Wiretap: Cassell Wants To Coach Clippers

[loflin3hree5ive]

Sam Cassell hopes to coach the Clippers in the future, according to The Orange County Register.

He played for the Clippers earlier this season, before landing with the Celtics for their playoff run. Los Angeles bought him out in March, allowing him to join Boston.

He understood the situation with the Clippers.

"I knew that the Clippers weren't going to bring me back next year. I knew that I had no future there, and I knew that (Coach) Mike Dunleavy wanted to go in another direction at point guard. And I wasn't mad. I totally understood," he said.

He hopes to return to L.A.'s bench before long.

"I have maintained a great relationship with (VP of basketball operations) Elgin Baylor, and hopefully one day I can return and be the Clippers' head coach," he added.

http://basketball.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/52856/20080605/cassell_wants_to_coach_clippers/

Sam would be a great coach. He knows the X's and O's and I think he can make players comfortable and at the same time be demanding and push players to get the best out of them. I'm glad he's still got love for the Clippers.

[ClipperDomination]

If Sam wants to coach the Clipps, I'm all for it. He knows his basketball better than most (if not all) NBA players playing the game today. His IQ will allow him to become a good coach in the league.

[jockgroove]

One word: YES.

I'm not for kicking Dunleavy out, but Cassell should be at the top of the list when he eventually leaves. He would bring a fire to the bench the Clippers (and many teams) surely need.

[Hype97]

Make Dunleavy GM and get Sammie to coach!

[JJ LoDuca]

I'm 100% behind this one-- I hope Sammy retires after these Finals and finds his way into our coaching staff for next season! That's how into this I am. I'd love to have Sammy back here in a suit.

[mkwest]

Good to hear that Sam still has the Clips on his mind. I'd love to see him on the bench in some capacity after he retires.

[mj_shoefanatic]

Welcome back SAM?

[mkwest]

"Before I made my decision to leave, I checked with my teammates. I asked Elton Brand, Cuttino Mobley and Chris Kaman what they thought. Once I got their blessing, it was all good.''

"Next year will be enough. I'll be 39. I want to be coaching by the age of 40 and a head coach by the time I'm 42.''

Full interview from the OC Register

[thanumba2clippersfan]

I would love for Sam to come back and be our coach, or at least be on our coaching staff. I think that we've gone as far as we can with Dunleavy and it might be time for a new guy.

I hope that Sam can be our guy and it's great to hear that he wants to come back and coach our team.

[PlinkingPanda]

It would be great to see him back.

[scoobs07]

Thats pretty classless and unprofessional that Cassell is talking about being head coach, considering the job is already being held by Mike Dunleavy, who treated Sam great in his time in L.A. WTF??????

[thanumba2clippersfan]

^ I would say it's more that he wants to become the head coach in the future. No team is going to let Cassell become a head coach with out any experience. I would think that he would have to join our coaching staff. Personally I'd like to see Dunleavy go.

[mkwest]

Thats pretty classless and unprofessional that Cassell is talking about being head coach, considering the job is already being held by Mike Dunleavy, who treated Sam great in his time in L.A. WTF??????

He said he plans to play one more year, then be an assistant coach for 2 years before pursuing a head coaching position. Technically by that time Dunleavy's contract will be completed. The wiretap left that part out though.

[JJ LoDuca]

You're exactly right #2. I see what scoobs is saying about it being disrespect by Sam talking about taking a position that is already filled, but like you and MK both said, Sam is talking more specifically about a future venture with the Clippers. Personally, I like Dunleavy and wanna see Sam join his staff before becoming his successor.