Tag: Sam Cassell

Sam Cassell: Nikola Jokic ‘wouldn’t stand a chance’ versus Hakeem Olajuwon

“I believe Hakeem [Olajuwon] would have an answer for whatever [Nikola] Jokić tried defensively,” Sam Cassell says of his former championship teammate.

After winning a pair of championships with the Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995, NBA veteran Sam Cassell is understandably biased in favor of his legendary teammate at center, Hakeem Olajuwon.

While Denver’s Nikola Jokic is currently the gold standard among NBA big men, having won three of the past four Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, Cassell doesn’t view the Nuggets star as in the same caliber as his two-time champion and Hall of Fame teammate.

Speaking to Draymond Green — a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year with the Golden State Warriors — on Green’s podcast, Cassell said of the comparison (as transcribed by EuroHoops.net):

Hakeem is a beast in every sense on the floor. He’s in the Top 10 in every NBA category — steals, rebounds, points. I think Jokić would score more points, but Hakeem would win because he would constantly pressure him. Jokić wouldn’t be able to do damage in the post; it simply wouldn’t happen.

On the other end of the floor, Jokić wouldn’t stand a chance. Joel Embiid gives him problems, and he wouldn’t have any hope against Hakeem. I believe Hakeem would have an answer for whatever Jokić tried defensively.

Now an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics, it’s worth noting that Cassell previously spent three seasons (2020-23) as an assistant in Philadelphia. There appears to be a rivalry between Embiid and Jokić, and that experience working closely with Embiid and the 76ers might have further tilted Cassell in an anti-Jokić direction.

Cassell’s complete podcast comments can be viewed below.

[lawrence-related id=125422,125285]

Shaq has a bone to pick with a certain Celtics assistant coach not getting head coaching gigs

The Big Aristotle stuck up for another Celtics alum who is currently an assistant with the team he won a title with in 2008.

When it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers hiring former NBAer and popular podcaster JJ Redick to be their next head coach this offseason, the move was seen as a solid one by and large. But not everyone thinks the hire was the best move the Lakers could have made — and the reasoning has little to do with any shortcomings on Redick’s part, at least directly.

We are talking about former Boston Celtics center and Lakers champion Shaquille O’Neal, who recently made a point of sticking up for another Celtics alum who is currently an assistant with the team he won a title with in 2008.

“It makes it look crazy that a guy with no experience can overshadow a guy like Sam Cassell who’s been in the league 15 years,” said the Big Aristotle on a recent episode of his “Big Podcast with Shaq” show.

“No disrespect to JJ, but I think Sam should also be able to get the same looks,” added O’Neal. “But I’m happy for JJ.”

“Lot of pressure — winning games will not be good enough,” he added. “Expectation when you take that job, when you take the Miami Heat job, when you take a job where there’s a lot of talent, the expectation is to win championships.”

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=590969556]

Pistons should consider hiring Celtics’ Sam Cassell as head coach, per Kenny Smith

Sam Cassell could be the ideal head coach for the rebuilding Detroit Pistons, following his successful return to the Boston Celtics.

Sam Cassell is one of the most well-respected assistant coaches in the NBA. He won three championships as a player and helped the Boston Celtics win the 2024 NBA championship as one of Joe Mazzulla’s lead assistant coaches. In recent weeks, Cassell has reportedly expressed interest in becoming a head coach.

According to Kenny ‘The Jet’ Smith, who was speaking with Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson, any team that is looking to develop young talent and improve their chances of success should take a closer look at Cassell. Smith believes that his championship experience as both a player and a coach prove that he’s a winner at the NBA level.

“If you want a young team to develop players and develop skills, Sam Cassell is your guy. It’s impossible to look over him at this point after winning an NBA Championship. It’s like, Oh. He was in Houston and they won. He was there and they won… It’s not an accident being a champ! It’s NOT an accident. It’s impossible.”

