Boston Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell believes the team he’s coaching now surpasses the one he played for in 2008 in terms of skill.
“I’m a little biased, ’cause some of them are playing—but we have a special team here. This team that I’m coaching now is way more skilled than our ’08 team,” Cassell said, via HoopsHype.
Cassell, who played a key veteran role during Boston’s 2008 title run, praised the depth and talent of the current Celtics roster. He emphasized the difference between winning in Boston and other cities.
“Yeah, it never gets old—especially winning in this city. Not taking anything away from what I did in Houston, because that was special—it was the first time the city of Houston ever won anything in professional sports. But it’s a difference. A major difference. You win a championship here in this town? The city shows out,” he added.
The 2023-24 Celtics dominated the regular season with a league-best 64-18 record before winning the NBA championship in five games over the Dallas Mavericks. The victory gave Boston its 18th title, breaking a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most championships in league history.
Cassell’s comments add to the growing debate about where this Celtics squad ranks among the franchise’s greatest teams. Many analysts have already placed them among the most dominant in NBA history after their 16-3 playoff run.
Boston is currently in the hunt for back-to-back championships, sitting second in the Eastern Conference with a 53-19 record. With a deep roster led by Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics remain a top contender as they chase another title.
