Sixers Lose Top Assistant to Division Rival
Shortly after hiring the new head coach, Nick Nurse, another change occurred for the Philadelphia 76ers coaching staff.
Sam Cassell, an assistant coach in Philly for three seasons, will join the Boston Celtics under coach Joe Mazzulla.
Cassell is on staff as the senior coach for the first time in his coaching career.
Photo: David Dow/NBAE/Getty Images
Cassell was a candidate for the Sixers’ head coach position after the organization fired Doc Rivers. But, once again, Cassell was passed on for the opportunity. As a result, Cassell took his knowledge to a championship-caliber team.
In Philadelphia, Sam Cassell played a significant role in developing Tyrese Maxey into a young star. Since Cassell and Maxey joined the Sixers in the same year (2020), the coach has influenced him from the start. The pair worked out together in the off-season, and Cassell taught Maxey many of his techniques as an NBA guard.
From a fan perspective, this may be no big deal. The Sixers only have one active player younger than Maxey, so there aren’t a handful of players for Cassell to mold.
However, Cassell’s departure will undoubtedly impact the Sixers. Since Cassell was a great all-around coach, his presence will be missed by other coaches and players. He played a significant role in bringing success to this team but couldn’t manage to reach the Eastern Conference Finals in Philadelphia.
Cassell had immense value since he shared his NBA wisdom with players, but the Sixers are heading in a different direction as Nurse will most likely form his own staff.
Hopefully, key roles can be filled by coaches with championship-level experience.
Featured Image: David Dow/NBAE/Getty Images
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