Games like yesterday's were one of the reasons the Celtics signed Big Shot Sam, but Cassell said Rivers told him ahead of time he was going to go with House. Cassell, who averaged 16 minutes and 5.4 points during the first five games of the series, turned it into a positive, saying he's well-rested for the next round.
"[He] told me I might not play the last two games just to get ready for the Pistons, so that's what I came here for, to play against the Pistons, and hopefully the [NBA] Finals," said Cassell.
Cassell said he appreciated that Rivers explained the situation to him.
"He played for [Gregg ] Popovich. I know that Popovich does the same thing. He gives guys rest," said Cassell. "I got four days of rest. I'm cool. I'm ready to take on whatever role I get. I'll play a little bit more next series. Four days of rest, I'm fresh. I'm cool."
Link: http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball ... ss/?page=2
Prepare yourselves for 20minutes of Sam Cassell per game...

I don`t know. Should I laugh or should I cry?
I mean, I expected Sam would get minutes against DET, we brought him to play against the pistons and Hunter but after the way he played against CLE, I didn`t think he would play a lot.
And my biggest problem with Cassell is that he hasn`t acknowledged how terribly he has played thus far! I expected to hear some harsh criticism about his game but he acts like everything is OK.
Well, one thing that makes me optimistic is that Rivers always says the "right" stuff but never does it. So, if he told Sam all this that doesn`t necessarily mean he will get a lot of playing time...