The Internet has been flooded with the question, “Is the assistant coach, Sam Cassell, fired too?” after the Philadelphia 76ers head coach, Doc Rivers, was fired on May 16, 2023, following the team’s third consecutive second-round exit from the NBA.
Samuel James Cassell Sr., aka Samuel Cassell, is a former pro basketball player who played point guard for eight teams in his 15-year-long career before retiring in 2009.
Born on November 18, 1969, he graduated from Florida State University before getting drafted in the 1993 NFL Draft as the 24th overall pick by the Houston Rockets.
The star player gained recognition for his amazing basketball skills and various awards and recognition, including NBA All-Star (2004), All-NBA Second Team (2004), and Second-team All-ACC in 1992 and 1993.
Further, the athlete was recognized thrice as the NBA champion in 1994, 1995, and 2008. In a career spanning from 1993-2009, he gathered 15,635 points, 3221 rebounds, and 5939 assists on his name, making him a fan-favorite.
Cassell, the true legend of the game, continues to inspire and contribute to the world of basketball as an esteemed assistant coach, even after his retirement as a player. Cassell has been working as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers since 2020.
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Is Sam Cassell Fired? What Happened To Basketball Coach?
No, Sam Cassell, the assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers, is not fired.
Speculation and suspicions are swirling about assistant coach Sam Cassell’s firing after the head coach, Doc Rivers, departed from the team after a disappointing Game 7 loss to the Celtics in the second round of the 2023 NBA playoffs.
It has created concerns about the stability of the coaching staff. Although the 76ers president Daryl Morey expressed gratitude for Doc’s contributions to the team while bidding farewell, he had nothing to say for Sam. This makes it clear that his status in the team remains unchanged.
The assistant coach had a long-standing relationship with Rivers, having joined the 76ers on November 9, 2020. They had previously worked together in Los Angeles Clippers from 2014-2020.
While the basketball coaches’ amazing friendship, togetherness, and long-term partnership had been praised by many, many fans were confused about Cassell’s job, questioning, “Is Sam Cassell fired too?”. Despite speculations, Sam is still on the team.
As the 76ers embark on their coaching search, candidates like Mike Budenholzer, Mike D’Antoni, Nick Nurse, Frank Vogel, and Monty Williams are being considered alongside Sam Cassell. If selected as a head coach, it will be a perfect chance for Cassell to showcase his basketball coaching skills.
What Are The Chances of Him Being Chosen As The Head Coach?
Sam Cassell’s name has been becoming a top coaching candidate for the 76ers after the removal of Doc Rivers, considering his excellent coaching skills and his history with the team as an assistant coach.
With a playing history including three NBA championships, the basketball jock has spent the past decade as an assistant coach under Doc Rivers. His long experience as a player and assistant head coach has supposedly prepared him for leadership.
Having worked for the 76ers for three years, Cassell is already familiar with the team’s front office. He was an amazing member of their coaching staff. Moreover, Sam is known for his ability to collaborate with players and push them to progress.
Although he does not have first-hand experience as a head coach, players, including Maxey and James Harden, have recognized and praised his coaching skills.
Cassell’s experience, understanding, and familiarity with the club make him a strong contender. His ability to develop guards and adapt to multiple systems could be critical to the team’s success.
However, it’s up to the team to decide whether or not to promote him as a head coach.
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