Celtics’ Rival Interviews Sam Cassell for Head Coaching Job

Jesse Cinquini | May 21, 2024

Oct 26, 2019; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Sam Cassell against the Phoenix Suns. / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

As reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Boston Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell is one of three people who the Los Angeles Lakers have already interviewed for their open head coaching position.

Earlier in the month, the longtime assistant coach emerged as a leading candidate along with JJ Redick and James Borrego to replace Darvin Ham.

Cassell appeared on a recent episode of the Point Game podcast, hosted by John Wall, and expressed his desire to eventually serve as a head coach at the NBA level.

Sam Cassell - who is a candidate for the Lakers job - says the last thing he wants to accomplish is becoming an NBA head coach!

“I just know if I get an opportunity, I’m gonna be a good head coach. I understand what it takes to get a player going…”

[via @pointgamepod ] pic.twitter.com/31zB0TG0Mo

— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BASKETBALLonX) May 17, 2024

The Celtics are seemingly now in jeopardy of losing their second assistant coach in this month alone, as Charles Lee agreed to be the newest head coach of the Charlotte Hornets not long ago.

If the Lakers end up hiring Cassell to be their head coach, it would be poetic if his one-season stint on Boston’s coaching staff ended in a title. Cassell has yet to win a title during his time in the NBA’s coaching ranks, but he won three as a player, including one with the Celtics back in 2008.

Boston arguably has as good a chance as any team still kicking in the 2024 NBA Playoffs to win the championship. The Celtics own a record of 8-2 in the playoffs and are heavily favored in their upcoming matchup against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

It will be fascinating to see how the Lakers’ head coaching search plays out in the coming days and if Cassell will finally get a chance to lead an NBA team on the sidelines after paying his dues as an assistant coach.

Further Reading

Aaron Nesmith Left Lasting Impression with Celtics Before Finding a Home with Pacers

Trivializing Celtics' Success in Tatum-Brown Era a Take Not Measured Properly: 'Doing

Past Hardships Brought Out Best in Al Horford in Career Night: 'You Saw His Gift'

Simple Changes Spark Stifling Second Half Defense in Celtics' Game 4 Win vs. Cavs

Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown Still Shaking Off Criticism While Growing as Leaders

Jrue Holiday Delivers 'Masterclass' in Game 3 Win vs. Cavs

Jayson Tatum Breaks Out of Scoring Slump That Never Defined Him: 'Underappreciated'

Derrick White Discusses Joining Elite Company in Game 1 Win vs. Cavaliers

Kristaps Porzingis Discusses Target Date to Rejoin Celtics' Playoff Run: 'Doing Everything I Can'