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{{short description|American basketball player and coach (born 1969)}}{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2020}}

factoids

| birth_place = Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.| height_ft = 6| height_in = 3| weight_lbs = 185| high_school =

• Paul Laurence Dunbar(Baltimore, Maryland)
• Maine Central Institute(Pittsfield, Maine)| college =
• San Jacinto (1989–1991)
• Florida State (1991–1993)| draft_year = 1993| draft_round = 1| draft_pick = 24| draft_team = Houston Rockets| career_start = 1993| career_end = 2009| career_position = Point guard| career_number = 10, 20, 19, 28| coach_start = 2009| coach_end =

19931995|end}}| team1 = Houston Rockets1996|start}}| team2 = Phoenix Suns1996|full=y}}| team3 = Dallas Mavericks19961998|end}}| team4 = New Jersey Nets19982002|end}}| team5 = Milwaukee Bucks20032004|end}}| team6 = Minnesota Timberwolves20052007|end}}| team7 = Los Angeles Clippers20072008|end}}| team8 = Boston Celtics20092013|end}}| cteam1 = Washington Wizards (assistant)20142019|end}}| cteam2 = Los Angeles Clippers (assistant)20202022|end}}| cteam3 = Philadelphia 76ers (assistant)2023|start}}–present| cteam4 = Boston Celtics(assistant)| highlights =

• 3× NBA champion ({{nbafy|1994}}, {{nbafy|1995}}, {{nbafy|2008}})
• NBA All-Star ({{nasg|2004}})
• All-NBA Second Team ({{nbay|2003|end}})
• 2× Second-team All-ACC (1992, 1993)
• No. 10 jersey honored by Florida State Seminoles

Point (basketball)>Points| stat1value = 15,635 (15.7 ppg)Rebound (basketball)>Rebounds| stat2value = 3,221 (3.2 rpg)Assist (basketball)>Assists| stat3value = 5,939 (6.0 apg)}}Samuel James Cassell Sr. (born November 18, 1969) is an American professional basketball coach and former point guard who serves as an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Drafted 24th overall in the 1993 NBA draft out of Florida State, Cassell played for eight different teams during his 15-year career. He was selected to the NBA All-Star Game and All-NBA Team once, both in the 2003–04 season.In his first two seasons, he helped the Houston Rockets win back to back championships, in 1994 and 1995, and won a third with the Boston Celtics in 2008, his last season. He also helped the Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves reach the Conference Finals of the playoffs in 2001 and 2004 respectively, the latter's first-ever in franchise history, and helped the Los Angeles Clippers to their first-ever playoff series victory in 2006. Known for his mid-range jumpshot,WEB, Femrite, Matt,weblink Profile of a Shooter: Sam Cassell, Nylon Calculus, July 30, 2014, December 17, 2015, December 22, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151222141823weblink">weblink live, WEB, Dr. Jrs,weblink True Hoops: Point Guard Project – Sam Cassell, Truehoopsny.blogspot.com, April 10, 2013, December 17, 2015, December 22, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151222122650weblink">weblink live, WEB, Kevin,weblink Who Had the Better Mid-Range Jumpshot: Sam Cassell or Mike Bibby?, Thehoopdoctors.com, July 22, 2011, December 17, 2015, December 22, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151222100436weblink">weblink live, Cassell often made clutch baskets late in the fourth quarter to help his team win games.WEB,weblink Sam's Club, Jason, Reid, February 14, 2006, January 25, 2019, LA Times, March 7, 2016,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160307161456weblink">weblink live,

