Former Rockets head coach Stephen Silas, whose contract was not renewed by Houston after the season, is back in the NBA as a lead assistant for the Detroit Pistons and new head coach Monty Williams. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Silas was let go by the Rockets after a 2022-23 campaign in which his team finished 22-60. He was 59-177 (.250) during three seasons with Houston, though it’s worth noting Silas was hired in November 2020 with a veteran-laden roster. The losses largely came as a result of the franchise pivoting to a rebuild after the forced departure of superstar guard James Harden in January 2021.
Silas was replaced in Houston by Ime Udoka, who led the Boston Celtics to the 2022 NBA Finals as head coach before losing his job in September due to improper workplace conduct.
With the Pistons (17-65), Silas is joining the only NBA team with a worse record than the Rockets. Unlike his Houston stint, Silas will at least have the benefit of previous rebuilding experience, along with full knowledge and awareness going into the situation.
Silas will also have a more simplified role as the top assistant to Williams, who recently joined the Pistons after being let go from his previous job as head coach in Phoenix. Silas and Williams shared a touching moment last December when the Suns and Rockets met in Houston shortly after the death of Paul Silas, Stephen’s father.
From @BigSargeSportz, here’s #Rockets coach Stephen Silas on what the postgame hug and heartfelt words by Suns coach Monty Williams meant to him: pic.twitter.com/FogmkWCPeW
— The Rockets Wire (@TheRocketsWire) December 14, 2022
Moments after his team’s loss went final, Suns coach Monty Williams embraced Stephen Silas and shared what appeared to be a very deep message. Stephen, of course, was coaching his first game since the death of his father, Paul Silas.
All class. pic.twitter.com/Hy9Ul7csIY
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 14, 2022
