Wizards' John Wall says Sam Cassell was a 'big part' of his growth
Sam Cassell recently left his assistant coaching job with the Washington Wizards for one with the Los Angeles Clippers, and Wizards point guard John Wall took the time to credit Cassell for the role he played in the former No. 1 pick's development.
Wall saw his three-point shooting percentage increase from 26.7 percent in 2012-13 to 35.1 percent last season while attempting more than six times as many shots from the perimeter. His assists average also jumped from 7.6 to 8.8 in the same span.
The 23-year-old was named an All-Star for the first time in 2014. He praised Cassell's role in his growth:
"He was a big part of it," Wall told CSN Washington. "Definitely helped me with my jump shot. Just being a mentor, somebody who was a point guard who knew the game very well. It was big."
Cassell won three NBA championships as a player and averaged 15.7 points and 6.0 assists for his career.
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- Molly Geary