College career

After graduating from Paul Lawrence Dunbar Community High School in East Baltimore, Maryland, Cassell spent a year at Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield, Maine, under coach Max Good. From MCI, Cassell was successfully recruited to attend DePaul University.weblink" title="archive.today/20120729013311weblink">Mullin, Jeff. "Sutton victim of Joey Meyer syndrome," Enid (OK) News & Eagle, Wednesday, April 2, 2008. He was declared academically ineligible based on National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)'s Proposition 48 standards, and ended up starting his college career at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, Texas, where he was known as a big scorer. He moved on to Florida State University in Tallahassee for his junior and senior years. In his senior year in 1992–93, he averaged 18.3 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game and led the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in steals. Cassell and teammate Bob Sura formed the highest scoring and rebounding backcourt in the nation with 38.2 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. Cassell's 1992–93 Seminoles team finished with a 25–10 record and advanced to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament, where they lost to the University of Kentucky's Wildcats.WEB,weblink Rivals, n.rivals.com, January 25, 2019, May 30, 2019,weblink live, On February 14, 2008, in a game against Wake Forest, Cassell's jersey was retired by Florida State.WEB, Safid Deen,weblink Seminole sports including FSU football, basketball, baseball and more sports | Tallahassee Democrat, Nolesports.com, December 17, 2015, December 31, 2021,weblink live,

Playing career

Houston Rockets (1993–1996)

Cassell was selected out of Florida State University with the 24th overall pick of the 1993 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets. Playing mostly as a backup to Kenny Smith, Cassell developed a reputation as "clutch" and was usually on the court for the fourth quarter of close games.WEB,weblink Clutch City: Sam Cassell, NBA.com, December 17, 2015, October 1, 2016,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20161001184651weblink">weblink live, He was a key contributor during the Rockets playoff run his rookie year, notably dropping 22 points and seven assists in a Game 7 win against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Semifinals,WEB,weblink Phoenix Suns vs. Houston Rockets – Box Score – May 21, 1994 – ESPN, Espn.go.com, May 21, 1994, December 17, 2015, December 22, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151222153640weblink">weblink live, and scoring 7 points in the final 32 seconds of a 93–89 win in game 3 of the 1994 NBA Finals against the New York Knicks.NEWS,weblink N.B.A. FINALS: ON PRO BASKETBALL; An Unlikely Rocket Does In the Knicks, Harvey, Araton, The New York Times, June 13, 1994, January 25, 2019, NYTimes.com, June 30, 2020,weblink live, The Rockets would win the championship in seven games.Cassell saw an increase in his role during his second year, appearing in all 82 games that season. He again helped the Rockets reach the NBA Finals for the second consecutive year. In game 2 of the Finals against the Orlando Magic, Cassell scored 31 points.WEB, Amway Arena, Orlando, Florida,weblink Houston Rockets vs. Orlando Magic – Box Score – June 09, 1995 – ESPN, Espn.go.com, June 9, 1995, December 17, 2015, December 22, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151222131848weblink">weblink live, The Rockets swept the Magic, giving Cassell his second championship in just two years in the league.In his third season, the two-time defending champion Rockets were swept out of the second round of the playoffs by the Seattle SuperSonics. Cassell's minutes, scoring and usage rates all increased in his third season, but he missed 21 games with injuries. Rockets management feared their window of winning another championship with Olajuwon, Drexler and Smith was closing, and looked to trade for another star-caliber player.

Phoenix Suns (1996)

After the 1995–96 season, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns, along with Robert Horry, Chucky Brown, and Mark Bryant, in exchange for former league MVP Charles Barkley. Cassell, who was in the final year of his rookie contract, frequently clashed with head coach Cotton Fitzsimmons; Fitzsimmons subsequently resigned following an 0–8 start.NEWS,weblink No More Knocking the Suns, Tom, Friend, The New York Times, December 20, 1996, January 25, 2019, NYTimes.com, July 28, 2017,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20170728173024weblink">weblink live, On December 12, 1996, Cassell led the 5–14 Suns into Utah and defeated the Jazz who at the time were on a 15-game winning streak. Cassell scored 21 points in the 95–87 road win.WEB,weblink Phoenix Suns at Utah Jazz Box Score, December 12, 1996, Basketball-Reference.com, December 12, 1996, December 17, 2015, December 22, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151222151418weblink">weblink live, Under new head coach Danny Ainge, the Suns saw marked improvement with Cassell leading the team with 14.8 points per game.NEWS, Associated Press,weblink Kidd Is Traded to Suns for Cassell, Finley, Green – latimes, Articles.latimes.com, December 27, 1996, December 17, 2015, December 22, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151222075223weblink">weblink live,

Dallas Mavericks (1996–97)

On December 27, 1996, just 22 games into the season, he was traded along with Michael Finley, A.C. Green, and a second-round draft pick to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Jason Kidd, Tony Dumas, and Loren Meyer. Though Cassell had begun to develop chemistry with the Suns and Coach Ainge, team management felt they could not pass up the opportunity to trade for Kidd.

