James Silas

James Edward Silas (born February 11, 1949) is an American former professional basketball player who played point guard. Born in Tallulah, Louisiana, Silas spent the majority of his career with the Dallas Chaparrals and San Antonio Spurs of the ABA and NBA.

Silas played college basketball at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. In his senior year, he led the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks to a 29–1 record while averaging 30.7 points per game. He was twice named an NAIA All-American during his college career.

Silas was drafted in the fifth round of the 1972 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets, but was waived before the 1972–73 season began. He had also been selected in the sixth round of the 1972 ABA draft by the Pittsburgh Condors, who folded operations. Babe McCarthy, then coaching the Dallas Chaparrals of the American Basketball Association, decided to take a chance on Silas, who signed with the team.

Silas earned the nicknames "the Snake," "Captain Late," and "the Late Mr. Silas," the latter two referring to his reputation for playing his best late in games.