Cassell has been an assistant coach for 15 years. He has learned the ropes from some of the best head coaches in the NBA. Now, he’s ready to take the next step in his career.

The Pistons could emerge as the ideal landing spot for Cassell. They have a string of young talent to develop and would allow him to create and implement his coaching style and identity.

Of course, losing Cassell would be a big blow to the Celtics, having already lost Charles Lee to the Charlotte Hornets. Nevertheless, Cassell has earned the opportunity to lead an NBA team; now, all he can do is remain patient.

Subscribe to the “Celtics Chronicle” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3UAVYRg

Spotify:  https://spoti.fi/3y0H4Lh

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QnlPcS

Substack: https://bit.ly/3WoA0Cf

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=590969557 tag=648387045]

Celtics’ Sam Cassell aiming to become an NBA head coach

Sam Cassell still aims to become a head coach in the NBA, despite potentially receiving a promotion from the Boston Celtics.

Sam Cassell spent the 2023-24 NBA season as one of Joe Mazzulla’s top assistant coaches, winning his fourth NBA championship (three as a player) in the process. Cassell is among the most respected assistants in the NBA. JJ Redick has reportedly shown interest in adding him to his Los Angeles Lakers coaching staff.

According to Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson, who was talking on SNY’s “Sports Shorts,” Cassell is looking to take the next step in his career and become an NBA head coach. He interviewed for the Lakers job shortly after Darvin Ham was relieved of his duties.

“I spoke to Sam,” Robinson said. “Sam and I texted…he said his goal is to become a head coach in the NBA. I think the right opportunity needs to come along. I’m not hearing that Sam is in that conversation. I have heard that he and Rajon Rondo are assistant coaching candidates that JJ Redick is considering in Los Angeles.”

Cassell has the pedigree to thrive as a head coach in the NBA. He’s spent the past 15 years on the assistants’ bench. He has won at the highest level as both a player and a coach. And he would command respect within a locker room.

Nevertheless, it appears that Cassell will remain as an assistant in the near future. Marc Stein recently reported that the Boston Celtics are looking to elevate Cassell into Charles Lee’s spot as the lead assistant with the Celtics, as they look to fend off interest from Los Angeles.

Whether Cassell ends the season with Boston, or gets offered a head coaching role, remains to be seen.

Subscribe to the “Celtics Chronicle” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3UAVYRg

Spotify:  https://spoti.fi/3y0H4Lh

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QnlPcS

Substack: https://bit.ly/3WoA0Cf

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=590969557 tag=648387045]

Lakers could add two former Celtics champions to JJ Redick’s staff

JJ Redick has two former Boston Celtics champions in his sights, as he looks to build out his coaching staff with the Los Angeles Lakers.

JJ Redick is the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. The former Boston Celtics guard won a championship with both franchises during his playing career. He is also seen as a highly intelligent basketball mind. Redick likely views Rondo’s basketball IQ and former status as an elite ball-handler as the perfect addition to a coaching staff that must connect with the Lakers roster.

Rondo isn’t the only player with Celtics ties that Redick covets. Sam Cassell returned to Boston as an assistant coach last summer and helped Joe Mazzulla bring Banner 18 to the Celtics this season. Redick is reportedly interested in having Cassell join his new-look coaching staff. Cassell was also interviewed for the Lakers coaching job. 

“Assistant coaching candidates for Redick’s staff will include former head coach and recent Trail Blazers assistant Scott Brooks, former Lakers guard Rajon Rondo, ex-Laker and current Dallas Mavericks assistant Jared Dudley and Cassell, according to league sources,” The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Jovan Buha and Sam Amick reported. 

If Rondo accepts Redick’s offer, he will be taking his first steps into coaching at the NBA level. As an assistant, Rondo would provide a strong voice on Redick’s staff, while also helping develop the team’s ball-handlers and big men behind the scenes.

