The Wizards interviewed Sixers assistant Sam Cassell for their head coaching job on Tuesday, sources tell Fred Katz of The Athletic (Twitter link). The team is seeking a replacement for Scott Brooks after failing to reach an agreement on a new deal with him earlier this month.
Cassell was identified last week as one of the leading candidates to fill Washington’s coaching vacancy, but this is the first we’ve heard of his interview with the club. One report earlier in June suggested Cassell also may be on the Magic’s radar.
If Cassell were to be hired by the Wizards, it would be a reunion for the two sides and a homecoming of sorts for the former NBA point guard. A Baltimore native, Cassell began his coaching career with the Wizards in 2009, spending five years as an assistant with the franchise, first under Flip Saunders, then on Randy Wittman‘s staff.
Cassell subsequently worked as an assistant on Doc Rivers‘ staff with the Clippers from 2014-20, then joined Rivers in Philadelphia for the 2020/21 season. The veteran assistant has been a candidate for a handful of head coaching openings within the last couple years. He was linked to the Rockets and Clippers in 2020, and was said to receive some interest from Boston earlier this month before the team hired Ime Udoka.
While Cassell appears firmly in the mix for the Wizards’ job, the team is considering several other options, including Nuggets associate head coach Wes Unseld Jr., Mavericks assistant Jamahl Mosley, and Celtics assistant Scott Morrison.
This would be absolutely perfect. Sam is gonna be 1 of the best coaches in the league, maybe even from day 1 but definitely once he gets experience. I’d love to see Andre Miller take his place in Philly too
Draft the best available ex-player, k.
Why not? Most good coaches are former players. There are a few that weren’t, but most coaches were. It makes perfect sense, because NBA players are huge walking egos with even bigger bank accounts. They aren’t going to listen to just anyone. The best people to tell them what to do are people that have already done it.
Former players at lower levels or with moderate success at this one. Cripes look at the names, I’m not doing the work for you. I’m a HC candidate if being an ex-player is all there is to it.
“The team is seeking a replacement for Scott Brooks after failing to reach an agreement on a new deal with him earlier this month.”
Translation = we’d have fired you if there were more years on your contract.
I’ve always respected Sam Cassell as a player and for his basketball mind. He was essential to those rockets teams that won 2 rings and became one of the best guards in the league for about 5 years.
Been saying this for 4-5 years. Cassell is a winner in this league as a player. He’s won at the highest level and was an all star in Minnesota. He’s played and coached with some of the greatest players ever. I’m just disappointed that it took him THIS long to get a look. Really wanted him for the Bulls after Hoiberg. Perfect blend of old school mentality and new school game.
A lot of players dont get a shot early because of their personal problems or baggages. Juwan Howard and Patrick Ewing are prime examples. Cassell has paid his dues and earned a shot.
Sam, would be the guy I would interview if I was filling a coach position. For Philly, I hope he slips back to us. It is fun watching him coach and talk for 48 minutes to the guys. He deserves a shot…but I selfishly hope he does not get it this year. + I am not sure any coach will find success in Washington over the next 3 years, so it might be good to get passed over for this job.
I agree need teams to stop picking off our good coaches.
Sam don’t commit! Give it a few more games and you’ll be able to come back to Milwaukee!!
Thoughts and prayers.