BOSTON, MA - MAY 9: Sam Cassell of the Boston Celtics warms up before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Round 2 Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2024 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

Celtics' Joe Mazzulla Praises Sam Cassell as a 'Great Coach' amid Lakers Rumors

Scott PolacekMay 16, 2024

Sam Cassell's time as an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics may be limited as he generates interest elsewhere, but head coach Joe Mazzulla had nothing but good things to say about him.

Mazzulla called Cassell a "great coach" following Boston's 113-98 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, which propelled it into the Eastern Conference Finals.

"He's been at every seat on the bench, and he knows how to communicate with every single player," Mazzulla continued.

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The comments came after ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Los Angeles Lakers landed permission to interview Cassell, among other candidates, as they search for their next head coach following the firing of Darvin Ham.

What's more, NBA insider Marc Stein reported Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers "plans to make an aggressive push" to hire Cassell in an assistant role.

Cassell is still best known from his playing days, which lasted 15 seasons from 1993 to 2008. He suited up for the Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers and Celtics during his career.

The 54-year-old has been an assistant coach in the NBA since 2009 for the Washington Wizards, Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers and Celtics.

This was his first season with Boston, and the team finished with the best record in the NBA. It is now awaiting the New York Knicks or Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals after dispatching the Cavaliers in five games.