Doc Rivers Aims to Add Ex-Buck, Three-Time Champ to Coaching Staff…
Doc Rivers and the Milwaukee Bucks are on the lookout for additional coaching support, and Rivers is eyeing a familiar figure for the role. According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, Rivers is considering Sam Cassell for his staff.
Stein reported on May 15 that Rivers plans to recruit Cassell, a former Bucks player, as an assistant coach.
“League sources indicate that Rivers intends to make a strong effort to bring Cassell to Milwaukee if he doesn’t land the Lakers’ job. Cassell is currently in his first season with Boston under Joe Mazzulla but has spent nine of his 15 coaching seasons with Rivers.”
Cassell has a long history with Rivers, both as a player and coach. He was part of the 2008 Boston Celtics championship team coached by Rivers. After retiring, Cassell joined Rivers’ staff with the LA Clippers from 2014 to 2020, and later followed him to the Philadelphia 76ers until 2023.
Cassell’s NBA playing career spanned from 1993 to 2009, winning two titles with the Houston Rockets in his first two seasons. He later became a journeyman before joining the Bucks in 1999, helping them reach the Eastern Conference Finals before the Giannis Antetokounmpo era.
**Sam Cassell a ‘Legitimate Candidate’: Report**
Stein’s report highlights Cassell as a serious contender for head coaching roles.
“Cassell is considered a genuine candidate, say league sources. He is represented by Klutch Sports, the agency for Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and is known for his strong connections with star players.”
Stein compared Cassell to former Bucks assistant Darvin Ham to emphasize his qualifications for a head coaching position.
“Like Ham when he was hired by the Lakers, Cassell is long overdue for a head coaching opportunity. It’s surprising he hasn’t been hired yet.”
Cassell has been an assistant coach since 2009, trusted by several teams including the Celtics and the Wizards, though he has spent most of his coaching career under Rivers.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski noted that Cassell is among the candidates being considered by the Lakers for their head coaching role.
**Former Bucks Assistant Hired by Hornets**
Former Bucks and current Celtics assistant Charles Lee has been hired as the new head coach for the Charlotte Hornets, as reported by Shams Charania.
Charania tweeted, “The Charlotte Hornets announce the franchise has hired Boston Celtics assistant Charles Lee as their new head coach. Lee has been a respected assistant in Atlanta, Milwaukee, and Boston over the past 11 years.”
Lee’s new role could open up an opportunity for Cassell to step into a lead assistant position in Boston, unless he secures a head coaching job elsewhere. Cassell’s experience with Rivers could also entice him to join the Bucks’ coaching staff.
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