Boston Celtics: The top 3 candidates to be next head coach

By Jack Simone | Jun 17, 2021

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 09: Assistant coach Sam Cassell of the Philadelphia 76ers speaks with Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets at Wells Fargo Center on January 09, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics choice #1: Veteran leadership from the head coach

Chauncey Billups gets brought up in nearly every conversation regarding the Celtics’ head coaching gig, but Sam Cassell doesn’t earn the same respect. Despite this, Cassell remains a much better fit for the job.

Billups’ playing career ended up being more impressive than Cassell’s, but the opposite can be said about their coaching careers. Cassell has been an assistant coach since 2009, whereas Billups only has one year of coaching experience.

Cassell began his coaching career with the Wizards before moving on to spend time with the Clippers and 76ers. His experience playing point guard makes him an ideal coaching candidate as well.

He spent 15 years in the NBA playing with Hall of Famers such as Hakeem Olajuwon and Ray Allen. He was a one-time All-Star which came during the 2003-2004 season playing next to MVP Kevin Garnett.

Cassell averaged 6.0 APG and 1.1 SPG across his career. He has been praised for his great leadership and overall knowledge of the game.

A.Sherrod Blakely of Bleacher Report cites these reasons as to why he would have been a great fit for open head coaching positions last offseason.

If the C’s want a player that can control the locker room and help Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown thrive, Cassell is the top choice.

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