Sam Cassell
Encyclopedia
Samuel James "Sam" Cassell (born November 18, 1969), is a retired American
professional basketball
player who is an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards
. The , 185 lb (83.9 kg; 13.2 st) point guard
was selected out of Florida State University
by the Houston Rockets
with the 24th overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft
. He won two NBA Championships
in his first two seasons in the league as a member of the Rockets, and his third with the Boston Celtics
in 2008
. He was selected to the NBA All-Star Game and All-NBA Team
once, both in the 2003–04 season. He played for the Rockets
, Phoenix Suns
, Dallas Mavericks
, New Jersey Nets
, Milwaukee Bucks
, Minnesota Timberwolves
, Boston Celtics
, and Los Angeles Clippers
.
in Baltimore
, Maryland
, Cassell spent a post graduate year at Maine Central Institute
in Pittsfield, Maine
under coach Max Good
. From MCI, Cassell was successfully recruited to attend DePaul University
. He was declared academically ineligible based on National Collegiate Athletic Association
Proposition 48 standards, and ended up starting his college career at San Jacinto College
in Texas
, where he was known as a big scorer. He moved on to Florida State University
for his junior and senior years. In his senior year in 1992–93, he averaged 18.3 points
, 4.9 assists
, and 4.3 rebounds
per game and led the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in steals
. Cassell and teammate Bob Sura
formed the highest scoring and rebounding backcourt in the nation
with 38.2 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. Cassell's 1992–93 Seminoles team finished with a 25–10 record and advanced to the Elite Eight
in the NCAA Tournament
, where they lost to the Kentucky Wildcats.
On February 14, 2008, in a game against Wake Forest
, Cassell's jersey was retired by Florida State.
with the 24th overall pick of the 1993 NBA Draft
by the Houston Rockets
as eventual successor to Kenny Smith
at the point guard
position. Eventually, he split point guard duties with Smith in 1994 and 1995, his first two seasons in the league, and helped the Rockets win two NBA Championships
. After the 1995–96 season, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns
, along with Robert Horry
, Chucky Brown
and Mark Bryant
, in exchange for Charles Barkley
, but his tenure there was brief, as he appeared in just 22 games for the Suns.
On December 27, 1996, he was traded along with Michael Finley
, A.C. Green
and a second-round draft pick to the Dallas Mavericks
in exchange for Jason Kidd
, Tony Dumas
and Loren Meyer
. Midway through the 1996–97 season, after appearing in 16 games for the Mavericks, he was traded with Chris Gatling
, Jim Jackson
, George McCloud
and Eric Montross
to the New Jersey Nets
in exchange for Shawn Bradley
, Ed O'Bannon
, Robert Pack
and Khalid Reeves
on February 17, 1997. Following the season, he elected to re-sign with the Nets. Cassell lived in Teaneck, New Jersey
, which allowed him to be close to the Nets arena and to the nightlife in New York City
.
, which sent him to the Milwaukee Bucks
along with Brian Evans
, Chris Gatling
, a 1999 first-round draft pick
and a future first-round draft pick on March 11, 1999. On March 3, 2001, he scored his career-high of 40 points against the Chicago Bulls
. During All-Star Weekend
in 2001
, he won the Fleer
Shootout at Jam Session on All-Star Saturday. He almost reached the NBA Finals
with the Bucks in 2001, falling just short when they lost in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers
. During the 2002–03 season, he passed 10,000 points for his career.
to the Minnesota Timberwolves
in exchange for Joe Smith and Anthony Peeler
following the 2002–03 season. He arguably had his best season in 2003–04, when he was named to the All-NBA Second Team
and All-Interview Second Team, and voted into the 2004 NBA All-Star Game
. He helped the Timberwolves to reach the 2004 Western Conference Finals
.
in exchange for Marko Jaric
and Lionel Chalmers
. Cassell appeared to have found a home with the Clippers
, as he led them to the Western Conference
Semifinals in the 2006 Playoffs
. In the First Round, they beat the Denver Nuggets
in five games, but would eventually fall to the Phoenix Suns
in 7 games. Before the 2006–07 season, Cassell was tempted to take a two-year, $15M offer from the Atlanta Hawks
, but eventually re-signed with the Clippers on a two-year, $13M deal.
Throughout the 2007–08 season, it had been rumored that Cassell would get bought out of his contract with the Clippers, especially after they let the trade deadline pass without dealing him. Cassell first denied that he was pushing strongly towards a buyout, but eventually acknowledged his buyout talks with the Clippers. On February 26, 2008, it was reported that the Clippers would officially announce the buyout later that day, but that did not happen, and only some days later the interests of both parties were reported to be far apart. Cassell would have to walk away from all of his remaining salary to receive a buyout, and initially was not ready to do so. But on February 28, 2008, the Clippers reached a contractual buyout agreement with Cassell and placed him on waivers. According to the agreement, Cassell received half of his remaining salary, roughly $850,000.
Cassell became an unrestricted free agent on March 3, 2008, 6 p.m. ET, when he cleared waivers, and was eligible to sign with a team of his choice. Although the Dallas Mavericks
, Denver Nuggets
and Phoenix Suns
were interested in his services, he was strongly linked with a poised move to the Boston Celtics
and was expected to be in Boston once he cleared waivers. On March 1, 2008, Cassell's agent
, David Falk
, confirmed that Cassell would sign a contract with the Celtics for the remainder of the season if he cleared waivers, receiving a prorated amount of the veteran minimum of $1.2M. Cassell said that he would wear either No. 28 or No. 91 on his jersey, and eventually chose No. 28.
According to his agent
, Cassell had signed a contract with the Celtics
on March 3, 2008, but the signing was pending an official league announcement. His arrival was delayed because of a death in his family. On March 4, 2008, Cassell officially signed with the Celtics, but immediately flew back to his hometown of Baltimore to attend funeral services for his deceased family member. He made his debut against the Philadelphia 76ers
on March 10, 2008.
