The term ‘NBA vet’ gets thrown around a lot, but Boston Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell defines it. As a player, the former point guard was a three-time All-Star and a three-time NBA champion, competing in the Association for an impressive 15 seasons.
Cassell saw it all, playing for eight different teams (often in different roles) before shifting to the bench and joining the Washington Wizards as an assistant coach in 2008. Since then, Cassell has continued to assist, working with star guards like John Wall, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Tyrese Maxey, but never elevating to head coach in spite of his experience and a 2024 title he helped capture from the sidelines with the Celtics.
“Hopefully, it happens for me,” Cassell said of becoming a head coach in an interview with Celtics reporter Bobby Krivitsky of Hardwood Houdini. “I would like to have an opportunity to coach one of these teams, but the enjoyment I get from being a coach in basketball is seeing young men, when they are first getting in the league, and their progress in life in becoming good basketball players, becoming family men, and becoming fathers. That’s the part I enjoy.”
Last year, Cassell nearly received the opportunity he’s been working towards. The 56-year-old’s alma mater — Florida State University — came calling after longtime head coach Leonard Hamilton stepped down. Cassell was reportedly considered as a serious candidate, yet 35-year-old Luke Loucks got the job.
But just because Cassell is aiming for the top doesn’t mean he isn’t satisfied with where he’s at. The Celtics assistant has served Boston well and is often praised by Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla. And through it all, the two-time Celtics champion — with one ring from his playing days and another from coaching — still bleeds green.
“The coaching thing, I would love to have an opportunity to do it,” Cassell said. “I’m striving for it because I still love this. I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t love it at all. I love this. I love what I’m doing. I always have a smile on my face. I’m just upbeat. I enjoy being a part of the Association, especially being part of the Boston Celtics.”
Cassell isn’t the only person smiling this year with the Celtics, as Boston has shattered preseason expectations without having star forward Jayson Tatum healthy. The C’s are 35-19 overall and, after a welcomed All-Star break, will resume play on Thursday night against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Sam Cassell is happy with where he’s at, but he’d still love to be a head coach someday
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