New Jersey Nets (1997–1999)

Midway through the 1996–97 season, after appearing in 16 games for the Mavericks, he was traded with Chris Gatling, Jim Jackson, George McCloud, and Eric Montross to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for Shawn Bradley, Ed O'Bannon, Robert Pack, and Khalid Reeves on February 17, 1997. The Nets would be the third team that Cassell played for just that season. During his time with the Nets, Cassell lived in Teaneck, New Jersey.NEWS, Vaccaro, Mike,weblink Cassell: I Love NY, New York Post, April 24, 2003, October 23, 2011, 'When I played in New Jersey, it wasn't so much that I was thrilled with being in New Jersey as that I was 10 minutes from New York,' said [Sam Cassell], who lived in Teaneck when he played for the Nets. 'I spent a lot of days and a lot of nights in the city. A lot of fun days. And a few long nights.', Following the season, though he considered an offer to return to Houston, Cassell elected to re-sign with the Nets on a six-year contract.NEWS,weblink PRO BASKETBALL; Cassell Is Aiming for Victories and Respect, Jason, Diamos, The New York Times, October 11, 1997, January 25, 2019, NYTimes.com, January 3, 2019,weblink live, Forming one of the league's most potent backcourts with Kerry Kittles, Cassell averaged 19.6 points, 8 assists and 1.6 steals in 34 minutes per game for the Nets that year, and helped lead them to the playoffs for their first time in four years. However, they were swept by Michael Jordan and the Bulls in the first round.Led by coach John Calipari, who pushed the team to trade for then re-sign Cassell,WEB,weblink Broussard: Calipari's would-be savior days in the NBA, April 2, 2009, ESPN.com, January 25, 2019, January 26, 2019,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20190126061008weblink">weblink live, the Nets were favorites in the Eastern conference entering the lockout-shortened 1998–99 season. However, Cassell sustained an injury in the first game of the season and the Nets started 3–15.

Milwaukee Bucks (1999–2003)

On March 11, 1999, Cassell was again traded in a three team, eight player trade that sent Stephon Marbury to the Nets, Terrell Brandon to Minnesota Timberwolves, and Cassell to the Milwaukee Bucks.WEB,weblink Marbury Nets Deal With Nj Eight-player Trade Involves Timberwolves And Bucks – philly-archives, Articles.philly.com, June 3, 2014, December 17, 2015, March 4, 2016,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160304091301weblink">weblink live, Under their new coach George Karl, Cassell formed a "Big 3" with Ray Allen and Glenn Robinson.NEWS,weblink PRO BASKETBALL; Bucks' Big Three Accept Team Approach, Ira, Berkow, The New York Times, May 22, 2001, January 25, 2019, NYTimes.com, January 26, 2019,weblink live, WEB,weblink Best NBA Trios of All-Time | News, BET, December 17, 2015, December 22, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151222141637weblink">weblink live, In the first game of the following season, on November 2, 1999, Cassell led all scorers with 35 points alongside 11 assists in a 98–93 victory against the Houston Rockets.WEB,weblink Milwaukee Bucks at Houston Rockets Box Score, November 2, 1999 {{!, Basketball-Reference.com}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230185921weblink |date=December 30, 2021 }} On November 26, Cassell again led all scorers with 28 points, with 14 assists, this time in a 114–112 win over the Boston Celtics.WEB,weblink Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics Box Score, November 26, 1999 {{!, Basketball-Reference.com}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629234418weblink |date=June 29, 2021 }}On March 3, 2001, he scored his career-high of 40 points against the Chicago Bulls. During All-Star Weekend in 2001, he won the Fleer Shootout at Jam Session on All-Star Saturday. That season, after defeating the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets in the first two rounds of the playoffs, he almost reached the Finals with the Bucks, falling just short when they lost in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers.During the 2002–03 season, he passed 10,000 points for his career. On December 9, 2002, in one of the best games of his career, Cassell recorded a triple double with 39 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a double overtime 140–133 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers.WEB,weblink Milwaukee Bucks at Cleveland Cavaliers Box Score, December 9, 2002 {{!, Basketball-Reference.com}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229030055weblink |date=December 29, 2021 }}On March 28, 2008, Cassell was honored as one of the 20 greatest players in Milwaukee Bucks history during the team's 40th Anniversary Celebration.40th Anniversary Main Page {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090818152941weblink |date=August 18, 2009 }}, Bucks.com, March 26, 2008.Charles F. Gardner, Forward march: Dandridge proud of legacy he left with team {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080330180024weblink |date=March 30, 2008 }}, JS Online, March 28, 2008.

