The morning after LeBron James dropped 56 points on Toronto in a losing effort, Cleveland has fired head coach Paul Silas. The Cavaliers have lost 9 of their last 12 and Silas has had a number of disputes with the likes of ex-Cav Rickey Davis and Eric Snow, as well as benching Jeff McInnis yesterday.
Prior to his tenure in Clevland, Silas had coached the Clippers and Hornets, leading the latter to 4 straight playoff appearances. During his 16 playing career, Silas, a two-time NBA All-Star, won 3 rings, two with the Celtics and one with Seattle. Your author —- suffering through a difficult childhood at the time —- once telephoned broadcasting legend Johnny Most in the middle the night to ask his opinion of Silas.
“Paul Silas……,” intoned the gravel-voiced Most “…..is a very, very good basketball player.” And then he hung up.