The Boston Celtics fell short of their goal of reaching the NBA Finals with a Game 7 loss in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat. They have responded by adding a former three-time NBA Champion to their coaching staff.
Former NBA point guard Sam Cassell has certainly been around the league in multiple roles. He first had an extremely successful career as a player, playing for seven different organizations over the course of a 15-year career. Cassell has also had a lengthy coaching career as an assistant in the league, coaching 14 years under multiple different head coaches.
His next stop will be with the Celtics under head coach Joe Mazzula. The Athletic’s Shams Charania broke the news of Cassell agreeing to an assistant role under Mazzula, who is going into his second year as head coach.
Sam Cassell has agreed to join the Boston Celtics coaching staff under Joe Mazzulla, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 4, 2023
Given his vast experience around the NBA as both a player and an assistant coach, many around the NBA world love the hire by Boston.
The Celtics have added 2008 champion Sam Cassell to Joe Mazzulla's coaching staff
Great hire☘️ pic.twitter.com/otqNW9C3i6
— CelticsNation (62-17) (@CelticsTheis) June 5, 2023
Fans ask for an experienced coach who players will respect who was a former player and knows what it takes to win a title in Boston
Brad said OK. Here's Sam Cassell pic.twitter.com/q8zSZswqjI
— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) June 5, 2023
Sixers assistant coach Sam Cassell is leaving the Sixers for the Celtics 👀 according to Shams Charania. He did a lot of great work with Tyrese Maxey pic.twitter.com/fohvOZcQSg
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) June 5, 2023
This is an awesome addition for the Celtics. Sad to see him leave the Sixers staff
Sam Cassell has been a huge part of the continued development of Tyrese Maxey and its rare for anyone to say a bad word about him. He’s going to make a damn good head coach when he gets the chance https://t.co/KTUVUzgr9K
— Sean Barnard (@Sean_Barnard1) June 5, 2023
Huge for the Celtics! https://t.co/S8m3fVgqrK
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 5, 2023
Cassell likely knows a ton about this current Celtics team, which should play into their favor next season. He has been a top assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers under Doc Rivers for the past three seasons.
The departure of Rivers in Philadelphia opened this move up for Cassell, and Celtics fans are certainly happy about it.
We will see if Cassell’s impact on the coaching staff can play a role in getting this talented team over the hump.
