The Utah Jazz will interview Philadelphia 76ers assistant Sam Cassell for their head coaching opening (h/t The Athletic’s Shams Charania).
Cassell, 52, played 15 years with eight different teams around the league. A one-time NBA All-star, he served as an instrumental piece on the championship teams of Houston Rockets (1994, 1995) and the Boston Celtics (2008) with his reliable ball handling skills, clutch identity and influential leadership.
Right after his retirement in 2008, Cassell tried handling the drawing board, starting with the Washington Wizards the following year. In 2014, he then joined the Los Angeles Clippers as an assistant under Doc Rivers. And finally in 2020, upon Rivers’ arrival in Philadelphia, he was again added into his coaching staff.
Cassell has close ties with current Jazz top executive Danny Ainge, dating back from their partnership in the Celtics’ last title run. As such, this can certainly play a huge factor for the Maryland native mentor to finally land a lead coaching job.
Utah continues its hunt for their newest leader on the sidelines following the Quin Snyder departure earlier this month.