Minnesota Timberwolves (2003–2005)

After spending four seasons with the Bucks, he was traded along with Ervin Johnson to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Joe Smith and Anthony Peeler following the 2003 NBA draft.NEWS,weblink In Fallout From Draft, Bucks Trade Cassell, New York Times, June 28, 2003, February 18, 2017, August 18, 2017,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20170818044938weblink">weblink live, Cassell enjoyed his most successful season as an individual that year. He posted 19.8 points on 49% shooting, 7.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 35 minutes per game on the year. He was named to the All-NBA Second Team and voted into the 2004 NBA All-Star Game. Cassell, Latrell Sprewell and Kevin Garnett formed what was widely considered the best trio in the NBA that season,WEB,weblink USATODAY.com – Are these Wolves made of tougher Timber?, usatoday30.usatoday.com, January 25, 2019, March 16, 2016,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160316230528weblink">weblink live, vaulting past Western Conference powerhouses the Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers for the number one seed in the Western Conference, with a franchise-best 58–24 record.Cassell made his playoff debut with the Timberwolves scoring a franchise playoff record 40 points, in a first-round game 1 win against the Denver Nuggets.WEB,weblink USATODAY.com – Minnesota not likely to cry wolf in playoffs with Cassell, usatoday30.usatoday.com, January 25, 2019, March 16, 2016,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160316230001weblink">weblink live, Minnesota would win the series in five games.WEB,weblink Wolves End Playoff Drought, NBA.com, December 17, 2015, October 16, 2012,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121016145212weblink">weblink live, They faced the Sacramento Kings in the next round, with Cassell again dropping 40 points in the series opener.WEB,weblink Bibby, Kings Topple Wolves, NBA.com, December 17, 2015, December 3, 2017,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20171203090155weblink">weblink live, A series of late-game heroics from Cassell helped the Timberwolves defeat the Kings in seven games.WEB,weblink Wolves' Rally Stuns Kings, NBA.com, December 17, 2015, May 29, 2010,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20100529065552weblink">weblink live, WEB,weblink Garnett Leads Timberwolves To Western Conference Finals, NBA.com, December 17, 2015, November 3, 2012,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121103181518weblink">weblink live, Cassell however sustained a back injury that limited him in the Western Conference Finals against the Lakers,WEB,weblink Kings Push Series to Limit, NBA.com, December 17, 2015, August 19, 2010,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20100819235206weblink">weblink live, which the Lakers would win in six games.The following year, the Timberwolves finished 44–38, missing the playoffs by one game in the competitive Western Conference. Cassell, who appeared in only 59 games that season due to injuries, voiced his frustration over the midseason firing of Flip Saunders and not being offered a contract extension.