Cassell would likely be Redick’s lead assistant. He is one of the most well-respected coaches in the NBA. However, Cassell may choose to remain in Boston until a head coaching opportunity arises for him. Either way, it’s clear Redick is putting high value on coaches that have played in the NBA and will relate to his playing staff.

Subscribe to the “Celtics Chronicle” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3UAVYRg

Spotify:  https://spoti.fi/3y0H4Lh

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QnlPcS

Substack: https://bit.ly/3WoA0Cf

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=590969557 tag=648387045]

Jrue Holiday, 3 other former Sixers become champions with Celtics win

Jrue Holiday and 3 other former Philadelphia 76ers become champions as the Boston Celtics win the 2024 title.

The 2023-24 NBA season is now officially in the books with the season concluding on Monday night. The Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks 106-88 in Game 5 to take home the 2024 crown and the franchise’s 18th NBA title.

Some former Philadelphia 76ers will take home some hardware with this Celtics win. Jrue Holiday wins his second NBA title—he won with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021–while Al Horford and Jaden Springer will win their 1st championship ring. Former assistant coach Sam Cassell will also take home a ring.

Holiday played the first four seasons of his career with the Sixers while Horford played for Philadelphia in the 2019-20 season while Springer was the team’s first-round pick in 2021.

The Sixers will now go back to the drawing board as they look to take down the defending champion Celtics in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia will be armed with cap space in order to upgrade the roster around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey and challenge the Celtics.

[lawrence-related id=95667,95664,95661]

Lakers have three targets for JJ Redick’s potential coaching staff

JJ Redick is the favorite to become the Lakers’ next head coach, and his staff may be starting to take shape.

For a little while, it has been rumored that JJ Redick is the favorite to land the Los Angeles Lakers’ open head coaching job. It is a polarizing prospect.  Redick has a sharp mind for the strategic breakdown of basketball, but he has no coaching experience.

In addition, his relationship with LeBron James as his co-host on the “Mind the Game” podcast has led some to believe he wouldn’t hold the superstar accountable.

Yet it is gradually looking more and more like Redick could be the Lakers’ next head coach.

If that happens, James Borrego, Sam Cassell and Jared Dudley would be candidates for his staff (h/t Lakers Daily).

Via Marc Stein Substack:

“League sources say fellow Lakers search candidates Sam Cassell (Boston) and James Borrego (New Orleans) would be prime targets for Redick’s staff as well as an expected run at trying to bring Mavericks assistant coach Jared Dudley back to Lakerland,” Stein wrote. “As a Lakers player for the final two seasons of his career in 2019-20 and 2020-21, Dudley had strong relationships with both LeBron James and Anthony Davis.”

Although Dudley barely played for the Lakers during the 2019-20 season when they won the NBA championship, his veteran leadership, plus his ability and willingness to hold teammates accountable, was invaluable.

Borrego and Cassell happen to be the other two head coaching candidates Los Angeles has interviewed so far other than Redick.

If the team does hire Redick, it may not become official until late June. That is because Redick is a member of ESPN’s NBA broadcast crew, which means the Lakers may want to respect his obligations until the end of the NBA Finals.

The qualities the Lakers are looking for in their next head coach

What type of qualities do the Lakers want in their next head coach?

The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly begun official interviews with candidates for their open head coaching job. They have met with James Borrego, an associate head coach with the New Orleans Pelicans, Boston Celtics assistant Sam Cassell and former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick.

Some have disliked the idea of Redick being a candidate. He has virtually no coaching experience, and as LeBron James’ co-host on the “Mind the Game” podcast, there is plenty of skepticism he would actually coach the superstar.

According to Jovan Buha and Shams Charania of The Athletic, Los Angeles is taking its time with its coaching search, and it is looking for certain qualities.

Via The Athletic:

“The Lakers are taking a methodical approach with their process and are seeking a coach who will command the locker room and hold players accountable, as well as tirelessly game plan and provide a level of structure and organization, according to multiple league and team sources.”

