Paul Silas
The rugged rebounder who anchored the Hawks' frontcourt before being traded to Phoenix.
Paul Silas played for the St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks from 1964 to 1969, after being selected by the St. Louis Hawks in the second round of the 1964 NBA draft with the 12th overall pick. After a relatively slow career start, he reached double figures in both rebounds and points per game during the 1967–68 season, averaging 11.7 rebounds and 13.4 points per game. His rebounding average was third best on the Hawks that season, behind teammates Zelmo Beaty (11.7 rpg) and Bill Bridges (13.4 rpg). After five seasons with the Hawks, Silas was traded to the Phoenix Suns for Gary Gregor.
- Role
- Power Forward / Center
- Franchise Tenure
- St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks (1964–1972)
- Status
- Retired Legend / Hall of Fame Inductee
- Key Attribute
- Defensive Anchor and Rebounding Specialist
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Silas spent five seasons with the Hawks, developing from a second-round pick into a reliable double-double threat. His 1967–68 season saw him average 11.7 rebounds and 13.4 points per game, though he was still third on the team in rebounding behind Zelmo Beaty and Bill Bridges. The Hawks traded Silas to the Phoenix Suns for Gary Gregor, who had been named to the 1969 NBA All-Rookie Team. Silas would go on to become a two-time NBA All-Star and win three NBA championships, but his foundation was built during those early years in St. Louis and Atlanta.
In Their Own Story
In the 1967–68 season, Silas finally broke out, averaging 11.7 rebounds and 13.4 points per game. But even then, he was the third-best rebounder on his own team, behind Zelmo Beaty (11.7 rpg) and Bill Bridges (13.4 rpg). After five seasons, the Hawks sent him to the Phoenix Suns for Gary Gregor, a 1969 All-Rookie Team selection. Silas would later become a two-time All-Star and three-time NBA champion, but his NBA journey began in St. Louis.
Reader's Guide
Paul Silas played for the St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks from 1964 to 1969, after being drafted 12th overall in the second round of the 1964 NBA draft. He averaged 11.7 rebounds and 13.4 points per game during the 1967–68 season, his best statistical year with the team. His rebounding average was third best on the Hawks that season, behind Zelmo Beaty (11.7 rpg) and Bill Bridges (13.4 rpg). After five seasons, the Hawks traded Silas to the Phoenix Suns for Gary Gregor.
Did You Know?
- Silas was selected by the St. Louis Hawks in the second round of the 1964 NBA draft with the 12th overall pick.
- During the 1967–68 season, Silas averaged 11.7 rebounds per game, but was third best on the Hawks behind Zelmo Beaty (11.7 rpg) and Bill Bridges (13.4 rpg).
- After five seasons with the Hawks, Silas was traded to the Phoenix Suns for Gary Gregor, who had been named to the 1969 NBA All-Rookie Team.
- Silas is the leader in most rebounds per game with 12.1 in Suns franchise history.