On March 17, 2008, Cassell had a standout performance in a Saint Patrick's Day
matchup against the San Antonio Spurs
, when he led the team from a 22-point deficit to a 2-point victory, scoring 17 points and hitting a clutch shot late in the game.
On March 28, 2008, Cassell was honored as one of the 20 greatest players in Milwaukee Bucks
history during the team's 40th Anniversary Team Celebration, but could not attend the festivities because of the Celtics
' game against the New Orleans Hornets.
On February 17, 2009 Cassell was traded to the Sacramento Kings for a conditional second-round draft pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. One day later, Kings waived Cassell, along with Quincy Douby
, in order to make room for the players acquired in the Miller/Salmons to the Bulls trade.
of the Washington Wizards.
' "Big Three", alongside Ray Allen
and Glenn Robinson
, that reached the Eastern Conference
Finals
in 2001. In Minnesota
, he was an integral part of the team, as he and his teammates were led by 2003–04 MVP
Kevin Garnett
to the 2004 Western Conference
Finals for the first time in franchise history. Coincidentally, both Allen and Garnett, alongside resident star Paul Pierce
, would become Cassell's teammates with the Boston Celtics
, and helped them win the 2008 NBA Finals
.
's NBA Fundamentals series, in which basketball
players describe certain aspects of the game. He was chosen to illustrate the "mid-range game", i.e. shooting from the area around the free throw
line, the paint, the wings and the baseline. In this clip, Cassell explains how to post up against opposing guards, shoot pull-up jump shots and hit buzzer beater
s. He admires retired NBA
players Terrell Brandon
and Jeff Hornacek
, two prolific mid-range shooters after whom he modeled his game.
| align="left" | 1993–94
| align="left" | Houston
| 66 || 6 || 17.0 || .418 || .295 || .841 || 2.0 || 2.9 || .9 || 0.1 || 6.7
|-
| align="left" | 1994–95
| align="left" | Houston
| 82 || 1 || 23.0 || .427 || .330 || .843 || 2.6 || 4.9 || 1.2 || .2 || 9.5
|-
| align="left" | 1995–96
| align="left" | Houston
| 61 || 0 || 27.6 || .439 || .348 || .825 || 3.1 || 4.6 || .9 || 0.1 || 14.5
|-
| align="left" | 1996–97
| align="left" | Phoenix
| 22 || 9 || 24.5 || .415 || .306 || .855 || 2.3 || 4.5 || 1.0 || .3 || 14.8
|-
| align="left" | 1996–97
| align="left" | Dallas
| 16 || 13 || 24.9 || .424 || .306 || .840 || 3.1 || 3.6 || 1.1 || .4 || 12.3
|-
| align="left" | 1996–97
| align="left" | New Jersey
| 23 || 22 || 33.8 || .443 || .392 || .831 || 3.6 || 6.5 || 1.6 || .3 || 19.3
|-
| align="left" | 1997–98
| align="left" | New Jersey
| 75 || 72 || 34.7 || .441 || .188 || .860 || 3.0 || 8.0 || 1.6 || .3 || 19.6
|-
| align="left" | 1998–99
| align="left" | New Jersey
| 4 || 3 || 25.0 || .429 || .143 || .935 || 1.5 || 4.8 || .8 || .0 || 18.0
|-
| align="left" | 1998–99
| align="left" | Milwaukee
| 4 || 0 || 24.8 || .409 || .333 || .947 || 2.3 || 4.3 || 1.5 || .0 || 13.8
|-
| align="left" | 1999–00
| align="left" | Milwaukee
| 81 || 81 || 35.8 || .466 || .289 || .876 || 3.7 || 9.0 || 1.3 || .1 || 18.6
|-
| align="left" | 2000–01
| align="left" | Milwaukee
| 76 || 75 || 35.6 || .474 || .306 || .858 || 3.8 || 7.6 || 1.2 || .1 || 18.2
|-
| align="left" | 2001–02
| align="left" | Milwaukee
| 74 || 73 || 35.2 || .463 || .348 || .860 || 4.2 || 6.7 || 1.2 || .2 || 19.7
|-
| align="left" | 2002–03
| align="left" | Milwaukee
| 78 || 77 || 34.6 || .470 || .362 || .861 || 4.4 || 5.8 || 1.1 || .2 || 19.7
|-
| align="left" | 2003–04
| align="left" | Minnesota
| 81 || 81 || 35.0 || .488 || .398 || .873 || 3.3 || 7.3 || 1.3 || .2 || 19.8
|-
| align="left" | 2004–05
| align="left" | Minnesota
| 59 || 38 || 25.8 || .464 || .262 || .865 || 2.7 || 5.1 || .6 || .2 || 13.5
|-
| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | L.A. Clippers
| 78 || 75 || 34.0 || .443 || .368 || .863 || 3.7 || 6.3 || 1.0 || .1 || 17.2
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | L.A. Clippers
| 58 || 30 || 24.3 || .418 || .294 || .879 || 2.9 || 4.7 || .5 || .1 || 12.3
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | L.A. Clippers
| 38 || 33 || 25.7 || .455 || .259 || .891 || 2.8 || 4.7 || .7 || .1 || 12.8
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Boston
| 17 || 1 || 17.6 || .385 || .409 || .840 || 1.8 || 2.1 || .5 || .2 || 7.6
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 993 || 690 || 30.0 || .454 || .331 || .861 || 3.2 || 6.0 || 1.1 || .1 || 15.7
|-
| align="left" | All-Star
| align="left" |
| 1 || 0 || 13.0 || .667 || .000 || .000 || 1.0 || 7.0 || 1.0 || 0.0 || 4.0
| align="left" | 1993–94
| align="left" | Houston
| 22 || 0 || 21.7 || .394 || .378 || 865 || 2.7 || 4.2 || 1.0 || .2 || 9.4
|-
| align="left" | 1994–95
| align="left" | Houston
| 22 || 0 || 22.0 || .438 || .400 || .835 || 1.9 || 4.0 || 1.0 || .1 || 11.0
|-
| align="left" | 1995–96
| align="left" | Houston
| 8 || 0 || 25.8 || .321 || .276 || .793 || 2.1 || 4.3 || .8 || .1 || 10.4
|-
| align="left" | 1997–98
| align="left" | New Jersey
| 3 || 1 || 8.7 || .333 || .000 || .000 || 1.0 || 1.7 || .0 || .3 || 2.0
|-
| align="left" | 1998–99
| align="left" | Milwaukee
| 3 || 3 || 34.0 || .500 || .000 || .875 || 2.0 || 8.7 || 1.0 || .0 || 15.3
|-
| align="left" | 1999–00
| align="left" | Milwaukee
| 5 || 5 || 35.6 || .417 || .200 || .857 || 3.4 || 9.0 || .8 || .0 || 15.8
|-
| align="left" | 2000–01
| align="left" | Milwaukee
| 18 || 18 || 37.9 || .396 || .333 || .866 || 4.6 || 6.7 || 1.1 || .2 || 17.4
|-
| align="left" | 2002–03
| align="left" | Milwaukee
| 6 || 6 || 36.2 || .470 || .524 || .933 || 3.2 || 2.7 || .5 || .2 || 17.2
|-
| align="left" | 2003–04
