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Report: Cassell says he's coming back

Posted by Gary Dzen, Boston.com Staff September 11, 2008 03:16 PM

A Baltimore Sun report today casually mentioned something that seemed like far from a foregone conclusion when the season ended: Sam Cassell could be coming back to the Celtics for one more season.

Cassell told the Sun yesterday that he plans to become an assistant coach with the Celtics after playing one more season in Boston. Cassell, 38, told a Sun reporter about his plans shortly before speaking at a Baltimore news conference where a city block will be renamed in his honor.

"This is my last year playing with the Celtics," Cassell told the Sun. "Next week, I'll sign the contract."

After finishing the 2008-09 season, the point guard plans to exercise an option to join the coaching staff, according to the report. A Celtics spokesman declined comment to the Sun on the report.

Brought in as a veteran backup to Rajon Rondo, Cassell played his way out of Doc Rivers' rotation during the playoffs. He played in just four games during the conference finals against Detroit and five games against the Lakers, averaging around 10 minutes per game. Cassell averaged 4.5 points per game during the playoffs, shooting 33 percent from the field and 21 percent from the three-point line.

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73 comments so far...
  1. uummm-- really? Do the celtics know about this?

    Posted by Tony September 11, 08 03:40 PM
  1. Give Gabe Pruitt the minutes.

    Posted by Nat from New Bedford September 11, 08 03:45 PM
  1. I thought he was busy playing Quarterback for the Patriots??????

    Posted by King B September 11, 08 04:29 PM
  1. if this is true the Celtics are completely insane.

    Posted by blah September 11, 08 04:43 PM
  1. He is a savvy vet. He is good to have in the locker room. He would bring a lot as an assistant coach as well. He paid his dues, so now let him transition over to coach. I don't understand what all the big deal is.

    Posted by reglewis35 September 11, 08 05:00 PM
  1. Bad enough Brady got hurt and I have to watch guys who can't pass on the Pats.

    Posted by Tom Clancy September 11, 08 05:06 PM
  1. he has nice smile!

    Posted by jhohn September 11, 08 05:29 PM
  1. So long as he's fine with mop-up minutes behind Rondo, House and Pruitt... Ok, so he did make a few big shots for us down the stretch, but far too often he wasn't willing to give up the ball for a better shot for a teammate. I'd rather stick with the "Ubuntu" bunch.

    Posted by Ghost of Johnny Most September 11, 08 05:31 PM
  1. The celtics already have 15 on the roster, so if they sign Cassell that would put them over the 15 player roster max, so who will be the odd man out?

    Posted by Mike September 11, 08 06:12 PM
  1. This has been a rumor for a long time so, no it would not surprise me, you can never have enough point guards, I think with a whole off season and training camp he will be much better.

    Posted by Marty Steitz September 11, 08 06:28 PM
  1. Having watched Sam take the Wolves to the West finals a few years back, and contribute a lot during the stretch to the Celtics, I say the ten minutes a game is worth it.

    Posted by Downtown Dave September 11, 08 06:41 PM
  1. Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

    Posted by Rondo September 11, 08 07:47 PM
  1. go away ET

    Posted by cjxo September 11, 08 08:16 PM
  1. this seems to happen more in the NBA than any other sport, players with no game left try to media their way back on a team that's said good-bye. Sam, we hardly knew ya, and lets keep it that way. Because what we saw is as they say, stick a fork in you, your'e all done.

    Posted by ken September 11, 08 08:44 PM
  1. he could be a 16th man award winner

    Posted by gator September 11, 08 09:25 PM
  1. It's pronounced, "Ungawa".

    Posted by GreenFang September 11, 08 11:05 PM
  1. It's pronounced, "Un-gawa".

    Posted by GreenFang September 11, 08 11:12 PM
  1. We can use him to foul somebody occasionally. He can do a pretty good take-down fer a little fellow.

    Posted by don September 11, 08 11:55 PM
  1. We can use him to foul somebody occasionally. He can do a pretty good take-down fer a little fellow.

    Posted by don September 11, 08 11:57 PM
  1. No way. Getting "Sam I Am" was a knee-jerk move in the first place. It didn't work out and furthermore, really pissed off Eddie House. I always believed that if it isn't broken then you don't fix it. Eddie would have been fine down the stretch without Cassell on the roster. All of this is a Sam Cassell pipedream. Ainge and Doc must be ROTFL.

    Posted by hdsnake September 12, 08 07:16 AM
  1. My feelings are with the comments of Ghost/Most- 3 other guys need the minutes more.

