Last Updated on January 29, 2025 by Mathew Diekhake
James Edward Silas, nicknamed “Captain Late” for his clutch performances, is a retired American professional basketball player known for his time in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA). Below is an overview of his personal background and professional career:
- Full Name: James Edward Silas
- Nationality: American
- Date of Birth: February 11, 1949
- Hometown: Tallulah, Louisiana, USA
- Height: 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm)
- Weight: 180 pounds (81 kg)
- Wingspan: 6 feet 4 inches (193cm)
- Shoe Size: Size 11 (US)
- Jersey Number: 13
- Position: Point Guard / Shooting Guard
- High School: McCall High School, Tallulah, Louisiana
- College: Stephen F. Austin State University
- NBA Draft: 1972, 5th round, 70th overall pick by the Houston Rockets
- Professional Teams:
- Dallas Chaparrals (ABA) (1972–1973)
- San Antonio Spurs (ABA/NBA) (1973–1981)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA) (1981–1982)
- Championship Rings: None
- Children: Son, Xavier Silas
- Siblings: Information not publicly available
Career Highlights:
- Two-time ABA All-Star
- Averaged 23.8 points per game during the 1975–76 ABA season
- First player to have his jersey number (13) retired by the San Antonio Spurs
Professional Career:
James Silas began his professional basketball career with the Dallas Chaparrals in the ABA during the 1972–73 season. He was traded to the San Antonio Spurs, where he became a standout player, especially noted for his performance in clutch situations, earning him the nickname “Captain Late.” Silas transitioned with the Spurs into the NBA following the ABA-NBA merger and continued to be a key contributor until he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1981.
Personal Background:
Born and raised in Tallulah, Louisiana, Silas attended McCall High School before playing college basketball at Stephen F. Austin State University. His son, Xavier Silas, also pursued a professional basketball career.