Sam Cassell
Posted: Wed Jul 2, 2008 5:37 pm
I've been thinking, and I realized that it makes sense that Sam Cassell could return next year to the Clippers. I know a lot of people might be displeased with Sam for leaving the Clippers, but history shows that collecting twilight players to fill out your bench usually bring good results.
Sam was obviously frustrated at times during the playoffs where Doc Rivers would sit Sam a lot in favor of Eddie House. Doc has said he wants Cassell back, but after Sam did his job of getting a ring, and getting his boy KG a ring, I'm not so sure Sam would want to endure a season in chilly New England and possibly collect a good handfull of DNP CD's instead of setting himself up for a coaching gig after his playing career is over.
Sam has stated he wanted to coach the Clippers since he re-signed with LA two years ago, and previously re-stated his desire to coach this spring after he had left for Boston. If he's really serious about doing so, he can get a head start by being on the floor with newcomers Eric Gordon and Baron Davis. Assuming Brand re-signs, our 5 man core of those three players with Chris Kaman and Al Thornton are all under contract for at least four more seasons. If Cassell takes over the coaching reigns of the Clippers, that's his team right there. Why not give yourself the edge being around the team you will/want to inherit? It's how Avery Johnson got his job.
Sam will also get a kick out of having a second chance to live up to big expectations of the Clippers will face this season. Expectations that the Clippers couldn't meet in 2006-07 coming off their Cinderella playoff run. Sam may still struggle to find minutes in front of Brevin Knight and possibly Shaun Livingston just like he would in Boston with Rondo and House, but Sam has a great opportunity in Los Angeles, whether he recognizes it or not. I just know that when Sam saw the news last night, it without a doubt crossed his mind returning here. It just makes too much sense.
Sam was obviously frustrated at times during the playoffs where Doc Rivers would sit Sam a lot in favor of Eddie House. Doc has said he wants Cassell back, but after Sam did his job of getting a ring, and getting his boy KG a ring, I'm not so sure Sam would want to endure a season in chilly New England and possibly collect a good handfull of DNP CD's instead of setting himself up for a coaching gig after his playing career is over.
Sam has stated he wanted to coach the Clippers since he re-signed with LA two years ago, and previously re-stated his desire to coach this spring after he had left for Boston. If he's really serious about doing so, he can get a head start by being on the floor with newcomers Eric Gordon and Baron Davis. Assuming Brand re-signs, our 5 man core of those three players with Chris Kaman and Al Thornton are all under contract for at least four more seasons. If Cassell takes over the coaching reigns of the Clippers, that's his team right there. Why not give yourself the edge being around the team you will/want to inherit? It's how Avery Johnson got his job.
Sam will also get a kick out of having a second chance to live up to big expectations of the Clippers will face this season. Expectations that the Clippers couldn't meet in 2006-07 coming off their Cinderella playoff run. Sam may still struggle to find minutes in front of Brevin Knight and possibly Shaun Livingston just like he would in Boston with Rondo and House, but Sam has a great opportunity in Los Angeles, whether he recognizes it or not. I just know that when Sam saw the news last night, it without a doubt crossed his mind returning here. It just makes too much sense.