The Bobcats removed the interim tag from coach Paul Silas on Wednesday, rewarding him with a one-year extension after he helped get Charlotte into playoff contention following a miserable start under Larry Brown. "It's a very exciting day for me knowing I'll be here this year and next year and have a chance to really make this team special," Silas said at a news conference. "There's a long way to go, but we're getting there." Owner Michael Jordan's decision comes less than two months after he fired Brown following Charlotte's 9-19 start that left a fractured team. Guard Stephen Jackson said a change was needed because "nobody wanted to play" for the demanding Brown, who had routinely criticized his players. The 67-year-old Silas brought a calming influence and a more uptempo, free-flowing style. He's led the Bobcats to a 15-13 mark to get within 1½ games of the Indiana Pacers for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Silas believes the Bobcats have a "very good shot" at making the postseason for the second straight season. Read more: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=6128112
