Celebration of life held for former Charlotte Hornets head coach Paul Silas

CHARLOTTE — A celebration of life was held for Paul Silas on Saturday, a former head coach for the Charlotte Hornets and Charlotte Bobcats.

It was held at The Park Church on Beatties Ford Road.

Silas passed away in December. He was 79. After playing in the NBA himself for 16 years, Silas coached the Charlotte Hornets from 1998 to 2002, all of which were winning seasons.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Former Charlotte Hornets head coach Paul Silas passes away at age 79

Silas’ second stint as Charlotte’s head coach ended following the 2011-12 season.

Silas won three NBA championships as a player with Boston and Seattle. He logged almost 400 games in the NBA as a head coach. Stephen Silas, the son of Paul Silas, now coaches the NBA’s Houston Rockets.

Silas spent time back in the Queen City attending Hornets games. He also coached the Cleveland Cavaliers during the rookie year of LeBron James in 2003.

Silas was the last coach to lead the Charlotte Hornets to a playoff series win, which was in 2002.

Masks and temperature checks will be required upon entrance.

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