On back-to-back nights this week, the Boston Celtics guard came off the bench and provided instant offense in a pair of victories. Robinson, acquired from the New York Knicks on Feb. 18, had 14 points in 15 minutes against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night, then scored 16 points in 21 minutes against the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday night.
“That’s Nate,’’ said Coach Doc Rivers after his team’s 104-80 victory over the Bobcats at the TD Garden. “Nate’s going to do that. He’s our X-factor in a lot of ways. I don’t know if we need him to play great to win, but I know when he plays great, it’s tough for us to lose.”
“Nate’s pure energy,’’ Kevin Garnett said. “I’ve said from Day One that we hated to lose E-House, but not only is he pure energy, he’s good energy. He’s almost like fresh air. He fits right in on our team.
LINK
When you see the word X-factor, it's difficult not to think of Stephon Marbury, who was acquired this time last year. Marbury wasn't an unmitigated failure, but he was less productive and more disappointing than Sam Cassell in 2008, and that says a lot.
The Boston Celtics' second unit looks like it's own team again for the first time since early in the season when the bench was scoring 50 points a game, sometimes outscoring the first unit and even outplaying them.
Having a bench that plays together is huge. Bringing in random pieces-parts off the pine is really just another way of saying "hold the fort, guys. That's all we expect." When a bench comes together and develops its own identity, the message is different: "OK, boys. Go have at it. Wreak some havoc. Leave some destruction in your wake."
Showing posts with label Sam Cassell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sam Cassell. Show all posts
2.25.2009
KG Reflects on his Chemistry with Marbury & Cassell
"The chemistry Steph and I share is probably basketball. It's the (chemistry) I've shared with Spree (Latrell Sprewell). The ones I've shared with Sam Cassell and Sam Mitchell. It's an untalked about chemistry. It's one of those things that just happen. The moons align correctly, things happen. And I don't think he's made that connection with anybody else. I sacrificed. He sacrificed. We made it work."
St. Paul Pioneer Press (MN)
March 27, 2006
St. Paul Pioneer Press (MN)
March 27, 2006
3.07.2008
The Writing is on the Wall
Boston's evolving maturity level was even more honed Wednesday night as the C's took control early and then didn't hang their heads when the Pistons closed the third quarter with a 7-0 run to tie it entering the fourth. As the final 12 minutes played out, the Celtics reasserted themselves (with the help of some dubious calls that went against Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess) while the Pistons looked lost on offense; they failed to move the ball and failed to get stops that would have kept them in striking range when the game got to the final two minutes.
"Part of the problem is that when things start going south, our guys think they can do it by themselves," Detroit coach Flip Saunders lamented. "But we don't have those types of players. Our players are geared toward somebody making a play for somebody else. That's how this team has been built. It hasn't been built on a superstar carrying us down the stretch."
Wallace's composure was near the breaking point as he practically dared the officials to give him a technical foul after the outcome had been decided, and Chauncey Billups' composure was lacking, too, when he picked up a fourth-quarter technical foul (coaches always tell players that if they're going to get a tech for complaining, don't do it in the fourth quarter) for arguing a chippy reach-in call.
The composure on the other side was an entirely different story, and it wasn't just coming from the three guys you expect it from -- Garnett (31 points, six rebounds, three assists), Paul Pierce (16 points, five assists) or Ray Allen (whose tireless defense on Rip Hamilton was one of the keys to the game that didn't show up in the stat sheet). Some of it came from point guard Rajon Rondo, whose emphatic driving one-handed dunk midway though the third quarter "brought the roof off the building," as Garnett said, and plenty of it came from Kendrick Perkins, who grabbed 20 rebounds, scored 10 points and blocked two shots in 33 rugged minutes.
You didn't hear anyone talking afterward about how Sam Cassell and P.J. Brown are really going to help this team, because in all honesty, the Celtics -- at least on this night -- didn't look like they needed either of them.
--From the Daily Dime
Barring injury, I expect this story to repeat itself from now until the next banner is hoisted. The Celtics will only get better once PJ and Sam are integrated. As Cassell himself said, the writing is on the wall.
3.04.2008
Cassell in Minnesota: What Went Wrong
During the summer of 2004, Cassell used his All-NBA selection as a bargaining chip to try and get a contract extension, even though under his then current contract Cassell was signed through 2006.
When McHale refused to renegotiate, Cassell threatened to sit out the entire season or at least until the Wolves came to the bargaining table.
Cassell then skipped the opening day of training camp in protest over McHale's failure to renegotiate.