| align="left" | Minnesota
| 16 || 15 || 31.1 || .465 || .417 || .852 || 2.5 || 4.4 || .8 || .2 || 16.6
|-
| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | L.A. Clippers
| 12 || 12 || 33.7 || .437 || .349 || .809 || 4.0 || 5.8 || .7 || .2 || 18.0
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Boston
| 21 || 0 || 12.6 || .333 || .214 || .824 || 0.7 || 1.2 || .4 || .0 || 4.5
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 136 || 60 || 26.0 || .414 || .363 || .847 || 2.6 || 4.4 || .8 || .1 || 12.2
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player who is an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C., previously known as Washington Bullets. They play in the National Basketball Association .-Early years:...
. The , 185 lb (83.9 kg; 13.2 st) point guard
Point guard
Point guard , also called the play maker or "the ball-handler", is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. A point guard has perhaps the most specialized role of any position – essentially, he is expected to run the team's offense by controlling the ball and making sure that...
was selected out of Florida State University
Florida State University
The Florida State University is a space-grant and sea-grant public university located in Tallahassee, Florida, United States. It is a comprehensive doctoral research university with medical programs and significant research activity as determined by the Carnegie Foundation...
by the Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
with the 24th overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft
1993 NBA Draft
The 1993 NBA Draft took place on June 30, 1993 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The draft had some talented players at the top, but injuries and personal problems hurt many of them. Anfernee Hardaway, Allan Houston, and Jamal Mashburn all looked like possible Hall of Famers until their careers were cut...
. He won two NBA Championships
NBA Finals
The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association . The series was named the NBA World Championship Series until 1986....
in his first two seasons in the league as a member of the Rockets, and his third with the Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
in 2008
2008 NBA Finals
The 2008 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 2007–08 NBA season, and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. The Boston Celtics, top-seeded champions of the Eastern Conference, defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, top-seeded champions of the Western Conference, four games to two in a...
. He was selected to the NBA All-Star Game and All-NBA Team
All-NBA Team
The All-NBA Team is an annual National Basketball Association honor bestowed on the best players in the league following every NBA season. The voting is conducted by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. The team has been selected in every season of the...
once, both in the 2003–04 season. He played for the Rockets
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
, Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
, Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011...
, New Jersey Nets
New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
, Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
, Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Founded in 1989, the team is currently owned by Glen Taylor...
, Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
, and Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
.
College
After graduating from Dunbar High SchoolPaul Laurence Dunbar High School (Baltimore, Maryland)
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School is a public secondary school located in Baltimore, Maryland.-History:Dunbar opened in 1918 as the Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary School, No. 101. It was named in memory of Paul Laurence Dunbar, an African-American poet, who had died ten years earlier...
in Baltimore
Baltimore
Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
, Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
, Cassell spent a post graduate year at Maine Central Institute
Maine Central Institute
The Maine Central Institute , is an independent high school, founded in 1866, located in Pittsfield, Maine, in the United States. The school enrolls approximately 500 students. MCI is a nonsectarian institution. The school has both boarding students and day students.-History:The Maine Central...
in Pittsfield, Maine
Maine
Maine is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, New Hampshire to the west, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the northwest and New Brunswick to the northeast. Maine is both the northernmost and easternmost...
under coach Max Good
Max Good
Max Good is the head men's basketball coach at Loyola Marymount University. He was promoted from his assistant's job to replace Bill Bayno, who resigned due to illness after three games into the 2008–09 season, his first and only season with the Lions...
. From MCI, Cassell was successfully recruited to attend DePaul University
DePaul University
DePaul University is a private institution of higher education and research in Chicago, Illinois. Founded by the Vincentians in 1898, the university takes its name from the 17th century French priest Saint Vincent de Paul...
. He was declared academically ineligible based on National Collegiate Athletic Association
National Collegiate Athletic Association
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a semi-voluntary association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States...
