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Paul Silas, the only coach to lead the Charlotte Hornets to three straight NBA playoffs, died Sunday at age 79. Silas spent eight seasons with the Hornets and Bobcats over two stints after a playing career that included three NBA titles with Boston and Seattle.

Paul Silas, who coached the Charlotte Hornets to their most successful stretch in franchise history, died Sunday at age 79.

Silas, who spent eight seasons over two stints with the Hornets and Bobcats, is the only coach to lead the Hornets to three straight postseason berths. Over his first run in Charlotte, the Hornets posted a record of 161-120 (.573) and in each of Silas’ three full seasons won at least 44 games and made the playoffs each year, including advancing to the second round in 2001 and 2002.

He returned to Charlotte as interim head coach of the Bobcats during the 2010-11 season and promoted to head coach in 2011-12.

“Paul was an incredible leader and motivator who served as our head coach on two occasions,” Hornets owner Michael Jordan said in a statement. “He combined the knowledge developed over nearly 40 years as an NBA player and coach with an innate understanding of how to mix discipline with his never-ending positivity.”

Silas is third in franchise history in games coached (401), wins (193) and winning percentage (.481), and the all-time playoff leader in each category with a record of 11-12 (.478).

Silas was a college standout at Creighton, where he became one of only five players in NCAA history to average more than 20 points and 20 rebounds career. He played 16 NBA seasons, where he won three league titles (Boston in 1973-74 and 1975-76; Seattle in 1978-79) and named an All-Star in 1971-72 and 1974-75. Upon retirement after the 1979-80 season, he spent three seasons the San Diego Clippers’ head coach. In 12 seasons as a head coach, Silas amassed a record of 387-488 (.442).

“On or off the court, Paul’s enthusiastic and engaging personality was accompanied by an anecdote for every occasion,” Jordan said. “He was one of the all-time great people in our game, and he will be missed.”

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