Boston Celtics president Brad Stevens already confirmed Joe Mazzulla will return as head coach next season, but there will be some notable changes to his staff.
With multiple Celtics assistants set to reunite with ex-C's coach Ime Udoka in Houston, Stevens expressed a desire to find a coach with a plethora of NBA experience. Paul Pierce, in a conversation with fellow Celtics legend Kevin Garnett, shared one name he believes Boston should consider for the role.
Celtics Talk:Ā āI really believe in our foundationā-Brad Stevens on whatās next for Celtics in exclusive 1-on-1 | Listen & Subscribe | Watch on YouTube
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Boston sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
āThese cats went to the Finals,ā Pierce said in a recent episode of theĀ Truth and Ticketā podcast.Ā āThey were one game away from the Finals. Youāve just got to take a deep breath and say, āWhere do we get better at?ā It starts at the top. ā¦
"You canāt keep bringing in new voices. Iām going to add to what I got right now. Iāve got to add to it. Itās already good. Iāve got to add to it. Itās already there. So, Iām bringing Mazzulla back but maybe Iām bringing in a veteran coach, like Sam Cassell. Some influence on the bench. Respect. A champion. Been a coach. Understands what it takes.ā
Cassell spent the final season of his 15-year NBA career helping Pierce and Garnett win the 2008 NBA championship. From there, the 53-year-old served as an assistant for the Washington Wizards (2009-14), Los Angeles Clippers (2014-20), and Philadelphia 76ers (2020-present). Pierce played on the Clippers for two seasons while Cassell was an assistant coach.
Boston Celtics
The 76ers recently fired head coach Doc Rivers and replaced him with Nick Nurse, who likely will pick his own staff. That would make Cassell an intriguing option for Boston as he would seem to fit exactly what Stevens is looking for. ā