James Silas: “Captain Late” Commanded Respect in the Clutch

[ShoogarBear]

I figure at worst, he's the third best PG in team history...

Behind Shane Heal and AJ?

Seriously: Tony Parker's series against the Cavs? That was how Silas played all the time in his peak years.

[nfg3]

Thanks Shoog for this post! It brought back fond memories long forgotten.

Frankly I will always remember Robinzine's name what happened in that preseason game in San Marcus in 1976. Silas was never the same after that. The guy had a 42" vertical leap - standing still - and could shoot over anyone. I loved it when he took over at the end of close games and lead us to victory. Sometimes my friends and I would hope for close games rather than blowouts even though the blowouts were probably better for the team than nailbiters. He was just that good.

It's a shame that the NBA fans really never got to see how great of a player Snake was. In fact I think he was the only player besides Dr. J to be unanimously voted to the all ABA team. Now that's good company to keep.

But in retrospect I think Gervin wouldn't have evolved into the Iceman quite as quickly or if at all if not for that injury. The offense had to be run through Ice and his touches and shots taken, now that Snake wasn't on the floor and his replacement of Mike Gail wasn't that offensive-minded, increased dramatically. Even with the loss of his lateral and vertical movement Silas still was a force to be reckon with.

[SenorSpur]

Anybody ever see Silas dunk? I never did. With his hops, I assumed he was more than capable. However he always opted for the layup - even over the front of the rim. I was just curious.

[my2sons]

I'd go so far as to say, prior to his injury he was the best point guard in spurs history. In the shoot em out ABA, for a go to guy not to be considered selfish by making his teamates happy and to have an entire team defer to him in the clutch is an awsome compliment. Even Gervin deferred to Si late in the game. If I remember correctly, people were questioning Gervin's desire to take over games once Silas lost a step. Of course that didn't last very long.