Inside The Celtics

Stephen Silas Discusses His Father's Legacy and the Celtics Honoring Paul Silas, Who Helped Them Capture Two Championships

Stephen Silas says he and his family always knew what a great man his father was, and with the NBA's outpouring of support, it's great to see everyone sees it the same way.

Bobby Krivitsky

Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
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The NBA recently lost a beloved figure with the passing of Paul Silas. 

As a player, Silas' tenacious and relentless approach made him one of the best rebounders of his era. His gritty style was instrumental in the Celtics' capturing of the 1974 and 1976 championships.

He applied the philosophies that allowed him to shine as a player when he transitioned to coaching. But whether he felt he needed to light a fire under an individual or the entire team or led with his softer side, Silas' players always knew their coach had their best interests at heart.

Silas got his first opportunity as a head coach with the San Diego Clippers in 1980. His 12 years as a bench boss included coaching LeBron James in his first two years in the NBA.

And while the league mourns, the NBA's made it a point to figuratively and literally wrap its arms around Paul Silas' son, Stephen, the head coach of the Houston Rockets.

For Stephen Silas' first game in Boston, where his dad starred, the Celtics have made pins honoring his father.

Silas, donning pins paying homage to his dad and Bill Russell, said of the franchise's tribute, "it means a lot. It really does mean a lot. He considered himself a Celtic," adding, "for them to do that means a ton to me and my family and friends. It’s really just a classy, classy thing to do."

Silas also conveyed that he and his family are "staggered" by the tributes and ovations his father has received and that they always knew what a great man Paul Silas was, and it’s great to see that everyone sees it the same way.

Further Reading

Celtics Add Two Players to Their Injury Report Ahead of Hosting Rockets

Breaking Down the Top 5 Plays from the Celtics-Bucks Christmas Showdown

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. Bucks: Stellar Two-Way Performance and Tatum's Take Over Propel Boston to Christmas Victory

Brad Stevens Shares His Early Evaluation of Joe Mazzulla

Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Opens up After Team Got Booed in Loss vs. Pacers

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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