Proposition 48 standards, and ended up starting his college career at San Jacinto College
San Jacinto College
San Jacinto College is a community college in the Greater Houston area in the U.S. state of Texas. Established in 1961, San Jacinto College originally consisted of the areas of Channelview ISD, Deer Park ISD, Galena Park ISD, La Porte ISD, and Pasadena ISD. The College now also serves Sheldon ISD,...
in Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, where he was known as a big scorer. He moved on to Florida State University
Florida State University
The Florida State University is a space-grant and sea-grant public university located in Tallahassee, Florida, United States. It is a comprehensive doctoral research university with medical programs and significant research activity as determined by the Carnegie Foundation...
for his junior and senior years. In his senior year in 1992–93, he averaged 18.3 points
Point (basketball)
Points in basketball are used to keep track of the score in a game. Points can be accumulated by making field goals or free throws ....
, 4.9 assists
Assist (basketball)
In basketball, an assist is attributed to a player who passes the ball to a teammate in a way that leads to a score by field goal, meaning that he or she was "assisting" in the basket. There is some judgment involved in deciding whether a passer should be credited with an assist...
, and 4.3 rebounds
Rebound (basketball)
A rebound in basketball is the act of successfully gaining possession of the basketball after a missed field goal or free throw. Rebounds in basketball are a routine part in the game, as all possessions change after a shot is successfully made...
per game and led the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in steals
Steal (basketball)
In basketball, a steal occurs when a defensive player legally causes a turnover by his positive, aggressive action. This can be done by deflecting and controlling, catching, or batting to a teammate a pass or dribble of an offensive player...
. Cassell and teammate Bob Sura
Bob Sura
Robert Sura Jr. is an American former professional basketball player who last played for the Houston Rockets in the NBA. At 6'5" , 200 lb , he played as a guard....
formed the highest scoring and rebounding backcourt in the nation
NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship
The NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship is a single-elimination tournament held each spring in the United States, featuring 68 college basketball teams, to determine the national championship in the top tier of college basketball...
with 38.2 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. Cassell's 1992–93 Seminoles team finished with a 25–10 record and advanced to the Elite Eight
Elite Eight
The term Elite Eight, or less commonly called "Great Eight", refers to the final eight teams in the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship or the NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championship; and, thus, represents the national quarterfinals. In Division I, the Elite Eight consists of the...
in the NCAA Tournament
1993 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament
The 1993 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament involved 64 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men's NCAA Division I college basketball. It began on March 18, 1993, and ended with the championship game on April 5 in New Orleans, Louisiana...
, where they lost to the Kentucky Wildcats.
On February 14, 2008, in a game against Wake Forest
Wake Forest Demon Deacons men's basketball
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons men's basketball team participates in the Atlantic Coast Conference and their homecourt is the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Their only Final Four appearance was in 1962 and through the years they have produced several NBA players. The Demon Deacons have...
, Cassell's jersey was retired by Florida State.
First years
Cassell was selected out of Florida State UniversityFlorida State University
The Florida State University is a space-grant and sea-grant public university located in Tallahassee, Florida, United States. It is a comprehensive doctoral research university with medical programs and significant research activity as determined by the Carnegie Foundation...
with the 24th overall pick of the 1993 NBA Draft
1993 NBA Draft
The 1993 NBA Draft took place on June 30, 1993 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The draft had some talented players at the top, but injuries and personal problems hurt many of them. Anfernee Hardaway, Allan Houston, and Jamal Mashburn all looked like possible Hall of Famers until their careers were cut...
by the Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
as eventual successor to Kenny Smith
Kenny Smith
Kenneth "The Jet" Smith is a retired National Basketball Association player and current TV basketball analyst, primarily for Inside the NBA on TNT.-Early life:...
at the point guard
Point guard
Point guard , also called the play maker or "the ball-handler", is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. A point guard has perhaps the most specialized role of any position – essentially, he is expected to run the team's offense by controlling the ball and making sure that...
position. Eventually, he split point guard duties with Smith in 1994 and 1995, his first two seasons in the league, and helped the Rockets win two NBA Championships
NBA Finals
The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association . The series was named the NBA World Championship Series until 1986....
. After the 1995–96 season, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
, along with Robert Horry
Robert Horry
Robert Keith Horry Jr. is a retired American basketball player and current sports commentator. He played 16 seasons in the National Basketball Association , winning seven championships, the most of any player not to have played on the 1960s Boston Celtics...
, Chucky Brown
Chucky Brown
Clarence "Chucky" Brown is a retired American professional basketball player.A 6'7" forward from North Carolina State, Brown was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the 1989 NBA Draft...
and Mark Bryant
Mark Bryant
Mark Craig Bryant is a retired American professional basketball player who was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1st round of the 1988 NBA Draft. Bryant played for 10 NBA teams during his career, averaging 5.4 ppg and appeared in the 1990 and 1992 NBA Finals as a member of the Blazers...
, in exchange for Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley
Charles Wade Barkley is a former American professional basketball player. Nicknamed "Sir Charles" and "The Round Mound of Rebound", Barkley established himself as one of the National Basketball Association's most dominating power forwards...
, but his tenure there was brief, as he appeared in just 22 games for the Suns.
On December 27, 1996, he was traded along with Michael Finley
Michael Finley
Michael Howard Finley is a retired American professional basketball player. He last played for the Boston Celtics of the NBA.-High school career:...
, A.C. Green
A. C. Green
A.C. Green, Jr., is a retired American NBA basketball player who played in more consecutive games than any other player in NBA and ABA history. With 1,192 straight games played, he earned the nickname "Iron Man". He played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat...
and a second-round draft pick to the Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011...
in exchange for Jason Kidd
Jason Kidd
Jason Frederick Kidd is an American professional basketball point guard who plays for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association. Raised in Oakland, California, Kidd played college basketball at the University of California, Berkeley and was drafted second overall by the Dallas...
, Tony Dumas
Tony Dumas
Tony Dumas is a retired American professional basketball player.Dumas played collegiately at the University of Missouri-Kansas City . He was the all-time leading scorer in UMKC history upon the completion of his career, with 2,459 career points. His senior season, he finished seventh in the NCAA...
and Loren Meyer
Loren Meyer
Loren Henry Meyer is a retired American professional basketball player who was selected by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1st round of the 1995 NBA Draft...