Los Angeles Clippers (2005–2008)

(File:CassellShootaroundBig.jpg|right|thumb|Cassell signing basketballs with the Clippers)After the 2004–05 season, the Timberwolves traded Cassell and a conditional first-round pick to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Marko Jarić and Lionel Chalmers. The trade is widely considered among the NBA's most lopsided ever;WEB,weblink Marko Jaric for Sam Cassell – Clippers Best. Trade. Ever., August 22, 2012, Clips Nation, December 17, 2015, December 22, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151222112226weblink">weblink live, WEB, 8/15/12 Eric Patten Follow @ericpatten,weblink Looking Back: The Sam Cassell Trade | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS, Nba.com, December 17, 2015, September 1, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150901202908weblink">weblink live, WEB, Richardsonrrichardson, Ray,weblink Six years later, Sam Cassell-Marko Jaric trade still haunts Timberwolves, June 18, 2011, TwinCities.com, December 17, 2015, December 22, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151222123934weblink">weblink live, WEB,weblink Best. Trade.(s) Ever. – The Summer of Sam and Spree, August 22, 2012, Canis Hoopus, December 17, 2015, December 22, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151222151648weblink">weblink live, WEB,weblink Six years later, Sam Cassell-Marko Jaric trade still haunts Timberwolves – Sportsnet.ca, www.sportsnet.ca, January 25, 2019, August 15, 2018,weblink live, WEB,weblink Clippers Get Cassell for Jaric, Jerry, Crowe, August 13, 2005, January 25, 2019, LA Times, March 7, 2016,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160307095327weblink">weblink live, Chalmers never played another game in the NBA, and Jaric was traded after three unproductive yet overpaid seasons. Cassell meanwhile led the Clippers to their then-most successful season, and the draft pick from Minnesota was used by the Clippers as part of the Chris Paul trade. The Timberwolves would not qualify for the postseason again until 2018.Cassell appeared to have found a home with the Clippers, as he helped lead them back to the playoffs for the first time since 1997, with their best record in team history at 47–35. Since the team moved to California in 1978, they had compiled just three winning seasons. In the first round, they beat the Denver Nuggets in five games, but would fall to the Phoenix Suns in seven games in the Conference Semifinals. Between their move to California in 1978 and Chris Paul's arrival in 2011, this would be the only year that the Clippers won a playoff series.Before the 2006–07 season, Cassell was reportedly offered a two-year, $15 million offer from the Atlanta Hawks, but eventually re-signed with the Clippers on a two-year, $13 million deal.WEB,weblink Pistons agree with Gordon, Villanueva – Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, July 2, 2009, {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231003410weblink |date=December 31, 2021 }} Cassell struggled with injuries that season, and the Clippers missed the playoffs by two games.With Elton Brand, Shaun Livingston, Chris Kaman and others suffering major injuries, the Clippers started rebuilding throughout the 2007–08 season. Although Cassell was initially reluctant to discuss leaving the Clippers,Jonathan Abrams, Cassell denies aggressive bid for a buyout {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216150221weblink |date=February 16, 2008 }}, Los Angeles Times, February 8, 2008. he eventually decided to listen to their buyout offers.Jonathan Abrams, Cassell confirms buyout talks with Clippers {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231003412weblink |date=December 31, 2021 }}, Los Angeles Times, February 26, 2008. On February 28, 2008, the Clippers reached a contractual buyout agreement with Cassell and placed him on waivers.Clippers Waive Guard Sam Cassell {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302121035weblink |date=March 2, 2008 }}, Clippers.com, February 28, 2008.Injury-prone Cassell released by the Clippers {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080229141634weblink |date=February 29, 2008 }}, Associated Press, February 28, 2008. According to the agreement, Cassell received half of his remaining salary, roughly $850,000.Jonathan Abrams, Cassell finally gets his contract buyout {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231003429weblink |date=December 31, 2021 }}, February 29, 2008.