    Posted by Gene Bocknek September 12, 08 09:07 AM
  1. that sounds good for him

    Posted by robert September 12, 08 10:51 AM
  1. Cassell coming back for one more season will consist of him helping Gabe pruitt and the rookies on making the transition into the league... It doesnt mean he'll get the minutes Gabe or House are supposed to...he's just acting as a veteran influence in a locker room that is extremely young w/o PJ Brown or Posey.
    So calm down...all youre doing is exposing to the world you know nothing about basketball.

    Posted by Donte- The Weak Theory Destroyer September 12, 08 12:02 PM
  1. WHY DON'T SOMEONE ASK RAY ALLEN ABOUT RICKY MOORE. THIS GUY WON A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WITHOUT HIM. RIGHT NOW IS HE OVER SEAS IN AUSTRIA. LAST I HEARD HE IS READY TO HELP ANY TEAM CONTEND FOR A NBA TITLE. HE HAS HIGH CHAMPIONSHIP ALSO COLLEGE. THIS WOULD BE A TRUE STORY TO BE TOLD IF BOSTON PIC THIS GUY AND WON BACK TO BACK CHAMPIONS!

    Posted by TORREZ D. MOORE September 12, 08 12:02 PM
  1. RICKY MOORE IS THE GUY BOSTON NEEDS TO HELP WIN BACK TO BACK CHAMPIONSHIPS. JUST ASK RAY ALLEN? RICKY IS PLAYING IN AUSTRIA. SOME TEAM THAT WANTS TO WHEN A CHAMPIONSHIP SHOULD CONTACT THIS GUY!!! ESPECIALLY BOSTON THEY KNOW HIS BACKYARD HISTORY UCONN HUSKIES!!!

    Posted by DOUGHRAY September 12, 08 12:12 PM
  1. CASSEL'S WINNING ATTITUDE WUD BE STILL VALUABLE TO THE TEAM

    Posted by SIGFRED September 12, 08 12:37 PM
  1. No way Sam..

    Posted by Dee September 12, 08 12:56 PM
  1. No way Sam..

    Posted by Dee September 12, 08 01:02 PM
  1. We need to let Sam "I AM" go!
    He's just not a team player and the primary reason he's here, is he's KGs buddy.
    Rondo, House and lets not forget Billy Walker, as well as Gabe Pruit will fit the bill.
    We simply dont need him and I pray the C's are not honeslty considering him as an Assistant Coach, although he would be far less harmful in that role than on the floor taking the shot every time he touches the ball.
    UBUNTU is what got us here!!!!

    Posted by PASSONSAM September 12, 08 01:42 PM
  1. Why not become a assistant coach now... that's basically what your are doing on that team anyways...it's not like you can still defend and play meaningful minutes or even 30 to 35 minutes a game so just call it what it is another coach (overpaid) who has eyes and ears at the players level.

    Posted by Lebron is the DPOY September 12, 08 02:07 PM
  1. The celtics are trash and last year it was fixed they not gone du nothn next year and sam needs 2 quit he us trash now plus he ditched tha clippers. But tha lakers will take it all next year KB24!!!!

    Posted by Ross September 12, 08 02:08 PM
  1. The celtics are trash and last year it was fixed they not gone du nothn next year and sam needs 2 quit he us trash now plus he ditched tha clippers. But tha lakers will take it all next year KB24!!!!

    Posted by Ross September 12, 08 02:10 PM
  1. Cassel will be a starter on this team and he WILL make the All-Star roster this year. He's one of the all time greats and I'd say he could be even better than such legends as McHale or maybe even Ainge himself!

    Posted by Tom Richardson September 12, 08 02:15 PM
  1. Doc has got to start developing the young guards. I'm sure he is tired of developing players after all the years prior to the Big 3, but, as Theo Epstein could tell him, developing your draft picks instead of watching them develop for other teams is critical to long term success. Or is Ainge only looking at one year. Tony Allen needs minutes. Pruitt needs minutes. The rookies need minutes. If Cassell uses those minutes, what happens to the development of these young mens' potential to star in the future for the Celtics.

    Suggestion: make Cassell an assistant coach. Let him help to develop the young players. Then, if he is needed at playoff time because of injuries or whatever, he is there and available.

    Posted by WaxhawRon September 12, 08 02:21 PM
  1. I am a

    Iam a Lakers' Man. Sam needs to retire ASAP. He probably would make a good coach. The LAKERS" will WIN the uping title.

    Posted by Harold Moore September 12, 08 02:33 PM
  1. well I agree with most of you who say give him minutes after house and pruitt.but as far as a couch, it couldn't hurt to have him there to give rondo some pointers.

