Cassell expected to re-sign with Celtics

Sam Cassell is expected to sign with the Celtics for the 2008-09 season, general manager Danny Ainge said yesterday.

Cassell joined the team last season as a reserve point guard. Cassell, 38, plans to play one more season, then become an assistant coach, according to the Baltimore Sun.

"Sam made a comment that he would like to coach someday, and I already knew that," Ainge said. "But we are working on a deal to bring Sam back as a player. There is nothing done yet, but we could get it done soon.

"We always bring four point guards to training camp. We love where Gabe [Pruitt] is and we also have Eddie House. Rajon [Rondo] is our starter and they are fighting for the backup spot."

Cassell spoke during an announcement that North Montford Street in Baltimore, where he grew up, will be named after him. A Parade of Champions, which will include Denver's Carmelo Anthony and Baltimore's mayor, Sheila Dixon, will officially commemorate the event tomorrow.

FRANK DELL'APA