league. In other news, LA Clippers point guard John Wall made his much-anticipated return to Washington and received a warm welcome from the team.
On that note, here is the latest news from around the NBA as of Dec. 12, 2022.
NBA champion and coach Paul Silas dies at age 79
Former NBA player-turned-coach Paul Silas has died at the age of 79. The news was announced by his family on Sunday. The cause of his death was cardiac arrest.
Paul Silas’ son, Stephen Silas, is the coach of the Houston Rockets. The Rockets issued a formal statement on Silas' passing:
“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."
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
The NBA also released an official statement regarding Silas' passing, via commissioner Adam Silver.
"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"
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
Paul Silas played 16 seasons for St. Louis, Atlanta, Phoenix, Boston, Denver and Seattle between 1964 and 1980. Silas averaged 9.4 points and 9.9 rebounds per game and was selected to two All-Star teams. He also won three NBA titles.
Following his playing career, Silas immediately began coaching in 1980. Silas coached San Diego, Charlotte, New Orleans, Cleveland and then Charlotte again. He finished coaching in 2012 with a regular season coaching record of 387-488.
The loss of Silas has hit the NBA community hard, with many players and coaches mourning his death and offering tributes. For more of the tributes that have been paid to Silas, click here or here.
John Wall thankful after receiving warm welcome in return to D.C.
Five-time All-Star John Wall made his return to Washington D.C. on Saturday as a member of the LA Clippers. Wall played nine seasons for the Wizards from 2010 to 2019 and experienced the most success of his career in Washington. However, due to injuries and COVID-19 protocols he was not able to make his official return in front of Wizards fans until now.
Wall received a very warm welcome, including a standing ovation during pregame introductions and a tribute video during a timeout.
Following the game, Wall then expressed his appreciation for the moment.
“This is something I’ve been waiting for for four years."
He continued:
“The first time I got traded, I came back with Houston, it was COVID so you couldn’t be here. Then last year I wasn’t playing. … I’m glad I got the opportunity to appreciate it and be here, and get the love that I think I deserved. I feel like I got my flowers."
Wall finished with 13 points as LA won the game 114-107 to improve to 15-13 and seventh in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the loss marked Washington’s sixth straight as they fell to 11-16 and 12th in the Eastern Conference.
NBA executives watching struggling Raptors closely
NBA executives are reportedly keeping an eye on the Toronto Raptors following their disappointing 13-14 start, according to ESPN's Zach Lowe.
“Rival executives are watching Toronto closely, bracing for fireworks if the Raptors are hovering around .500 in two months."
Lowe continued:
“Will Masai Ujiri stick with a middle-of-the-road team? Does Fred VanVleet fit their vision? Can Barnes, OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam fit long-term?”
Lowe also outlined some of the Raptors’ struggles offensively:
“Toronto ranks dead last in half-court scoring efficiency, per Cleaning The Glass. You can rig the possession game, but you still won't get far in the postseason if you can't score in the half-court. VanVleet is shooting 33% on 3s and 39% on 2s -- and hasn't hit above 44% inside the arc in any season."
Raptors president Masai Ujiri is known to take risks and make big splashes, most notably trading for superstar forward Kawhi Leonard during the 2018 offseason. That move led Toronto to immediately win the 2019 NBA championship the following season.
Ujiri has made it known multiple times since that he is determined to bring another title to Toronto. So whether he opts to rebuild or go all-in on the current Raptors core, it’s reasonable to expect some sort of move from Ujiri.
NBA executives still mocking Lakers for trading away Ivica Zubac
Back in 2019, the LA Lakers traded away promising young big man Ivica Zubac to their rivals, the LA Clippers, in a cash-saving move. The only player the Lakers got back in the deal was veteran big Mike Muscala. The decision was considered to be very questionable at the time. Fast forward a few seasons and Zubac is having a career year while the Lakers lack reliable big men. This has led to some mockery from executives around the NBA, according to Zach Lowe, via his podcast, “The Lowe Post.”
“He (Zubac) put up that 30-30, or 30-29 game, whatever it was, against the Pacers and Myles Turner, purported Lakers trade target Myles Turner, and I got probably no less than eight text messages from executives around the league telling me ‘oh the irony of Ivica Zubac, whom the Lakers gave up for Mike Muscala, blowing up Myles Turner, the guy who is going to help save the Lakers’ season all these years later.'”
Zubac is averaging 10.6 points, 11.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game on 62.6% shooting this season. His play has been a primary reason why the Clippers (15-13) have a better record than the LA Lakers (11-15). So the Lakers will likely be regretting that move for a while.
Warriors GM Bob Myers’ contract set to expire
Golden State Warriors president and general manager Bob Myers has established himself as one of the NBA's top executives since taking over in 2012. The Warriors have won four titles during his time with the team and have become one of the most well-respected organizations in the league. However, Myers’ future in Golden State is a bit uncertain, as his contract is set to expire after this season.
“Golden State Warriors president of basketball operations Bob Myers -- architect of four NBA championships in the past eight years -- is entering into the final months of his contract and remains without a new deal."
ESPN Sources: Golden State Warriors President of Basketball Operations Bob Myers – architect of four NBA championships in the past eight years – is entering into the final months of his contract and remains without a new deal: es.pn/3PiFZDh
Wojnarowski added that Myers and the Warriors have had discussions on a new deal but haven’t reached an agreement yet. Myers has since declined to address his contract situation, instead telling ESPN he is focused on this season. However, Warriors owner Joe Lacob added that the team would like to retain Myers moving forward.
We will see what happens in that particular storyline as it develops.