    Posted by ric September 12, 08 02:49 PM
  1. To reglewis35,

    Loved Reggie Lewis, completely disagree with your comment. Cassell is a cancer. He has a big personality and demands the ball so he can shoot it, not distribute it. He undermines the confidence of the younger, more sensitive Rondo. If he's going to coach, fine, but keep him off the court.

    Posted by pete September 12, 08 03:10 PM
  1. i do not understand why we would want him back at the expense of a younger more talented less selfish player.he alredy stole one ring.

    Posted by jharn September 12, 08 03:17 PM
  1. i think having Sam Cassell on any team would be good . He helps out in all the areas: Team leadership , spirit, and knowledge of life as a NBA player.

    Posted by Vegas k September 12, 08 03:34 PM
  1. Cassell has the skill and knowledge to asst Coach any team. Who knows, maybe he would end up being a great coach. It's not impossible for Mr 3 rings.

    Good Luck Sam!!

    Posted by Hoop2Loop September 12, 08 03:38 PM
  1. why would they let him come back..this is insane..who the heck he gone check..he just like gary payton...give it up cassell..let the young people shine dang

    Posted by brent September 12, 08 03:59 PM
  1. Cassell should start at PG for the Celtics

    Posted by jurmain September 12, 08 05:11 PM
  1. Yeah.. some of those shots Mr Cassell took were on the surface ....ridiculous....on the other hand from a coach,s stance....your open ..you have a shot...you take it (even only it helps keeps the defence a litle bit honest)....You know Sam did have a
    valuable role to play in the Championship in a quirky sort of way.I have studied his game down the years and he can be a Championship calibre coaching addition with the Celtics.He,s got playing credits with players in the league right now,I mean he,s got an insight into Celtics oponents from a players stance,this Doc Rivers can use in the new season and go for it again 2008 /09 season.

    Posted by patrick maher September 12, 08 05:28 PM
  1. i think sam could be more effective this time around because he would have spent all of the off season and preseason to get they celtics system down and learn plays unlike last season as a late addition . he didnt know any plays or defensive schemes which might i add were the most complex an effective in the league, so you cant expect a guy to learn all of that and be effective in only ten minutes a game. so for all you people who dont really know the game. just sit back and watch for once instead of acting like you could do better. ainge knows more than all of you or i together about the game, i trust his moves. sam might be old but he knows the game and can get a shot off on any point gaurd in the game when he wants , and i think thats value we could use for cheap money.

    Posted by ben September 12, 08 05:44 PM
  1. could be the first player ever to enter the league and leave the league with back to back titles!

    Posted by Rob Stewart September 12, 08 05:53 PM
  1. Just when you thought Gollum had been pushed off Mount Doom.

    Posted by KobeWearsPurplePantyHose September 12, 08 07:36 PM
  1. Cassel is a clutch shooter and great leader. Great decision by the Celtics.

    Posted by Tboz Sharony September 12, 08 07:39 PM
  1. I'm a bit pierced off he thinks he is king of the cassell, god darnett can't there be better options? I don't mean to be a baby and alleniate him.

    Posted by 4 leaf clover September 12, 08 08:22 PM
  1. should have place more urgency in resigning posey instead od posey, cassel dream days are far gone.................

    Posted by Alex September 12, 08 08:49 PM
  1. Last year I heard he was joining Clippers coach staff

    Posted by V Galkin September 12, 08 09:00 PM
  1. As a COACH??? CAsell waKe uP u Might BE Draeming... He -"sam"- did not show his best as a player of celtics.. u could start at NBDL and prove ur self first!!!

    Posted by Butroy September 12, 08 09:05 PM
  1. I agree with reglewis35. Cassell's got the personality and energy to be a great coach. He came through, mostly, when needed in the playoffs. Keep him around, he's an asset, has experience and tons of positive energy.

    I've been a Celts fan since the 60's, lived in LA too and Cassell helps the Celts. Forget about the Pats for now.

    Posted by Betsy September 12, 08 09:51 PM
  1. is a good add, for important minutes of the game.

    Posted by PG September 12, 08 10:07 PM
  1. the LAKERS will demolish your precious celtics this year! HAHA and yeah its ok... u can bring CASSELL back..he is the best lookin guy on the team...HAHAHA!

    Posted by Laker Fan September 12, 08 10:29 PM
  1. pruitt and house over cassell no question

    Posted by lex rothman September 12, 08 10:45 PM
  1. for me sam casell is a better coach than Doc Rivers...better watch out doc..

