From young superstar Luka Doncic to veteran guard Jamal Crawford, and head coach Rick Carlisle to owner Mark Cuban, many around the NBA were thrilled to see Stephen Silas land his first job as a head coach.
Now 47 years old, Silas has worked in the NBA’s assistant ranks for approximately 20 years. His career began in Charlotte, when his father (Paul Silas) was the head coach, and he has since worked for five other organizations — leading up to his stint as the top assistant with Doncic, Carlisle, and Cuban’s Mavs over the last two seasons.
Besides Doncic, other marquee players to have flourished with Silas include Charlotte’s Kemba Walker, Golden State’s Steph Curry.
As of Wednesday, Silas is now the head coach of the Houston Rockets, where he is replacing Mike D’Antoni. It remains to be seen how he will fare with James Harden and Russell Westbrook, but based on his long track record in the league, Silas clearly has plenty of believers and admirers.
From social media, here’s a sampling of Wednesday’s reaction — both from NBA personnel and media members who cover the league.
Besides x's and o's? Demeanor, composure , connects with his players, genuinely cares. Doesn't get rattled. Prepared!! https://t.co/XeafFOZHQ8
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) October 28, 2020
The @HoustonRockets won this hire. Stephen Silas ran the Mavs offense. I’m told he blew the Rockets brass away with his presentation.His offensive vision for Houston.
Luka said..”I'm going to miss him a lot, Houston got a great coach, he's a big reason for my growth as a player." pic.twitter.com/vAb2ltf9mX— MarkJonesESPN (@MarkJonesESPN) October 29, 2020
well deserved!!👏🏼👏🏼 https://t.co/yWHWzsSc6A
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) October 28, 2020
Stephen Silas was instrumental to the improvement that made Jeremy Lamb a key part of the Hornets' rotation. Ultimately, that earned Lamb a big contract with the Indiana Pacers.
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) October 28, 2020
Congrats are in order to Stephen Silas. Has paid his dues and I look forward to watching him do a great job for the @HoustonRockets
— Damon Stoudamire (@Iambiggie503) October 28, 2020
Stephen Silas has been a head coach in waiting for years now. Rockets almost hired him in 2016, before going with Mike D'Antoni. Houston is a tough job right now, but Silas is an excellent coach.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) October 28, 2020
Back in 2017, I got to spend a few days with Stephen Silas as he prepared for a game. He's one of the most impressive and genuine people I came across in the league. https://t.co/EdZEB4hqWp
— Paul Flannery (@Pflanns) October 28, 2020
Been at least five years in the running for Stephen Silas to get a head-coaching job. Steve Clifford sung his praises for years in Charlotte. (Silas is the son of Paul Silas and was on his staff, then Mike Dunlap's and then Clifford's staff in Charlotte from 2010-18.) https://t.co/mk0OREOSFA
— Adi Joseph (@AdiJoseph) October 28, 2020
Rick Carlisle on Stephen Silas: “A great hire for the Rockets. Stephen did a great job for us here in Dallas helping us get back to the playoffs. Thrilled for him and his family.”
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) October 29, 2020
CONGRATS COACH Silas ! https://t.co/pVeMXuf103
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) October 28, 2020
Rockets were sold on Silas' offensive ingenuity, his pedigree w/ Rick Carlisle, Steve Clifford and his father, Paul Silas. Silas has coached some remarkable guards in his NBA career, including Luka Doncic, Kemba Walker, Steph Curry. Now he gets to run offense for Harden-Westbrook https://t.co/52Qfuknilb
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 28, 2020
In his experiences as interim HC and associate HC, Coach Silas has experience in both player and game management, personnel, along with tinkering practices and schedules. Unique experiences for a rookie head coach to have, along with his X's and O's prowess. https://t.co/afhqiisGkQ
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) October 29, 2020