. Midway through the 1996–97 season, after appearing in 16 games for the Mavericks, he was traded with Chris Gatling
Chris Gatling
Chris Raymond Gatling is a retired American professional basketball player, having played for numerous NBA teams from 1991 to 2002...
, Jim Jackson
Jim Jackson (basketball)
James Arthur "Jim" Jackson is an American retired professional basketball player. Over his 14 NBA seasons, Jackson was on the active roster of 12 different teams, tying the league record. He is currently a basketball analyst on the Big Ten Network.-High school and college career:Jackson was a 6'6"...
, George McCloud
George McCloud
George Aaron McCloud is a retired American professional basketball player.-Early life:McCloud attended Mainland High School in Daytona Beach and Florida State University in Tallahassee.-Professional career:...
and Eric Montross
Eric Montross
Eric Scott Montross is a retired American professional basketball player who played in the NBA....
to the New Jersey Nets
New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
in exchange for Shawn Bradley
Shawn Bradley
Shawn Paul Bradley is a retired American and German basketball player who played center for the Philadelphia 76ers, the New Jersey Nets and the Dallas Mavericks in the National Basketball Association. At tall, Bradley was one of the tallest players in NBA history...
, Ed O'Bannon
Ed O'Bannon
Edward Charles O'Bannon, Jr. is a retired American basketball player, who was a power forward for the UCLA Bruins men's basketball team on their 1995 NCAA championship team, where he was known as "Ed-O"...
, Robert Pack
Robert Pack
Robert John Pack, Jr. is a retired American professional basketball player and current assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers. Nicknamed "Pac-Man", the point guard had a thirteen season career in the NBA, most notably with the Denver Nuggets.-High school and college career:Pack attended...
and Khalid Reeves
Khalid Reeves
Khalid Reeves was an American professional basketball player, selected by the Miami Heat in the first round of the 1994 NBA Draft....
on February 17, 1997. Following the season, he elected to re-sign with the Nets. Cassell lived in Teaneck, New Jersey
Teaneck, New Jersey
Teaneck is a township in Bergen County, New Jersey, and a suburb in the New York metropolitan area. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 39,776, making it the second-most populous among the 70 municipalities in Bergen County....
, which allowed him to be close to the Nets arena and to the nightlife in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
.
Milwaukee Bucks
Midway through the 1998–99 season, he was dealt again, for the fourth time in 6 seasons, in a three-way trade with the Minnesota TimberwolvesMinnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Founded in 1989, the team is currently owned by Glen Taylor...
, which sent him to the Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
along with Brian Evans
Brian Evans (basketball)
Brian Keith Evans is an American professional basketball player who has formerly played in the NBA. A 6'8" and 220 lb forward, he played high school basketball at Terre Haute South, Indiana; Evans attended Indiana University from 1991–96, and played for the Hoosiers from 1992–96. Evans...
, Chris Gatling
Chris Gatling
Chris Raymond Gatling is a retired American professional basketball player, having played for numerous NBA teams from 1991 to 2002...
, a 1999 first-round draft pick
1999 NBA Draft
The 1999 NBA Draft was held on June 30, 1999 at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C. It was the first draft in which four players from the same college were picked in the first round, with Elton Brand , Trajan Langdon , Corey Maggette and William Avery being selected out of Duke University...
and a future first-round draft pick on March 11, 1999. On March 3, 2001, he scored his career-high of 40 points against the Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
. During All-Star Weekend
NBA All-Star Weekend
The National Basketball Association holds an All-Star Weekend every February, the festival has a variety of basketball-related events, exhibitions, and performances culminating in the NBA All-Star Game held on Sunday night.-The All-Star Game:...
in 2001
2001 NBA All-Star Game
The 2001 NBA All-Star Game was a basketball matchup between the Eastern and Western Conference All-Stars of the NBA. It was held in front of a sellout crowd at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C. This was the 50th edition of the annual event....
, he won the Fleer
Fleer
The Fleer Corporation, founded by Frank H. Fleer in 1885, was the first company to successfully manufacture bubblegum; it remained a family-owned enterprise until it was taken private in 1989....
Shootout at Jam Session on All-Star Saturday. He almost reached the NBA Finals
NBA Finals
The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association . The series was named the NBA World Championship Series until 1986....
with the Bucks in 2001, falling just short when they lost in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . Originally known as the Syracuse Nationals, they are one of the oldest franchises in the NBA...
. During the 2002–03 season, he passed 10,000 points for his career.
Minnesota Timberwolves
After spending 4 seasons with the Bucks, he was traded along with Ervin JohnsonErvin Johnson
Ervin Johnson is an American former professional basketball center who played in the National Basketball Association from 1993 to 2006.-Professional career:...
to the Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Founded in 1989, the team is currently owned by Glen Taylor...
in exchange for Joe Smith and Anthony Peeler
Anthony Peeler
Anthony Eugene Peeler is a retired American professional basketball player, having played for a number of NBA teams from 1992 to 2005...
following the 2002–03 season. He arguably had his best season in 2003–04, when he was named to the All-NBA Second Team
All-NBA Team
The All-NBA Team is an annual National Basketball Association honor bestowed on the best players in the league following every NBA season. The voting is conducted by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. The team has been selected in every season of the...
and All-Interview Second Team, and voted into the 2004 NBA All-Star Game
2004 NBA All-Star Game
The 2004 National Basketball Association All-Star Game was played on February 15, 2004 in front of an attendance of 19,662 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, home of the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers...
. He helped the Timberwolves to reach the 2004 Western Conference Finals
2004 NBA Playoffs
The 2004 NBA Playoffs were the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2003–04 season. Consisting of 16 teams in two conferences, the playoffs involved about two months of play. The playoffs were conducted in seven-game series, with the team with the better record holding home court...
