USA TODAY Sports

 Houston Rockets coach Stephen Silas and his family released a statement Thursday morning following the passing of Paul Silas.

The Silas family thanked everyone for their ongoing support while announcing that the details for Paul's memorial service will take place in early 2023.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s memory can be made to The Boys and Girls Club of America.

"We would like to thank everyone who has reached out to give their condolences and share their memories of our husband and father, Paul Silas," via a statement released by the Rockets and NBA. "This has been an extremely difficult week, but it has been amazing to hear from so many of the people he impacted throughout his life.

"We especially want to thank Adam Silver and the NBA; Michael Jordan, Fred Whitfield and the Charlotte Hornets, The Fertitta Family and the Houston Rockets, as well as all the teams and individuals who honored Paul with tributes this week. He will be missed dearly."

Paul played for 16 seasons, where he received five All-Defensive team selections and was a two-time NBA All-Star. Paul won three NBA titles during his playing days with the Boston Celtics (1974 and 1976) and Seattle Supersonics (1979).   

His first head coaching job came in 1980 following his retirement with the then-San Diego Clippers. Paul later became the coach of the Charlotte Hornets, New Orleans Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Charlotte Bobcats.

Paul had his best season during the 1999-00 campaign. He led Charlotte to a 49-33 record and a post-season berth. Stephen joined his father's coaching staff the following season.

"I am proud to be my dad's son," Silas said. "I am proud people see him in me. Everything everyone had to say about him has been about him as a person, which has been the best part for me. When my time comes, I want people to say the same thing about me."

Silas, who missed just one game following the passing of his father, will help the Rockets defend their five-game home winning streak Thursday against the 14-15 Miami Heat. Tip-off is slated for 7 P.M. CT inside the Toyota Center.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Welcome to the WNBA: Caitlin Clark sets infamous record in debut
Jalen Brunson leads Knicks to blowout win in Game 5 vs. Pacers
Nikola Jokic torches DPOY to lead Nuggets past Wolves in Game 5
Oilers use late heroics to tie Canucks at two games each
Watch: Astros pitcher ejected after foreign substance check
Kirk Cousins not angry with Falcons because winning is 'hard enough'
Bronny James has surprising comments on potentially teaming up with LeBron
Bills add two-time Super Bowl champ to new-look WR room
Brewers lose team-leading home run hitter to injured list
Sandy Alderson denies involvement in Mets, Billy Eppler IL controversy
Twins reliever shut down for six weeks with patellar tendon tear
Chris Finch throws shade at Nuggets star over Rudy Gobert’s fine
Cardinals head coach warns not to bet against Kyler Murray
Details emerge on Jason Kelce’s role at ESPN
Rangers defenseman wins Mark Messier Leadership Award
Ex-NFL head coach takes over as Arena Football League commish
Yankees young stud takes major step in return from injury
See top groupings for Rounds 1 and 2 at 2024 PGA Championship
Former Bruins winger dead at 75
Super Bowl-winning safety plans to retire after 2024 season

Want more Rockets news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.