Meanwhile, Latrell Sprewell was offered a 3-year, $21-million contract extension, which he declined, saying that amount wasn't enough to feed his family.
Once the regular season began, it was obvious to everyone that the on-court chemistry had clearly disappeared. The Wolves got off to a disappointing .500 start after 20 games.
The first half of Cassell's season was marred by injuries, and neither Cassell nor Sprewell appeared to play with any fire.
Sprewell and Cassell were soon met with boos by fans during home games at the Target Center.
In December and January Wally Szczerbiak and Troy Hudson began demanding more PT.
The Wolves were still hovering around .500 after 40 games, and were only 5-11 against the Eastern Conference after racking up an impressive 24-6 mark the previous year.
McHale fired Flip Saunders in February, and moved Cassell to the bench. Sam's play deteriorated even more.
Local papers criticized Cassell for being a liability on defense and someone who took ill-advised shots on offense.
After the season, McHale shipped Cassell to Los Angeles for Marko Jaric and Lionel Chalmers
When McHale refused to renegotiate, Cassell threatened to sit out the entire season or at least until the Wolves came to the bargaining table.
Cassell then skipped the opening day of training camp in protest over McHale's failure to renegotiate.
Meanwhile, Latrell Sprewell was offered a 3-year, $21-million contract extension, which he declined, saying that amount wasn't enough to feed his family.
Once the regular season began, it was obvious to everyone that the on-court chemistry had clearly disappeared. The Wolves got off to a disappointing .500 start after 20 games.
The first half of Cassell's season was marred by injuries, and neither Cassell nor Sprewell appeared to play with any fire.
Sprewell and Cassell were soon met with boos by fans during home games at the Target Center.
In December and January Wally Szczerbiak and Troy Hudson began demanding more PT.
The Wolves were still hovering around .500 after 40 games, and were only 5-11 against the Eastern Conference after racking up an impressive 24-6 mark the previous year.
McHale fired Flip Saunders in February, and moved Cassell to the bench. Sam's play deteriorated even more.
Local papers criticized Cassell for being a liability on defense and someone who took ill-advised shots on offense.
After the season, McHale shipped Cassell to Los Angeles for Marko Jaric and Lionel Chalmers
Cassell in Minnesota: What Went Right
After the 2002-03 NBA season, Minnesota Timberwolves executive Kevin McHale traded Joe Smith and Anthony Peeler to the Milwaukee Bucks for Sam Cassell and Ervin Johnson.
Cassell was installed as starting point guard. Along with Kevin Garnett and Latrell Sprewell, Cassell led the Wolves to a 37-15 start.
The day before the reserves were named to the Western Conference All-Star Team, Cassell scored 15 fourth quarter points in helping the Timberwolves overcome an 18-point deficit. It was the 12th time that season Cassell had hit double-figures in the fourth quarter.
The win made the Wolves 24-5 since the beginning of December, and was their 12th straight at home.
The NBA honored Cassell by naming him as an All-Star Reserve.
The Wolves finished the season 58-24, earning the top seed in the Western Conference.
Minnesota defeated Denver 4-1 in the first round, with Cassell scoring 40 in the opening-game victory and 26 in the game-five finale
Cassell then injured both his hip and back in next round against Sacramento, and was almost totally ineffective against Los Angeles in the Western Conference Finals, where the Wolves went on to lose in 6.
Cassell was installed as starting point guard. Along with Kevin Garnett and Latrell Sprewell, Cassell led the Wolves to a 37-15 start.
The day before the reserves were named to the Western Conference All-Star Team, Cassell scored 15 fourth quarter points in helping the Timberwolves overcome an 18-point deficit. It was the 12th time that season Cassell had hit double-figures in the fourth quarter.
The win made the Wolves 24-5 since the beginning of December, and was their 12th straight at home.
The NBA honored Cassell by naming him as an All-Star Reserve.
The Wolves finished the season 58-24, earning the top seed in the Western Conference.
Minnesota defeated Denver 4-1 in the first round, with Cassell scoring 40 in the opening-game victory and 26 in the game-five finale
Cassell then injured both his hip and back in next round against Sacramento, and was almost totally ineffective against Los Angeles in the Western Conference Finals, where the Wolves went on to lose in 6.
In June Cassell was named second-team All-NBA.
2.29.2008
Falk Plays the Brand Card
As everyone familiar with the situation knew, the Los Angeles Clippers' negotiations with Cassell had hit a snag. Donald Sterling was willing to let Cassell out of his contract, but only if he forfeited the remaining $1.7m left on his contract.