    Posted by Lloyd September 12, 08 11:03 PM
  1. Sam Cassell in the coaching staff? How awkward – he’ll be coaching his own teammates, and will be coaching a former teammate of his – All-Stars Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen. We’ll see how that fairs out for him…

    Posted by Christian September 12, 08 11:12 PM
  1. That's what I'm talking about!! I knew you would put yourself in that position, good luck!! Now this year, learn the O so you can really do your thang, behind Rondo!! I very happy to hear that your coming back to the C's; considering Posey bailed out on us!!! Sam, when you become Head Coach in the league, look me up I need a Asst. position, real talk!!! Good luck this year C's, stay focus like ya'll this year, & there will be another parade waiting on u guys!! Now ya'll know what to expect!!! Love

    Posted by Donuia L. Washington September 12, 08 11:16 PM
  1. time to rest your weary body, sam.

    Posted by Climax September 12, 08 11:39 PM
  1. I think Cassell will do good as an assistant espically with all his background as being a tough player that loves the game and a vet that can bring order in the locker room.. he'll be a nice addition to the celtic staff

    Posted by Rudy 0 September 13, 08 01:20 AM
  1. this guy is too old we need new people that are worth the money pay

    Posted by herbert September 13, 08 01:24 AM
  1. he should be the third guard off the bench! go celtics! CELTICS 09!

    Posted by carl September 13, 08 01:51 AM
  1. Two Words - Veteran Leadership! Enough said!

    Posted by David Jung September 13, 08 02:05 AM
  1. He is such a media freak having to announce his return as if he's an integral part of the team. Just take note of his actions last championship swooping around player's interviews just to get his sorry face in the camera.

    Posted by Jace September 13, 08 02:15 AM
  1. You people forget about all the big shots he has ever hit and big deal if he had a bad year last year give him another chance u cant go wrong with him, most of the time.

    Posted by derricks September 13, 08 03:03 AM
  1. Not sure he is coming back to be a backup point guard. I have a hard time believing that he is going to come in ahead of House, or even Pruitt.

    Posted by Guy September 13, 08 09:36 AM
  1. Seriously. Give Gabe Pruitt the minutes, Cassell better be playing for free.

    Posted by Tammer September 13, 08 12:53 PM
  1. Cassell should say thanks for the ring and stay in BTL. He added nothing to the team last year.

    Posted by JB, Boise, Idaho September 14, 08 10:23 PM
  1. Ross:
    This is Boston....speak English......
    "The celtics are trash and last year it was fixed they not gone du nothn next year and sam needs 2 quit he us trash now plus he ditched tha clippers. But tha lakers will take it all next year KB24!!!!"
    I have an idea....INVEST IN A SPEAK AND SPELL!

    Posted by steven September 15, 08 12:14 PM
  1. thank you steven thats the best comment ive read on here. ig uess we have to trust danny though. he had a plan to build the team and now we see he was right with all those "stupid trades". kb24= overrated loser!!!!!

    Posted by greg September 15, 08 03:48 PM
  1. Apparently some of you weren't paying atttetion last yr. Cassell didn't have time to learn the offense, so when he was put in Doc told him to just do his thing. With an off-season to learn the plays Cassell could be an assett to Rondo, Pruitt and any other developing guard. He should bring good veteran leadership and also a little extra swagger, Also lets not forget he's the only player on this team that has won back to back championships so he should know what it takes to get it done.

    Posted by Jesse September 17, 08 01:06 PM
  1. reglewis35 quote
    "He is a savvy vet. He is good to have in the locker room. He would bring a lot as an assistant coach as well. He paid his dues, so now let him transition over to coach. I don't understand what all the big deal is."

    How do you know any of this?
    If he wants to transition over to coach let him do it with a team he played more than half a season with.
    We don't need him. The guy is toast.

    Posted by Apland September 17, 08 05:21 PM
  1. lakers suck., kobe cant do it without shaq, and tell me whos a better point gaurd . rondo or fisher. who ever thought that old man could stay with rondo is dumb and not only that, kobe might get more points in a game than pierce but i bet you any day of the week kobe get out rebounded , out hustled , less assists , and all around dominated by pierce cause kobe is flash and nothing more. people say he really bonded with his teamates this year. that garbage,he cares about how he looks while hes playing more than he cares about how to get assists to the open guy and dive on the floor for a loose ball. you could offer me a trade for kobe for scal and i would say screw off. cause thats how much i think he is a cancer on a team.. u are a chump kobe and i hope to see you again in the finals and send you packing with another record breaking loss for a finals game .

    Posted by ben from nh September 17, 08 10:11 PM
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