Boston Celtics (2008–2009)

File:Sam Cassell Pass (1).jpg|thumb|left|Cassell passes the ball in Game 4 of the 2008 NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta HawksAtlanta HawksCassell became an unrestricted free agent on March 3, 2008, when he cleared waivers, and was eligible to sign with a team of his choice.Marc J. Spears, Cassell gets buyout; next stop Boston? {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305013938weblink |date=March 5, 2016 }}, The Boston Globe, February 28, 2008. Although the Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns were interested in his services,Mark Murphy, Waiting for right time on Cassell {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004091608weblink |date=October 4, 2012 }}, Boston Herald, February 29, 2008. he was strongly linked with a poised move to the Boston Celtics and was expected to be in Boston once he cleared waivers. On March 1, 2008, Cassell's agent, David Falk, confirmed that Cassell would sign a contract with the Celtics for the remainder of the season if he cleared waivers, receiving a prorated amount of the veteran minimum of $1.2M.Marc J. Spears, Cassell: Clear to here? {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305000612weblink |date=March 5, 2016 }}, The Boston Globe, March 1, 2008. Cassell said that he would wear either No. 28 or No. 91 on his jersey, and eventually chose No. 28.Steve Bulpett, Cassell is on hold {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004091636weblink |date=October 4, 2012 }}, Boston Herald, March 9, 2008.According to his agent, Cassell had signed a contract with the Celtics on March 3, 2008, but the signing was pending an official league announcement.Peter May, Cassell clears waivers, signs with Celtics {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070910weblink |date=March 4, 2016 }}, The Boston Globe, March 3, 2008.Former Clipper Cassell expected to officially join Celtics Tuesday {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080309045454weblink |date=March 9, 2008 }}, ESPN.com, March 3, 2008.Steve Bulpett, Cassell clears waivers, heading to Hub {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004091651weblink |date=October 4, 2012 }}, Boston Herald, March 3, 2008. His arrival was delayed because of a death in his family. On March 4, 2008, Cassell officially signed with the Celtics,Celtics Sign Guard Sam Cassell {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308125915weblink |date=March 8, 2008 }}, Celtics.com, March 4, 2008. but immediately flew back to his hometown of Baltimore to attend funeral services for his deceased family member.Celtics Insider, Cassell here and gone {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522014446weblink |date=May 22, 2011 }}, Boston Herald, March 4, 2008.Marc J. Spears, Cassell update {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303170243weblink |date=March 3, 2016 }}, The Boston Globe, March 4, 2008. He made his debut against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 10, 2008.WEB,weblink NBA.com Celtics Roll Past Sixers for 50th Victory, www.nba.com, January 25, 2019, January 26, 2019,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20190126001454weblink">weblink live, In Boston, Cassell was reunited with former teammates Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen.On March 17, 2008, Cassell had a standout performance in a Saint Patrick's Day matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, when he led the team from a 22-point deficit to a 2-point victory, scoring 17 points and hitting a clutch shot late in the game.Marc J. Spears, Sam Dunk â€“ Cassell's clutch shot helps Celtics top Spurs {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304125710weblink |date=March 4, 2016 }}, The Boston Globe, March 18, 2008.John Schuhmann, Sam Cassell Makes Shots {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080321174303weblink |date=March 21, 2008 }}, NBA.com, March 17, 2008.Cassell, along with Eddie House, James Posey, P.J. Brown, and Leon Powe, gave the Celtics arguably the best bench in the NBA that season.WEB,weblink Seven years ago, former Celtic Leon Powe took over the NBA Finals, June 8, 2015, January 25, 2019, December 22, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151222113225weblink">weblink live, WEB,weblink Most Hyped-The '08 Bench-Eddie House & James Posey, KevinOConnorNBA, September 5, 2013, CelticsBlog, January 25, 2019, January 26, 2019,weblink live, They helped the Celtics finish with an NBA-best 66–16 record en route to the NBA Finals. The Celtics defeated the Lakers 4–2, with the Celtics bench out-scoring the Lakers' in five of the six games.NEWS,weblink Celtics' bench may be deciding factor against Lakers, May 31, 2010, Athens Banner-Herald, December 10, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151205153306weblink">weblink December 5, 2015, dead, mdy-all, The win gave Cassell his third championship, which would also be the last game he played.During the 2008–09 season, Cassell served as an unofficial assistant to head coach Doc Rivers; though he did not play in any games, he was still officially listed as an active player.NEWS,weblink Passion to teach drives Cassell, Frank, Dell'Apa, Boston.com, November 18, 2008, January 25, 2019, The Boston Globe, January 8, 2019,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20190108201740weblink">weblink live, On February 17, 2009, Cassell was traded to the Sacramento Kings for a conditional second-round draft pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.WEB, Kings acquire sam cassell,weblink NBA.com, February 17, 2009, February 17, 2009, February 21, 2009,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20090221135703weblink">weblink live, The move was done strictly for salary cap purposes and Cassell was not expected to play for the Kings. One day later, Sacramento waived him.WEB,weblink Kings acquire four players in three-team trade, NBA.com, February 18, 2009, February 19, 2009, February 22, 2009,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20090222171005weblink">weblink live, Cassell cleared waivers and was eligible to re-sign with Boston or another contender, but opted to sit out the remainder of the season, and he announced his retirement in May 2009.WEB,weblink Wizards Name Wittman and Cassell As Assistant Coaches, NBA.com, May 21, 2009, May 22, 2009, November 10, 2012,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121110003123weblink">weblink live, In 2015, Paul Pierce stated that he felt he, Garnett and Cassell were the real "Big 3" of the Celtics 2008 championship team.NEWS,weblink Paul Pierce: Ray Allen Never Truly a Part of the Big Three, Boston.com, January 25, 2019, March 5, 2016,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160305021822weblink">weblink live,

