Inside The Celtics

The Latest on Sam Cassell's Future with the Celtics

Bobby Krivitsky

May 1, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Sam Cassell reacts to a play in the second half during game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Sam Cassell reacts to a play in the second half during game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports / Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
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In Sam Cassell's two seasons in Boston, the Celtics have lifted the Larry O'Brien Trophy. He was on the roster that raised Banner 17 to the TD Garden rafters and a member of the coaching staff that helped this year's team reach the NBA summit.

In his first season flanking Joe Mazzulla, Cassell worked closely with Jayson Tatum. He was instrumental in helping the five-time All-Star elevate his post-up game.

Before that, he played a role in the development of John Wall, Bradley Beal, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Tyrese Maxey, among others. 

The now four-time NBA champion emerged as an initial finalist for the Lakers' head coaching vacancy. But while that job went to JJ Redick, there was still the threat of him leaving to become a lead assistant elsewhere.

However, Marc Stein reported on his Substack, The Stein Line, that the Celtics plan to elevate Cassell.

In Mazzulla's first chance to fill out his coaching staff in Boston, he built one of the NBA's best, most notably adding Cassell and Charles Lee. With the latter leaving for a long-deserved opportunity to move to the one chair, departing to become head coach of the Hornets, retaining Cassell in the name of stability is a move that becomes that much more valuable.

Further Reading

On Derrick White and the Fuel for Unprecedented Journey to NBA's Best Role Player

Jayson Tatum, an NBA Champion Entering Peak of His Powers

Jaylen Brown Caps Career Year with NBA Finals MVP: 'Can't Even Put it into Words'

Tatum and Brown Reach NBA Summit, Lead Celtics to Banner 18

Dependable Xavier Tillman Discusses Learning to 'Be a Star in Your Own Role'

Celtics Detail Keys to Perhaps Their Best Quarter This Postseason

Sports Doctor Details Challenges, Risks of Kristaps Porzingis Playing in NBA Finals

Jrue Holiday's 'Championship DNA' Rubbing Off on Celtics

Inside the Moment that Propelled Celtics to NBA Finals Game 1 Win

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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