When you talk about NBA veterans, Sam Cassell is the name that truly embodies the term. As a player, Cassell was a three-time All-Star and a three-time NBA champion, showcasing his skills over an impressive 15-season career.
He played for eight different teams, adapting to various roles before transitioning to coaching with the Washington Wizards in 2008. Since then, he's been a guiding force for star guards like John Wall, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Tyrese Maxey.
Despite his wealth of experience and a 2024 championship win from the bench with the Celtics, Cassell has yet to step into a head coaching role.
In a conversation with Celtics reporter Bobby Krivitsky, Cassell expressed his aspirations: "Hopefully, it happens for me. I would like to have an opportunity to coach one of these teams, but the enjoyment I get from being a coach in basketball is seeing young men, when they are first getting in the league, and their progress in life in becoming good basketball players, becoming family men, and becoming fathers. That's the part I enjoy."
Cassell came close to achieving his goal last year when his alma mater, Florida State University, considered him as a potential head coach following Leonard Hamilton's departure. However, the position went to 35-year-old Luke Loucks.
Despite this, Cassell remains content with his role in Boston, where he is highly regarded by head coach Joe Mazzulla. With two Celtics championships under his belt-one as a player and another as a coach-Cassell's passion for the game and the team is undeniable.
"The coaching thing, I would love to have an opportunity to do it," Cassell shared. "I'm striving for it because I still love this.
I wouldn't do it if I didn't love it at all. I love this.
I love what I'm doing. I always have a smile on my face.
I'm just upbeat. I enjoy being a part of the Association, especially being part of the Boston Celtics."
Cassell isn't the only one beaming this season. The Celtics have surpassed preseason expectations, even without star forward Jayson Tatum at full health. With a 35-19 record, they're poised to continue their strong performance as they face the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco after the All-Star break.
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