Philadelphia 76ers assistant Sam Cassell has interviewed with the Washington Wizards for their head coach vacancy, according to Fred Katz of The Athletic.
Cassell was an assistant coach with the Wizards from 2009 to 2014 under both Flip Saunders and Randy Wittman. During his time in Washington, Cassell became a fan favorite. Former cornerstone player John Wall largely credited him with being instrumental in his development.
Cassell was on the bench when Wall and Bradley Beal lead the Wizards past the Chicago Bulls in five games in 2014 to win the franchise’s first playoff series since 2005. He also played a large role in getting veteran Paul Pierce to sign with the Wizards that ensuing summer.
However, Cassell departed the team joining Doc Rivers staff with the Los Angeles Clippers. He has been an assistant under Rivers since 2014. First spending six seasons with the Clippers before following Rivers to the Philadelphia 76ers this season.
Washington was the first coaching opportunity after Cassell completed a solid NBA career that spanned from 1993 until 2008. He won three NBA championships as a player. His first titles came in his first two seasons in the league with the Houston Rockets. His third came in his final year as a player while with the Boston Celtics.
Cassell has been an odds-on favorite to become the Wizards next head coach. He has an impeccable reputation. If he comes on, he has a great deal of familiarity with Beal, who has now become the cornerstone with Wall traded to the Houston Rockets.
Last season, the Wizards finished 34-38 and earned the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference after beating the Indiana Pacers in the play-in tournament. However, they were bounced out of the playoffs in the first round, losing to the 76ers 4-1 in the best-of-seven series.
After moving on from Scott Brooks, the Wizards’ search for a new head coach has been relatively quiet. Yet, Cassell is the third leaked name to have interest in the position. Boston Celtics assistant Scott Morrison revealed he interviewed with Washington. Meanwhile, the Wizards have reportedly requested permission to interview Dallas Mavericks assistant Jamahl Mosley.