Coaching career

Washington Wizards (2009–2014)

File:John Wall, Sam Cassell, Don Newman, Washington at Orlando 066.jpg|right|thumb|Cassell speaking with John WallJohn WallOn May 21, 2009, Cassell was named assistant coach of the Washington Wizards, joining Flip Saunders who was his coach in Minnesota.WEB,weblink Cassell retires, joins Wizards coaching staff, May 21, 2009, National Basketball Association, March 31, 2011, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121106024140weblink">weblink November 6, 2012, John Wall, who was drafted first overall by the Wizards in 2010, credits Cassell for his development into one of the NBA's premier point guards and leadership during the team's Eastern Conference semi-finals appearance in 2014 – their first playoff series win since 2005.Wall credits 'big part' of his NBA growth to Sam Cassell {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223083238weblink |date=December 23, 2015 }} During the 2014 offseason, Cassell's former teammate Paul Pierce signed with the Wizards, and admitted he made the decision to sign with Washington after speaking with Cassell.NEWS,weblink Sam Cassell, after helping lure Paul Pierce to Wizards, returns to D.C. as Clippers assistant, The Washington Post, December 22, 2015, December 25, 2015,weblink live,

Los Angeles Clippers (2014–2020)

After five seasons with the Wizards, Cassell was hired by the Los Angeles Clippers on September 29, 2014, to join Doc Rivers' staff as assistant coach.WEB,weblink Clippers Announce Additions to Coaching Staff, September 29, 2014, February 26, 2015, NBA.com, March 1, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150301164736weblink">weblink live,

Philadelphia 76ers (2020–2023)

On November 9, 2020, the Philadelphia 76ers hired Cassell as an assistant coach under Doc Rivers.WEB, Team Announces 2020–21 Coaching Staff,weblink NBA.com, November 9, 2020, November 9, 2020, November 9, 2020,weblink live,

Boston Celtics (2023–present)

On June 4, 2023, the Boston Celtics hired Cassell as an assistant coach under Joe Mazzulla.WEB, Hartwell, Darren, Report: 2008 champ Sam Cassell joining Celtics as assistant coach,weblink NBC Sports, 5 June 2023,

Media

Cassell appeared on TNT's NBA Fundamentals series, in which basketball players describe certain aspects of the game. He was chosen to illustrate the "mid-range game", i.e. shooting from the area around the free throw line, the paint, the wings and the baseline. In this clip,NBA Fundamentals: Sam Cassell â€“ Mid-Range {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202155557weblink |date=February 2, 2017 }} on YouTube.com Cassell explains how to post up against opposing guards, shoot pull-up jump shots and hit buzzer beaters. He admires retired NBA players Terrell Brandon and Jeff Hornacek, two prolific mid-range shooters after whom he modeled his game.

