Former NBA player and coach Paul Cyrus dies at 79
![Former NBA player and coach Paul Cyrus dies at 79 Former NBA player and coach Paul Cyrus dies at 79](http://cdn.bignewsnetwork.com/flm1670778301.jpg)
Former NBA player and head coach Paul Cyrus died at the age of 79, multiple media outlets reported on Sunday.
Cyrus was a two-time All-Star, three-time NBA Champion, and five-time All-Defensive Team selection during a 16-year career with five teams from 1964-80.
He has compiled 387-488 records as head coach for four teams, most notably being LeBron James’ first NBA coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003-04.
His son, Stephen Cyrus, is the current head coach of the Houston Rockets.
Paul Cyrus was an active college student at Creighton, averaging 20+ rebounds in all three seasons from 1961-64. The school retired his number 35 jersey.
A second-round draft pick in 1964 by the St. Louis Hawks, he appeared in 1,254 games for St. Louis/Atlanta (1964-69), Phoenix Suns (1969-72) and Boston Celtics, averaging 9.4 points and 9.9 rebounds. , recording 2.1 assists. (1972-76), Denver He Nuggets (1976-77), Seattle SuperSonics (1977-80).
Cyrus was named to the 1971-72 and 1974-75 All-Star teams and won championships with the Celtics (1973-74, 1975-76) and Sonics (1978-79).
He coached the San Diego Clippers (1980-83), Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets (1999-2003), Cavaliers (2003-05) and Charlotte Bobcats (2010-12).
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https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/273193663/former-nba-player-coach-paul-silas-dies-at-79?utm_source=feeds.bignewsnetwork.com&utm_medium=referral Former NBA player and coach Paul Cyrus dies at 79