Trying to get Sterling over the hump, Elgion Baylor and others expressed concern about how much effort Cassell, who had missed four games because of a sprained right wrist, would put forth if the Clippers forced him to play out the season in LA.
More importantly, Cassell’s agent David Falk made clear that by taking a hard stance on the Cassell negotiations the Clippers might hurt negotiations with forward Elton Brand, who can opt out of his contract after this season and is also represented by Falk, the LA Times is reporting today.
Miraculously, Mr. Sterling came to his senses, though he didn’t have the cajones to announce the settlement himself. He left that task to Baylor.
"After weighing all of the options and after conversations with Sam we believe this is the best solution for this team," said Baylor, vice president of basketball operations. "We know and appreciate the many contributions Sam made during the last three years, and we wish him nothing but the best."
People laughed when Falk set a deadline for Sterling to pony up Cassell’s walking papers. What leverage, they asked, did Falk have for making demands on Sterling, given that his client was under a binding legal contract?
Well, we now know the answer.
Falk played the Brand card.
Trying to get Sterling over the hump, Elgion Baylor and others expressed concern about how much effort Cassell, who had missed four games because of a sprained right wrist, would put forth if the Clippers forced him to play out the season in LA.
More importantly, Cassell’s agent David Falk made clear that by taking a hard stance on the Cassell negotiations the Clippers might hurt negotiations with forward Elton Brand, who can opt out of his contract after this season and is also represented by Falk, the LA Times is reporting today.
Miraculously, Mr. Sterling came to his senses, though he didn’t have the cajones to announce the settlement himself. He left that task to Baylor.
"After weighing all of the options and after conversations with Sam we believe this is the best solution for this team," said Baylor, vice president of basketball operations. "We know and appreciate the many contributions Sam made during the last three years, and we wish him nothing but the best."
People laughed when Falk set a deadline for Sterling to pony up Cassell’s walking papers. What leverage, they asked, did Falk have for making demands on Sterling, given that his client was under a binding legal contract?
Well, we now know the answer.
Falk played the Brand card.
2.28.2008
Will Sam Clear Waivers?
I’m still of the opinion that the Clippers and Cassell will come to terms before the looming deadline.
But that’s not the end of the drama.
As some observers have pointed out, there are several teams with room to offer the Alien more money than the Celtics. The problem is that all of those teams are in the West and none of them—Dallas and Phoenix, to name two-- appear to be leading candidates to get to the Finals.
So the question, then, becomes not whether Dallas or Phoenix might claim Cassell off waivers, but whether Cassell would agree to play for those teams after being claimed.
I imagine it going something like this:
Mark Cuban: Good morning, David. I see that your client, Sam Cassell, has been bought out and released by the Clippers. We’d like to sign him.
David Falk: Good morning, Mark. Sam doesn’t want to play for Dallas. He wants to play for Boston.
Mark Cuban: Ok. But I think we’re going to claim him anyway.
David Falk: You’re going to force a player to play for you, even though he’s told you he doesn’t want to?
Mark Cuban: He’s a professional. He’ll step up to the plate.
David Falk: No he won’t. He won’t report. Not only that, you will have violated the trust of all the other owners by not letting him clear waivers. I would expect retribution at some point in the future. And don't forget that you forcing Cassell to play for you will be advertised to every other player in the league. Not such a good advertisement.
Hopefully that would end it.
But that’s not the end of the drama.
As some observers have pointed out, there are several teams with room to offer the Alien more money than the Celtics. The problem is that all of those teams are in the West and none of them—Dallas and Phoenix, to name two-- appear to be leading candidates to get to the Finals.
So the question, then, becomes not whether Dallas or Phoenix might claim Cassell off waivers, but whether Cassell would agree to play for those teams after being claimed.
I imagine it going something like this:
Mark Cuban: Good morning, David. I see that your client, Sam Cassell, has been bought out and released by the Clippers. We’d like to sign him.
David Falk: Good morning, Mark. Sam doesn’t want to play for Dallas. He wants to play for Boston.
Mark Cuban: Ok. But I think we’re going to claim him anyway.
David Falk: You’re going to force a player to play for you, even though he’s told you he doesn’t want to?
Mark Cuban: He’s a professional. He’ll step up to the plate.
David Falk: No he won’t. He won’t report. Not only that, you will have violated the trust of all the other owners by not letting him clear waivers. I would expect retribution at some point in the future. And don't forget that you forcing Cassell to play for you will be advertised to every other player in the league. Not such a good advertisement.
