In Joe Mazzulla’s first opportunity to construct an NBA coaching staff, he put together one of the league’s best, notably bringing in Charles Lee and Sam Cassell.
However, after one year in Boston, Lee will get his long-awaited chance to become a head coach, moving from the Celtics’ lead assistant to the Hornets’ head coach once the NBA Finals conclude.
Cassell might also leave soon.
The three-time NBA champion is a finalist for the Lakers’ head coaching position. However, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Tuesday that Los Angeles is “zeroing in” on hiring JJ Redick.
Given Redick’s relationship with his podcast co-host LeBron James, the 15-year sharpshooter has seemed like the favorite for this role from the start.
Nonetheless, the Celtics might face competition for Cassell’s services.
According to Pro Basketball Writers Association award winner Gery Woelfel of woelfelspressbox.com, the Bucks are prepared to make Cassell the highest-paid assistant coach in the NBA to bring him back to Milwaukee.
Before helping Boston win the Larry O’Brien Trophy in 2008, Cassell was a standout on the Bucks from 1999-2003, where he teamed with Ray Allen, much like he did with the Celtics. They led Milwaukee to the 2001 Eastern Conference Finals.
If Cassell returns to the Bucks, he would reunite with Doc Rivers, the head coach of the Celtics’ 2008 championship team.
This season, Cassell has worked closely with Jayson Tatum, playing a key role in elevating the five-time All-Star’s post-up game.
Before coming back to Boston, he contributed to the development of players like John Wall, Bradley Beal, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Tyrese Maxey, among others.
The Celtics’ ownership has shown a willingness to spare no expense in building a sustainable contender. They’ve gone over the second apron, signed Jaylen Brown to the most lucrative contract in NBA history, extended Jrue Holiday, and hinted at extending Derrick White this summer. They also won’t hesitate to sign Jayson Tatum to a supermax extension this offseason.
It would be wise to apply this same approach to retaining Cassell, maintaining as much continuity and stability as possible on one of the NBA’s top coaching staffs.