Personal life

His son, Sam Cassell Jr.,WEB,weblink Sam Cassell Jr., Iona Gaels, Point Guard, 247Sports, January 25, 2019, September 13, 2017,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20170913205403weblink">weblink live, WEB,weblink Handsome Cassell Jr (@sam2ss2ll) – Twitter, twitter.com, January 25, 2019, August 18, 2017,weblink live, played for Iona College. Cassell Jr. also played for and earned his associate's and bachelor's degrees from Chipola College and the University of Connecticut respectively.WEB,weblink Sam Cassell Jr. doing well in junior college, still keeping track of the Terps, Matt, Bracken, baltimoresun.com, January 25, 2019, January 26, 2019,weblink live, WEB,weblink Sam Cassell Jr. transfers to Iona, Alex, Kolodziej, April 10, 2016, April 21, 2016, April 19, 2016,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160419122730weblink">weblink live, In 2017, Cassell Jr. was signed on the Summer League squad for Cleveland Cavaliers.WEB, Cavaliers 2017 Summer League Primer,weblink National Basketball Association, August 10, 2017, July 6, 2017, August 10, 2017,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20170810174312weblink">weblink live,

NBA career statistics

{{NBA player statistics legend|champion=y|leader=y}}

Regular season

{{NBA player statistics start}}{{nbay|1993}}†Houston| 6.7{{nbay|1994}}†Houston 82* 1 23.0 .427 .330 .843 2.6 4.9 1.1 .2 9.5{{nbay|1995}}Houston| 14.5{{nbay|1996}} Phoenix| 14.8{{nbay|1996}}Dallas.4 >| 12.3{{nbay|1996}}New Jersey1.6 >| 19.3{{nbay|1997}}New Jersey1.6 >| 19.6{{nbay|1998}}New Jersey| 18.0{{nbay|1998}}Milwaukee.947 >| 13.8{{nbaytrunc=y}}Milwaukee81 >35.8 >9.0 >| 18.6{{nbay|2000}}Milwaukee| 18.2{{nbay|2001}}Milwaukee| 19.7{{nbay|2002}}Milwaukee4.4 >| 19.7{{nbay|2003}}Minnesota81 >.488 >| 19.8{{nbay|2004}}Minnesota| 13.5{{nbay|2005}}L.A. Clippers| 17.2{{nbay|2006}}L.A. Clippers| 12.3{{nbay|2007}}L.A. Clippers| 12.8{{nbay|2007}}†Boston.409 >| 7.6 class="sortbottom"Career| 15.7 class="sortbottom"All-Star| 4.0

Playoffs

{{NBA player statistics start}}1994†Houston22 >| 9.41995†Houston22 >| 11.01996Houston| 10.41998New Jersey.3 >| 2.01999Milwaukee.500 >| 15.32000Milwaukee9.0 >| 15.82001Milwaukee18 >37.9 >4.6 >1.1 >| 17.42003Milwaukee.524 >.933 >| 17.22004Minnesota| 16.62006L.A. Clippers| 18.02008†Boston| 4.5 class="sortbottom"Career| 12.2

See also

• List of National Basketball Association career assists leaders
• List of National Basketball Association career free throw percentage leaders

References

{{reflist}}

External links

{{basketballstats |nba=208 |bbr=c/cassesa01}}{{Boston Celtics current roster}}{{Navboxes|list1={{1993 NBA draft}}{{Houston Rockets 1993–94 NBA champions}}{{Houston Rockets 1994–95 NBA champions}}{{Boston Celtics 2007–08 NBA champions}}}}