American basketball player and coach (1943–2022)
Paul Silas |
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| Born | (1943-07-12)July 12, 1943
Prescott, Arkansas, U.S. |
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| Died | December 10, 2022(2022-12-10) (aged 79)
Denver, North Carolina, U.S. |
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| Listed height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
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| Listed weight | 225 lb (102 kg) |
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| High school | McClymonds (Oakland, California) |
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| College | Creighton (1961–1964) |
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| NBA draft | 1964: 2nd round, 10th overall pick |
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| Selected by the St. Louis Hawks |
| Playing career | 1964–1980 |
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| Position | Power forward |
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| Number | 29, 12, 35, 36 |
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| Coaching career | 1980–2012 |
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| 1964–1969 | St. Louis / Atlanta Hawks |
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| 1969–1972 | Phoenix Suns |
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| 1972–1976 | Boston Celtics |
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| 1976–1977 | Denver Nuggets |
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| 1977–1980 | Seattle SuperSonics |
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| 1980–1983 | San Diego Clippers |
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| 1988–1989 | New Jersey Nets (assistant) |
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| 1989–1992 | New York Knicks (assistant) |
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| 1992–1995 | New Jersey Nets (assistant) |
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| 1995–1997 | Phoenix Suns (assistant) |
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| 1997–1999 | Charlotte Hornets (assistant) |
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| 1999–2002 | Charlotte Hornets |
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| 2002–2003 | New Orleans Hornets |
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| 2003–2005 | Cleveland Cavaliers |
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| 2010–2012 | Charlotte Bobcats |
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| Points | 11,782 (9.4 ppg) |
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| Rebounds | 12,357 (9.9 rpg) |
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| Assists | 2,572 (2.1 apg) |
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Stats at NBA.com  |
| Stats at Basketball Reference |
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| NBA | 387–488 (.442) |
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College Basketball Hall of Fame
Inducted in 2017 |
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Paul Theron Silas (July 12, 1943 – December 10, 2022) was an American professional basketball player and head coach in the National Basketball Association (NBA). As a player, he was a two-time NBA All-Star and earned five selections to the NBA All-Defensive Team, including twice on the first team. He won three NBA championships: two with the Boston Celtics and one with the Seattle SuperSonics. Silas is the leader in most rebounds per game with 12.1 in Suns franchise history.
In high school, Silas was named a second-team Parade All-American and voted California Mr. Basketball. He played college basketball for the Creighton Bluejays, earning second-team All-American honors as a senior in 1964. He was selected in the second round of the 1964 NBA draft, and played 16 seasons in the league. After his playing career, Silas was a head coach for 12 seasons.
