American · Tallulah, Louisiana · Born 11 February 1949American basketball guard known as 'Snake' who starred in ABA and NBA, famous for clutch shooting and leadership with San Antonio Spurs dynasty.
James Edward Silas was born in Tallulah, Louisiana in 1949. Dallas Chaparrals selected him in the 1972 ABA Draft. His combined ABA and NBA career produced 17.7 points and 5.2 assists per game. He won the ABA championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 1976. He was selected to three ABA All-Star games and one NBA All-Star game. He earned the nickname Captain Late for his extraordinary ability to perform in fourth quarters and overtime — his clutch shooting in pressure situations made him one of the most feared late-game players of his era. He was the foundation of the Spurs franchise before George Gervin arrived, establishing the competitive culture that Gervin and later David Robinson and Tim Duncan would continue. A serious knee injury disrupted his career from 1977 onwards but he continued as a productive player. He is considered one of the most important players in Spurs franchise history despite receiving less recognition than the legends who followed.
Clutch shooting and leadership for San Antonio Spurs
How They Played
Smooth shooting guard with excellent ball-handling skills
Lasting Impact
ABA/NBA guard known as 'Snake' for his smooth playing style
Career Honours
- ABA Champion (1976)
- ABA All-Star 3x
- NBA All-Star 1x
- ABA steals leader
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Chaparrals/San Antonio Spurs | 1972–1981 | 670 |
American Athletes