Sam Cassell recently added another championship to his impressive career. He has won three titles as a player: two with the Rockets and one with the Celtics. Earlier this month, he contributed to the Celtics’ 2024 NBA championship victory as an assistant coach on Joe Mazzulla’s staff.
Cassell, 54, aspires to become an NBA head coach. Since 2009, he has served as an assistant coach, with tenures at the Wizards, Clippers, and 76ers, in addition to his recent role with Boston.
The Lakers had reportedly sought permission to interview Cassell for their head coach vacancy but eventually chose J.J. Redick for the position.
Now, with the Detroit Pistons’ head coach position open following Monty Williams’ firing, TNT analyst Kenny Smith, in a recent interview on “Scoop B Radio” with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, advocated for Cassell’s consideration for the role.
Smith highlighted Cassell’s leadership, qualifications, and extensive resume, stating, “He has all three. Why wouldn’t you hire a guy like that if you’re looking for a head coach? He has championship pedigree on multiple levels. There’s nothing else you could do in basketball that Sam Cassell hasn’t done.”
Smith, who won two titles alongside Cassell in Houston, emphasized Cassell’s ability to connect with young players. He remarked, “If you want a young team to develop players, develop skills, Sam Cassell is your guy. It’s impossible to overlook him at this point after winning an NBA championship. It’s like ‘oh, he was in Houston, they won. Oh, he was there and they won.’ It’s not an accident, being a champ.”
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Celtics are reportedly very interested in promoting Sam Cassell to a more significant assistant role on the bench. Meanwhile, the Hornets have hired former Celtics assistant Charles Lee as their head coach this offseason.
