NBA icon Sam Cassell is relishing his return to the Boston Celtics as an assistant coach.
But the three-time NBA champion is eager to become a head coach after being his right-hand man for 14 years.
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And Cassell admits the process of waiting for a head coaching opportunity has sometimes not been easy.
The 54-year-old began his coaching career as an unofficial player/coach during his final season with the Celtics in 2008-09.
He then had long stints as an assistant with the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers before joining Joe Mazzulla’s Celtics staff last summer.
Over the years, Cassell has interviewed for several head coaching positions – including the Houston Rockets, Utah Jazz and Clippers.
But Cassell still hasn’t received the call – which has proven a bit frustrating.
“It’s not easy, but it’s a process I have to go through,” Cassell told The US Sun.
“I’m just waiting, but I’m having so much fun. My professional career, both as a player and as a coach, has been tremendous.
“I’ve been blessed to be in the position I am in. If it doesn’t happen, don’t happen.
“I have to stand out as a great assistant coach, but I think over time that could happen to me.
“You know, I’m ready for this. I prepare for this. I just need to take slow steps and, you know, when I get an opportunity, show what I can do.”
Cassell believes he has all the tools to become a great coach.
“I’m not going to say it’s a dream, but it’s one of my goals,” he says.
“I think I’m a great teacher. If given a chance, I know I can succeed, I just need the opportunity.”
Cassell capped off his playing career with an NBA title with the Celtics after a two-game winning streak early with the Rockets.
And he’s taking advantage of the opportunity to try to bring another championship to Boston.
“It’s been incredible to be part of the great tradition this organization has,” says Cassell.
“I think [president] Brad Stevens did a magnificent job of hiring the right guys, making Joe Mazzulla the head coach.
“The transition from Philadelphia to Boston was remarkable. I won a championship here, so I understand the history, I understand what it means to be a Celtic.”
In particular, Cassell is delighted to coach Celtic star Jayson Tatum.
I think I’m a great teacher. If I get a chance, I know I can be successful, I just need the opportunity.
Sam Cassell
“It has been incredible. He is an incredible talent,” he says.
“But what people don’t understand about Jayson Tatum is that he’s a great basketball player, but he’s a better person.
“I’m with him every day, every game, so I expect the best from him.
“He strives to be the best, he plays the way I played, you know, intensity with a smile on his face.
“He loves the game, he loves playing basketball.
“He’s a competitor, he definitely enjoys being Celtic.”
SPECULATING ON SPECIFICATIONS
Off the court, Cassell has partnered with online eyewear retailer Zenni Optical to create a new eyewear collection.
Cassell, known for wearing stylish glasses backstage, played an important role in creating the Sam Cassell Collection, which features more than 50 frames that reflect his style.
Cassell helped design the frames and also chose the names, such as Post Up, Point Guard and Mid-Range Jumper.
Zenni Optical is also the official eyewear partner of the Celtics.
“I’m one of the stylish coaches on our bench. I like my glasses to match my sneakers,” Cassell said.
“And I played for the Celtics in 2008 and they thought it would be a good partnership.
“I wore glasses to let them know I need them to see. It’s going great. Affordable glasses for everyone.
“They have a pair of frames that anyone can wear and that suits their style, so that’s what I like about them.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