Redick is reportedly the Lakers’ preferred candidate according to at least one report, but it looks like they will give the other applicants a fair shake.

This is certainly something that shouldn’t be rushed, as it will have a major impact on the results they get on the court for at least the next few years.

Report: Lakers meet with Sam Cassell as they up their coaching search

Sam Cassell has reportedly met with the Los Angeles Lakers in regards to potentially taking over as their next head coach.

Sam Cassell is considered a top contender for the vacant Los Angeles Lakers head coaching job. The Boston Celtics’ veteran assistant faces competition from JJ Redick and James Borrego for the role. The Lakers are reportedly casting a wide net in their coaching search. However, Redick is currently viewed as the front-runner.

Nevertheless, Rob Pelinka and the front office have reportedly begun meeting with some of their candidates, with Cassell among them. According to Shams Charania and Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Los Angeles has held or will hold ‘formal meetings’ with a slew of potential candidates.

“The Lakers have held formal meetings with JJ Redick, New Orleans Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego and Boston Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell over the past several days,” Charania and Buha reported. “Team officials plan to meet with Denver Nuggets assistant coach David Adelman, Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori and Miami Heat assistant Chris Quinn as they do their due diligence on the candidate pool.”

Boston will already be losing one of their top assistants at the end of the season. Charles Lee has agreed to become the next head coach of the Charlotte Hornets. The risk of losing Cassell could mean that Joe Mazzulla is forced to rebuild his coaching staff for the second straight season.

Nevertheless, Cassell has earned the opportunity to move into a head coaching role. He’s spent the last 15 years as an assistant coach, working with the Washington Wizards, LA Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers and Celtics.

Whether he lands the role with the Lakers or is forced to wait a while longer, it’s looking increasingly likely that Cassell will be leading a team in the near future.

Subscribe to the “Celtics Chronicle” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3UAVYRg

Spotify:  https://spoti.fi/3y0H4Lh

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QnlPcS

Substack: https://bit.ly/3WoA0Cf

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=590969557 tag=648387045]

Lakers have started to interview head coaching candidates

The Lakers’ search for their next head coach is picking up, as interviews have already taken place.

The Los Angeles Lakers fired Darvin Ham on May 3 after he had been their head coach for two seasons, and their search for a new head coach has gradually picked up in recent days.

Last week, they received permission to interview several candidates who are assistant coaches with other teams. Those candidates include James Borrego, Sam Cassell, David Adelman and Micah Nori.

According to a report in The Athletic on Tuesday, Los Angeles has completed interviews with Borrego and Cassell, as well as former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick.

Via The Athletic:

“The Los Angeles Lakers have begun interviewing candidates for their next coach, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly on the matter,” wrote Jovan Buha and Shams Charania.

“The Lakers have held formal meetings with JJ Redick, New Orleans Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego and Boston Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell over the past several days, according to those sources.”

The team will also interview a few other assistants soon.

“Team officials plan to meet with Denver Nuggets assistant coach David Adelman, Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori and Miami Heat assistant Chris Quinn as they do their due diligence on the candidate pool.”

Borrego is an interesting assistant. He has an existing relationship with Anthony Davis forged when Borrego was an assistant coach with the New Orleans Pelicans.

“I think when you’re the Lakers, you have to look into the future,” said Charania. “Anthony Davis is someone that’s gonna outlast likely LeBron James as a Laker, he’s 31 years old in the prime of his career, and how do you make a hire that potentially does fit AD better, involving him in the coaching search process? And he has built a rapport with James Borrego, they overlapped a little bit in New Orleans.”

Meanwhile, Redick is the one Lakers candidate who has everyone talking. While he has a sharp mind for the game of basketball, he has no coaching experience of any kind at either the pro or college level.

The perception, whether it is true or false, is he’s a leading candidate because of his friendship with James. The two co-host the “Mind the Game” podcast, and Redick is also a member of ESPN’s NBA broadcast crew.