.
Los Angeles Clippers
After the 2004–05 season, the Timberwolves traded him and a conditional first-round pick to the Los Angeles ClippersLos Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
in exchange for Marko Jaric
Marko Jaric
Marko Jarić is a Serbian professional basketball player. He is married to Brazilian model Adriana Lima.-Pro career:...
and Lionel Chalmers
Lionel Chalmers
Lionel Chalmers, Jr. is an American professional basketball player. He is 6'0" in height and he weighs 180 pounds . He plays at the point guard position.-Amateur career:...
. Cassell appeared to have found a home with the Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
, as he led them to the Western Conference
Western Conference (NBA)
Below is a list of current Western Conference NBA team rosters.-Western Conference:There are a total of 15 teams in the Western Conference. The current leading team of the Western conference are the Dallas Mavericks....
Semifinals in the 2006 Playoffs
2006 NBA Playoffs
The 2006 NBA Playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2005–06 season. The Miami Heat won the first championship in the history of the franchise by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 4-2 in the 2006 NBA Finals...
. In the First Round, they beat the Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams...
in five games, but would eventually fall to the Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
in 7 games. Before the 2006–07 season, Cassell was tempted to take a two-year, $15M offer from the Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association .-The first years:...
, but eventually re-signed with the Clippers on a two-year, $13M deal.
Throughout the 2007–08 season, it had been rumored that Cassell would get bought out of his contract with the Clippers, especially after they let the trade deadline pass without dealing him. Cassell first denied that he was pushing strongly towards a buyout, but eventually acknowledged his buyout talks with the Clippers. On February 26, 2008, it was reported that the Clippers would officially announce the buyout later that day, but that did not happen, and only some days later the interests of both parties were reported to be far apart. Cassell would have to walk away from all of his remaining salary to receive a buyout, and initially was not ready to do so. But on February 28, 2008, the Clippers reached a contractual buyout agreement with Cassell and placed him on waivers. According to the agreement, Cassell received half of his remaining salary, roughly $850,000.
Boston Celtics
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011...
, Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams...
and Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
were interested in his services, he was strongly linked with a poised move to the Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
and was expected to be in Boston once he cleared waivers. On March 1, 2008, Cassell's agent
Sports agent
A sports agent procures and negotiates employment and endorsement contracts for an athlete.In return, the sports agent generally receives between 4 and 10% of the athlete's playing contract, and 10 to 20% of the athlete's endorsement contract, though these figures vary...
, David Falk
David Falk
David B. Falk is an American sports agent who primarily works with basketball players in the National Basketball Association. Falk began his career representing professional tennis players for Donald Dell's ProServ and is best known for representing sports icon Michael Jordan for the entirety of...
, confirmed that Cassell would sign a contract with the Celtics for the remainder of the season if he cleared waivers, receiving a prorated amount of the veteran minimum of $1.2M. Cassell said that he would wear either No. 28 or No. 91 on his jersey, and eventually chose No. 28.
According to his agent
Sports agent
A sports agent procures and negotiates employment and endorsement contracts for an athlete.In return, the sports agent generally receives between 4 and 10% of the athlete's playing contract, and 10 to 20% of the athlete's endorsement contract, though these figures vary...
, Cassell had signed a contract with the Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
on March 3, 2008, but the signing was pending an official league announcement. His arrival was delayed because of a death in his family. On March 4, 2008, Cassell officially signed with the Celtics, but immediately flew back to his hometown of Baltimore to attend funeral services for his deceased family member. He made his debut against the Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . Originally known as the Syracuse Nationals, they are one of the oldest franchises in the NBA...
on March 10, 2008.
On March 17, 2008, Cassell had a standout performance in a Saint Patrick's Day
Saint Patrick's Day
Saint Patrick's Day is a religious holiday celebrated internationally on 17 March. It commemorates Saint Patrick , the most commonly recognised of the patron saints of :Ireland, and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. It is observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion , the Eastern...
matchup against the San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
, when he led the team from a 22-point deficit to a 2-point victory, scoring 17 points and hitting a clutch shot late in the game.
On March 28, 2008, Cassell was honored as one of the 20 greatest players in Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
history during the team's 40th Anniversary Team Celebration, but could not attend the festivities because of the Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
' game against the New Orleans Hornets.
On February 17, 2009 Cassell was traded to the Sacramento Kings for a conditional second-round draft pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. One day later, Kings waived Cassell, along with Quincy Douby
Quincy Douby
Quincy Douby is an Haitian-American professional basketball player who last played for the Xinjiang Flying Tigers. At 6'3", 175 lb, Douby played shooting guard for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights...
, in order to make room for the players acquired in the Miller/Salmons to the Bulls trade.
Assistant Coach
On May 21, 2009, Cassell was named assistant coach under Flip SaundersFlip Saunders
Phillip "Flip" Saunders is an American basketball head coach of the Washington Wizards. He previously coached the Detroit Pistons and the Minnesota Timberwolves.-High school and college player:Saunders was born in Cincinnati, Ohio....
of the Washington Wizards.
Personality
Cassell is known for his feistiness and outgoing personality. He was one of the Milwaukee BucksMilwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
' "Big Three", alongside Ray Allen
Ray Allen
Walter Ray Allen is an American professional basketball player who is currently playing for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association. He has played professionally for the Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle SuperSonics, and the Boston Celtics; and collegiately for the University of...
and Glenn Robinson
Glenn Robinson
Glenn A. "Big Dog" Robinson is a retired American professional basketball player in the NBA. He last played during the 2004–05 season.-Early life:...
, that reached the Eastern Conference
Eastern Conference (NBA)
The Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association is made up of fifteen teams, organized in three divisions of five teams each.The three division winners and the non-division winner with the best record are seeded 1 through 4 for the playoffs in order of their records, with all...
