Sam Cassell is reportedly “very keen” to be promoted by the Celtics in order to remain on Joe Mazzulla’s coaching staff

The Boston Celtics are apparently attempting to elevate one of their assistant coaches, less than a week after winning the NBA Finals.

NBA source Marc Stein said that Boston is “very keen” to increase Sam Cassell’s position on Joe Mazzulla’s coaching staff. It is said that the Celtics wish to keep Cassell from being hired by another team for a comparable position.

Stein stated clearly that the Lakers expressed interest in signing the seasoned assistant. JJ Redick, who has no prior coaching experience, was supposedly just hired by the Lakers to be their head coach. According to Stein, Los Angeles hopes to choose two former NBA players to serve as assistant coaches under Redick. Cassell, who played for the Celtics in the 2007–08 NBA Championship, was a player from 1993 until 2009.

Cassell appears to be a contender for Boston’s top assistant coaching job based on this story. In 2023–2024, Charles Lee filled the position; however, in May, he was appointed head coach of the Charlotte Hornets.

Cassell is a sought-after coach in the NBA because of his extensive playing and coaching background. The 54-year-old retired from playing in 2009, and the following year he was hired as an assistant coach. The Wizards (2009–14), Clippers (2014–20), 76ers (2020–23), and Celtics (2023–present) are the teams for which Cassell has served as a coach. During his tenures with the Clippers and 76ers, he served as Doc Rivers’ assistant coach.

This past week, Cassell—who previously won two rings as a player with the Rockets—became an NBA champion for the fourth time as a member of the Celtics coaching staff.

Amidst rumors that Cassell would take a position elsewhere, Mazzulla last month commended Cassell’s teaching abilities.

Mazzulla remarked, “He’s been in every bench position and has communication skills with every player.” “Excellent instructor. Fantastic coach.