The Boston Celtics used their preseason finale to give the players on Exhibit 10 deals a precious opportunity. It was a chance to showcase their talent: an audition for teams around the NBA and beyond.
The visitors in Friday's tilt in the City of Brotherly Love started Milos Uzan, Hayden Gray, Gabe McGlothan, Tucker DeVries, and this year's first-round pick, Chris Cenac Jr.
One could have entered this tilt with concern. After all, LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid were all suiting up for the Philadelphia 76ers. However, that's not just a chance to compete against NBA competition. It was an opportunity for franchises to see how they fare against future Hall of Famers.
What stood out from the Celtics on Exhibit 10 deals?
Sam Cassell, Boston's head coach for its final exhibition contest, stuck with his starters for nearly the first six minutes of the opening frame.
When that group subbed out in a hockey-style substitution, Philadelphia was leading 15-12. They had held their own against a decorated but disjointed opponent.
Gabe McGlothan made several nice plays, including knocking down a three-point attempt and generating a second-chance opportunity for the visitors. He grabbed another in the third period that ultimately led to a put-back dunk for Chris Cenac Jr. A few minutes later, he nailed another 3. He finished the night with six points and 13 rebounds.
Hayden Gray picked off a cross-court pass from Tyrese Maxey, took off downcourt, then got the Sixers' star guard in the air before dishing to Cenac for a two-handed flush. And Tucker DeVries drilled two triples in the final frame. He buried another one to give Boston a 102-100 lead with under six minutes left. DeVries ended the evening with nine points, six rebounds, and two steals. Milos Uzan delivered the dagger, converting on a jumper off the dribble to give his team a 124-117 edge with 21 seconds left in overtime.
Those with the Celtics on Exhibit 10 deals don't get the same attention as players on standard contracts. However, they've been with the team throughout training camp and work as hard as anyone. Giving them this spotlight was a great use of Boston's preseason finale. A 125-120 win makes it even sweeter.
Sam Cassell also got to shine in Celtics' final exhibition game
In Boston's first preseason matchup, D.J. MacLeay assumed the role of head coach for the first half. Tony Dobbins was at the helm for the second. Joe Mazzulla watched from the back with players who didn't suit up and the staff members who put together the halftime edits.
It was a valuable experience that meant a lot to MacLeay and Dobbins. They guided the C's to a 124-113 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Friday, it was Sam Cassell's turn. Last February, he told Hardwood Houdini he still wants his long-awaited, well-deserved opportunity as a head coach.
"I'm not giving up. Hopefully, it happens for me. I would like to have an opportunity to coach one of these teams," said Cassell. "I'm striving for it because I still love this. I wouldn't do it if I didn't love it at all. I love this. I love what I'm doing. I always have a smile on my face. I'm just upbeat. I enjoy being a part of the Association, especially being part of the Boston Celtics."
Against a team the nearly 20-year assistant once worked for, he had the reins for a night. Just like the players on Exhibit 10 deals, he got to step into the spotlight. NBA and NCAA teams got to see him operate as a head coach. Maybe it'll help persuade an organization to hire him for that role. At a minimum, he got to experience what it's like to slide over to the A chair.
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