Stephen Silas Spotted at Celtics Practice After Ime Udoka is Hired by Houston Rockets

Stephen Silas could be the Boston Celtics' newest assistant coach.

Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

As reported by Jared Weiss of The Atlantic, Stephen Silas attended the Boston Celtics’ practice on Tuesday morning. Silas was seen sitting next to Brad Stevens, the Celtics’ president of basketball operations.

Stephen Silas watching Celtics practice as Ime Udoka replaces him in Houston, this is the circle of NBA life pic.twitter.com/xyP6EteF0T

— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) April 25, 2023

Silas served as the Houston Rockets’ head coach for three seasons before parting ways with the organization in mid April. The Rockets finished with a 59-177 record and failed to make the playoffs during Silas’ tenure.

Though Silas appeared to be at the Auerbach Center for business, his presence in Boston contains a personal layer. Less than 24 hours ago, Ime Udoka agreed to become the new head coach of the Rockets. Udoka, the Celtics’ previous head coach, was suspended by the franchise this season due to workplace misconduct.

Udoka’s dramatic departure from Boston could lead to a fiercer rivalry between the two teams in the future. Rumors have been circulating that Jaylen Brown may join his former coach in Houston. Brown is set to become a free agent in 2024.

Aside from over two decades of coaching experience in the NBA, there are other reasons why Silas is a stand-out candidate to join Boston’s staff.

Silas is strongly rooted to the New England area. The 49-year-old was born in Boston and graduated from Brown University, which is located about an hour from TD Garden. He is also the son of renowned basketball player Paul Silas, who won two NBA championships with the Celtics.

In the meantime, Game 5 of the Celtics-Hawks first round series starts at 7:30 pm on Tuesday night. Boston needs one more win to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, as they hold a 3-1 lead. 

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