Fansided

Ranking every NBA head coach LeBron James has played for

By Dave Stevenson

Dec 28, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James walks past head coach David Blatt against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Suns 101-97. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James walks past head coach David Blatt against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Suns 101-97. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 19: Head coach Paul Silas of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the game against the Washington Wizards at MCI Center on November 19, 2003 in Washington, DC. The Wizards won 106-95. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/ or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the gettyImages licence agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 19: Head coach Paul Silas of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the game against the Washington Wizards at MCI Center on November 19, 2003 in Washington, DC. The Wizards won 106-95. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/ or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the gettyImages licence agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

3. Paul Silas

Silas was LeBron’s first NBA head coach. He deserves a lot of credit for helping him develop into the best player in the NBA. However, as a head coach, he simply wasn’t as good as those who are above him. Silas went 69-77 as he took a rookie LeBron James and helped him adjust to the NBA.

Silas also coached for the San Diego Clippers from 1980 to 1983 and the Charlotte Hornets from 1998 to 2002. He also coached the New Orleans Hornets during the 2002-2003 season before being hired to coach the Cavs right after LeBron was drafted with the number one overall pick of the 2003 NBA Draft. He also coached the Charlotte Bobcats from 2010 to 2012. During his coaching career, he missed the playoffs more times than he made them. He took the Hornets to four straight playoff appearances, including two conference semifinals appearances.

Silas enjoyed his time with LeBron James and his influence on his career can’t be understated.

“I couldn’t believe it; he wasn’t only 19 years old at the time but he understood everything about this game and eventually I knew he was going to be a great player,” Silas said, via The Boston Globe. “And now he is just tremendous.”

LeBron likely wouldn’t be “tremendous” without the help of Silas.

Next: 2. Mike Brown

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