Former NBA player and coach Paul Cyrus dies at 79

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).

–Field level media