Kenny Smith argues why the Pistons should sign Sam Cassell

Celts

Sam Cassell added one other championship title to his resume a number of weeks ago.

As a player, he won three games, two with the Rockets and one with the Celtics. Earlier this month, he helped the Celtics win the 2024 NBA championship as an assistant coach on Joe Mazzulla's team.

Cassell, 54, aspires to be an NBA head coach. He has been an assistant coach since 2009 and has played with the Wizards, Clippers and 76ers along with his most up-to-date stint in Boston.

The Lakers reportedly asked for permission to interview Cassell for the top coaching position, but ultimately hired JJ Redick.

Now the Detroit Pistons have a likelihood after the firing of Monty Williams. During a recent interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson on “Scoop B Radio”TNT analyst Kenny Smith explained why Detroit should consider hiring Cassell.

“You talk about leadership, qualifications and resume. He has all three. Why wouldn't you hire a guy like that when you're looking for a head coach,” Smith said. “He has championship experience at multiple levels. There's nothing you can do in basketball that Sam Cassell hasn't done.”

Smith, who won two titles with Cassell in Houston, said Cassell knows the right way to handle young players.

“If you want a young team to develop players and skills, Sam Cassell is your guy. It's impossible to overlook him at this point after he won an NBA championship. It's like, 'Oh, he was in Houston, they won. Oh, he was there and they won.' It's not an accident to be a champion.”

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Celtics are very excited about promoting Sam Cassell to a bigger assistant position on the bench. The Hornets hired former Celtics assistant coach Charles Lee as head coach this offseason.