James Silas

Spurs fans in the 1970’s often noted that guard James Silas played an instrumental role in the early years of his team. Earning a reputation as the team’s best clutch player, Silas, as team captain, won several games by hitting the last shot in the closing seconds. Thus, his nickname “Captain Late”.​

He played 10 years professionally, nine of them in San Antonio. Silas enjoyed his best years as a pro in the American Basketball Association where he as an ABA All-Star twice, in 1975 and 1976, leading the Spurs in scoring with a 23.8 average. Knee injuries sidelined Silas the following two seasons, limiting him to 59 games total in those years. However, he regained his starting job in ’78-’79 and helped the Spurs reach the NBA Eastern Conference finals. ​

Following his trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers in June of 1981, the Spurs announced that Silas’ No. 13 would not be worn again. The Spurs honored Silas by making him the first player in franchise history to have his jersey retired.