Finals
NBA Finals
The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association . The series was named the NBA World Championship Series until 1986....
in 2001. In Minnesota
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Founded in 1989, the team is currently owned by Glen Taylor...
, he was an integral part of the team, as he and his teammates were led by 2003–04 MVP
NBA Most Valuable Player Award
The National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player is an annual National Basketball Association award given since the 1955–56 NBA season. The winner receives the Maurice Podoloff Trophy, which is named in honor of the first commissioner of the NBA who served from 1946 until his retirement...
Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett
Kevin Maurice Garnett is an American professional basketball player who currently plays power forward for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association . After a high school basketball career at Farragut Career Academy which included winning a national player of the year award, he...
to the 2004 Western Conference
Western Conference (NBA)
Below is a list of current Western Conference NBA team rosters.-Western Conference:There are a total of 15 teams in the Western Conference. The current leading team of the Western conference are the Dallas Mavericks....
Finals for the first time in franchise history. Coincidentally, both Allen and Garnett, alongside resident star Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce
Paul Anthony Pierce , nicknamed The Truth, is an American professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics of the NBA. He earned First Team All-America honors in his junior year at Kansas, and has been a starter every season since being selected by the Celtics with the 10th overall pick in the...
, would become Cassell's teammates with the Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
, and helped them win the 2008 NBA Finals
2008 NBA Finals
The 2008 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 2007–08 NBA season, and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. The Boston Celtics, top-seeded champions of the Eastern Conference, defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, top-seeded champions of the Western Conference, four games to two in a...
.
Media
Cassell appeared on TNTTurner Network Television
Turner Network Television is an American cable television channel created by media mogul Ted Turner and currently owned by the Turner Broadcasting System division of Time Warner...
's NBA Fundamentals series, in which basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
players describe certain aspects of the game. He was chosen to illustrate the "mid-range game", i.e. shooting from the area around the free throw
Free throw
In basketball, free throws or foul shots are unopposed attempts to score points from a restricted area on the court , and are generally awarded after a foul on the shooter by the opposing team...
line, the paint, the wings and the baseline. In this clip, Cassell explains how to post up against opposing guards, shoot pull-up jump shots and hit buzzer beater
Buzzer beater
In basketball, a buzzer beater is a shot taken just before the game clock of a period expires, when the buzzer sounds. The term is normally reserved for baskets that win or tie the game, but also refers to shots that beat an end-of-quarter or halftime buzzer...
s. He admires retired NBA
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
players Terrell Brandon
Terrell Brandon
Thomas Terrell Brandon is a retired American professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association . Terrell was known throughout his 10-year career for his passing ability and stealing skills.-Early life:...
and Jeff Hornacek
Jeff Hornacek
Jeffrey John Hornacek is a retired American basketball player who played at the shooting guard position in the NBA from 1986–2000.-Elementary and high school:...
, two prolific mid-range shooters after whom he modeled his game.
NBA career statistics
|-| align="left" | 1993–94
| align="left" | Houston
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
| 66 || 6 || 17.0 || .418 || .295 || .841 || 2.0 || 2.9 || .9 || 0.1 || 6.7
|-
| align="left" | 1994–95
| align="left" | Houston
| 82 || 1 || 23.0 || .427 || .330 || .843 || 2.6 || 4.9 || 1.2 || .2 || 9.5
|-
| align="left" | 1995–96
| align="left" | Houston
| 61 || 0 || 27.6 || .439 || .348 || .825 || 3.1 || 4.6 || .9 || 0.1 || 14.5
|-
| align="left" | 1996–97
| align="left" | Phoenix
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
| 22 || 9 || 24.5 || .415 || .306 || .855 || 2.3 || 4.5 || 1.0 || .3 || 14.8
|-
| align="left" | 1996–97
| align="left" | Dallas
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011...
| 16 || 13 || 24.9 || .424 || .306 || .840 || 3.1 || 3.6 || 1.1 || .4 || 12.3
|-
| align="left" | 1996–97
| align="left" | New Jersey
New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
| 23 || 22 || 33.8 || .443 || .392 || .831 || 3.6 || 6.5 || 1.6 || .3 || 19.3
|-
| align="left" | 1997–98
| align="left" | New Jersey
| 75 || 72 || 34.7 || .441 || .188 || .860 || 3.0 || 8.0 || 1.6 || .3 || 19.6
|-
| align="left" | 1998–99
| align="left" | New Jersey
| 4 || 3 || 25.0 || .429 || .143 || .935 || 1.5 || 4.8 || .8 || .0 || 18.0
|-
| align="left" | 1998–99
| align="left" | Milwaukee
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
| 4 || 0 || 24.8 || .409 || .333 || .947 || 2.3 || 4.3 || 1.5 || .0 || 13.8
|-
| align="left" | 1999–00
| align="left" | Milwaukee
| 81 || 81 || 35.8 || .466 || .289 || .876 || 3.7 || 9.0 || 1.3 || .1 || 18.6
|-
| align="left" | 2000–01
| align="left" | Milwaukee
| 76 || 75 || 35.6 || .474 || .306 || .858 || 3.8 || 7.6 || 1.2 || .1 || 18.2
|-
| align="left" | 2001–02
| align="left" | Milwaukee
| 74 || 73 || 35.2 || .463 || .348 || .860 || 4.2 || 6.7 || 1.2 || .2 || 19.7
|-
| align="left" | 2002–03
| align="left" | Milwaukee
| 78 || 77 || 34.6 || .470 || .362 || .861 || 4.4 || 5.8 || 1.1 || .2 || 19.7
|-
| align="left" | 2003–04
| align="left" | Minnesota
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Founded in 1989, the team is currently owned by Glen Taylor...
