Stephen Silas started his tenure as the Houston Rockets coach just three years ago, but his relationship with franchise legend Elvin Hayes dates back more than four decades. Silas’ first memories of Hayes aren’t pleasant ones.
Hayes starred for the Baltimore Bullets across the 1970s, dominating the low block as one of the premier post scorers in NBA history. Hayes won the scoring title as a rookie in 1968-69, then tallied 12 All-Star appearances, two rebounding crowns and a pair of All-Defense selections en route to a Hall of Fame career. Silas’ father, Paul, drew the unenviable task of defending Hayes during a pair of NBA Finals matchups in 1978 and 1979.