Indiana Pacers: 3 under-the-radar coaching candidates after Nate Bjorkgren’s firing
Under-the-radar coaching candidate for the Indiana Pacers: Sam Cassell
From a player-turned-coach to another, Sam Cassell enjoyed a wonderful playing career bannered by three titles and an All-Star appearance before retiring in 2008. Since then, he immediately pivoted to coaching, serving as an assistant coach for 13 years already.
Currently an assistant for the Philadelphia 76ers, Cassell’s coaching career spans three teams including the Washington Wizards and LA Clippers. He has loads of experience in the NBA, but not as a head coach, which the Indiana Pacers are mounting atop their criteria for hiring. However, his exhaustive tenure as an assistant should be able to upend that.
Related Story. 3 reasons why the Pacers should hire Terry Stotts. light
Most notably, Cassell has done a temendous job serving as a mentor for the league’s floor generals. John Wall credited him for helping him hone his jump shot and playmaking. His basketball IQ is off the charts and his on-court smarts and winning attitude when he was a player should easily cater to the Indiana Pacers’ lofty aspirations manning the sidelines for the Blue and Gold.