| 81 || 81 || 35.0 || .488 || .398 || .873 || 3.3 || 7.3 || 1.3 || .2 || 19.8
|-
| align="left" | 2004–05
| align="left" | Minnesota
| 59 || 38 || 25.8 || .464 || .262 || .865 || 2.7 || 5.1 || .6 || .2 || 13.5
|-
| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | L.A. Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
| 78 || 75 || 34.0 || .443 || .368 || .863 || 3.7 || 6.3 || 1.0 || .1 || 17.2
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | L.A. Clippers
| 58 || 30 || 24.3 || .418 || .294 || .879 || 2.9 || 4.7 || .5 || .1 || 12.3
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | L.A. Clippers
| 38 || 33 || 25.7 || .455 || .259 || .891 || 2.8 || 4.7 || .7 || .1 || 12.8
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Boston
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
| 17 || 1 || 17.6 || .385 || .409 || .840 || 1.8 || 2.1 || .5 || .2 || 7.6
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 993 || 690 || 30.0 || .454 || .331 || .861 || 3.2 || 6.0 || 1.1 || .1 || 15.7
|-
| align="left" | All-Star
| align="left" |
| 1 || 0 || 13.0 || .667 || .000 || .000 || 1.0 || 7.0 || 1.0 || 0.0 || 4.0
Playoffs
|-| align="left" | 1993–94
1994 NBA Playoffs
The 1994 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1993-94 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets defeating the Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals...
| align="left" | Houston
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
| 22 || 0 || 21.7 || .394 || .378 || 865 || 2.7 || 4.2 || 1.0 || .2 || 9.4
|-
| align="left" | 1994–95
1995 NBA Playoffs
The 1995 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1994-1995 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets winning their second consecutive NBA championship by defeating the Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic...
| align="left" | Houston
| 22 || 0 || 22.0 || .438 || .400 || .835 || 1.9 || 4.0 || 1.0 || .1 || 11.0
|-
| align="left" | 1995–96
1996 NBA Playoffs
The 1996 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1995-1996 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their first NBA championship in three years by defeating the Western Conference champion Seattle...
| align="left" | Houston
| 8 || 0 || 25.8 || .321 || .276 || .793 || 2.1 || 4.3 || .8 || .1 || 10.4
|-
| align="left" | 1997–98
1998 NBA Playoffs
The 1998 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1997-98 NBA season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their sixth championship of the decade by defeating the Western Conference champion Utah Jazz four...
| align="left" | New Jersey
New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
| 3 || 1 || 8.7 || .333 || .000 || .000 || 1.0 || 1.7 || .0 || .3 || 2.0
|-
| align="left" | 1998–99
1999 NBA Playoffs
The 1999 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1998-99 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs by defeating the eighth-seeded Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks four games to one...
| align="left" | Milwaukee
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
| 3 || 3 || 34.0 || .500 || .000 || .875 || 2.0 || 8.7 || 1.0 || .0 || 15.3
|-
| align="left" | 1999–00
2000 NBA Playoffs
The 2000 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1999–2000 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers win their first championship in twelve years by defeating the Eastern Conference champion Indiana Pacers...
| align="left" | Milwaukee
| 5 || 5 || 35.6 || .417 || .200 || .857 || 3.4 || 9.0 || .8 || .0 || 15.8
|-
| align="left" | 2000–01
2001 NBA Playoffs
The 2001 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2000–01 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers winning their second consecutive championship by defeating the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers...
| align="left" | Milwaukee
| 18 || 18 || 37.9 || .396 || .333 || .866 || 4.6 || 6.7 || 1.1 || .2 || 17.4
|-
| align="left" | 2002–03
2003 NBA Playoffs
The 2003 NBA playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2002-03 NBA season. This postseason was notable for being the first time all series were conducted in a best-of-7 format. It was also the only time in playoff history that no team was swept in a first-round series....
| align="left" | Milwaukee
| 6 || 6 || 36.2 || .470 || .524 || .933 || 3.2 || 2.7 || .5 || .2 || 17.2
|-
| align="left" | 2003–04
2004 NBA Playoffs
The 2004 NBA Playoffs were the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2003–04 season. Consisting of 16 teams in two conferences, the playoffs involved about two months of play. The playoffs were conducted in seven-game series, with the team with the better record holding home court...
| align="left" | Minnesota
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Founded in 1989, the team is currently owned by Glen Taylor...
| 16 || 15 || 31.1 || .465 || .417 || .852 || 2.5 || 4.4 || .8 || .2 || 16.6
|-
| align="left" | 2005–06
2006 NBA Playoffs
The 2006 NBA Playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2005–06 season. The Miami Heat won the first championship in the history of the franchise by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 4-2 in the 2006 NBA Finals...
| align="left" | L.A. Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
| 12 || 12 || 33.7 || .437 || .349 || .809 || 4.0 || 5.8 || .7 || .2 || 18.0
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
2008 NBA Playoffs
The 2008 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2007–08 season which ended with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers 4–2....
| align="left" | Boston
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
| 21 || 0 || 12.6 || .333 || .214 || .824 || 0.7 || 1.2 || .4 || .0 || 4.5
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 136 || 60 || 26.0 || .414 || .363 || .847 || 2.6 || 4.4 || .8 || .1 || 12.2
External links
- Sam Cassell at ESPN.comESPN.comESPN.com is the official website of ESPN and a division of ESPN Inc. Since launching in 1995 as ESPNet.SportsZone.com, the website has developed numerous sections including: Page 2, SportsNation, ESPN 3.com, ESPN Motion, My ESPN, ESPN Sports Travel, ESPN Video Games, ESPN Insider, ESPN.com's...
- Sam Cassell Pictures – Clippers Topbuzz
- ClutchFans.net Sam Cassell Profile – Houston Rockets Fan Site