Former NBA player Sam Cassell has opened up about his decision to join the Celtics coaching staff, emphasizing his unwavering focus on winning championships. Cassell’s arrival in Boston marks a homecoming, as he played his final season as a player with the Celtics.
In his first interview as Celtics coach, Cassell highlighted the storied tradition of championship success in Boston, acknowledging the legends who came before him. With a roster that boasts iconic figures like Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Bill Russell, and others, Cassell underlined the pride associated with donning the Celtics jersey.
“That’s the only goal,” Cassell said, via Bobby Manning of Celtics Blog. “It ain’t about making conference finals as a member of the Celtics, the coaching staff and the players. It’s all about winning the championship. That’s the tradition in Boston — win the championship. Playing for guys who won previously for us, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Russell, Cousy, Maxwell, the history goes on. It’s about them. That’s the thing that our guys have to understand. It’s a pride thing.”
Cassell’s connection with assistant coach Joe Mazzulla played a pivotal role in his decision to join the staff. Following the playoffs, Mazzulla reached out to Cassell, offering him the opportunity to contribute to the team’s journey. Recognizing Mazzulla’s coaching prowess, Cassell eagerly accepted the offer, aiming to enhance the team’s enjoyment while maintaining their competitive mindset.
As Cassell begins his coaching tenure with the Celtics, his championship mindset aligns perfectly with the franchise’s legacy. Leveraging his experience as both a player and a coach, Cassell’s presence adds depth and a winning mentality to the coaching staff as they strive for ultimate success in Boston.