Hopefully that would end it.
Subsidizing Sam
The Sam Cassell deadline is drawing near. If Sam and Sterling haven’t come to terms by 9 p.m. tomorrow night, my understanding is that Cassell would not be eligible for the Celtics playoff roster.
Question:
If Sterling continues to be an ass by allowing Cassell to go but not offering him one red cent in the form of a buy out, I wonder if KG, the Truth, and Jesus would throw some money into the kitty to make up the difference?
It wouldn’t surprise me.
Question:
If Sterling continues to be an ass by allowing Cassell to go but not offering him one red cent in the form of a buy out, I wonder if KG, the Truth, and Jesus would throw some money into the kitty to make up the difference?
It wouldn’t surprise me.
2.26.2008
Mavs in Hunt for Barry, Cassell, Magloire
The Dallas Mavericks have made their pitch to Brent Barry. And Jamaal Magloire. And probably Justin Williams and another free agent or two.
Soon to come: Perhaps a run at Sam Cassell .
Today, the decisions start to come.
Magloire will clear waivers today, and he's believed to be No. 1 on the list of big men the Mavericks would like to add.
But the possibility of adding Cassell, the veteran guard who apparently is close to a buyout with the Los Angeles Clippers, is intriguing. He would give the Mavericks a respected backup to Jason Kidd. Cassell also has made a slew of clutch shots throughout his career.
Soon to come: Perhaps a run at Sam Cassell .
Today, the decisions start to come.
Magloire will clear waivers today, and he's believed to be No. 1 on the list of big men the Mavericks would like to add.
But the possibility of adding Cassell, the veteran guard who apparently is close to a buyout with the Los Angeles Clippers, is intriguing. He would give the Mavericks a respected backup to Jason Kidd. Cassell also has made a slew of clutch shots throughout his career.
Cassell, Clippers Closing in on a Dollar Figure
Los Angeles Times
Copyright 2008 Los Angeles Times
February 26, 2008
Section: Sports
CLIPPERS REPORT
"Both parties are getting to a number and saying, 'OK, this is what we'll do it for.' I just want to be treated fairly."
"We have to do what we feel is best for the team," said Elgin Baylor, the Clippers' vice president of basketball operations, who otherwise did not want to discuss the matter in any detail.
A goodwill gesture, on the Clippers' part, could be a factor in Cassell's contract being bought out. Two years ago, Cassell was a catalyst with his play and leadership in guiding the Clippers to their first playoff berth in nine years. The Clippers reached the Western Conference semi-finals, the deepest the franchise ever had advanced in the playoffs.
"We had the best Clippers season ever, with him at the helm,'' Clippers forward Elton Brand said. "Whatever happens, he deserves.'' Dunleavy did not want to talk on the record regarding the Cassell situation, but Cassell said he and Dunleavy have talked. Cassell said that his belief is that if the decision entirely was up to Dunleavy, that a buyout already would have been consummated.
2.25.2008
Apparent Disconnect between Cassell, Agent
From the Orange County Register
Cassell was mum on any progress made concerning the negotiation of the Clippers buying out the remaining portion of his contract. Cassell's agent, David Falk, attended Friday night's game against Utah but had little to say before and after the game.
"I think he left town (Sunday) morning," Cassell said.
When asked if Falk has made any progress in talks with the Clippers, Cassell said, "I don't know what David's doing."
The Celtics are the team Cassell would most want to sign with, should a buyout occur. But time is crucial because he must be on another roster by March 1 to be eligible for the playoffs. Once a buyout is finalized, Cassell still would have to sit through a 48-hour period to clear waivers
Cassell was mum on any progress made concerning the negotiation of the Clippers buying out the remaining portion of his contract. Cassell's agent, David Falk, attended Friday night's game against Utah but had little to say before and after the game.
"I think he left town (Sunday) morning," Cassell said.
When asked if Falk has made any progress in talks with the Clippers, Cassell said, "I don't know what David's doing."
The Celtics are the team Cassell would most want to sign with, should a buyout occur. But time is crucial because he must be on another roster by March 1 to be eligible for the playoffs. Once a buyout is finalized, Cassell still would have to sit through a 48-hour period to clear waivers
2.24.2008
Feeling is that Cassell will Get Bought Out
Clippers notebook
Cassell might be bought out
By Joe Stevens, Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 02/24/2008 10:55:19 PM PST
One day after the Clippers let the trading deadline pass without dealing 38-year-old Sam Cassell, the veteran was scratched from Friday night's game against Utah with a sprained right wrist.
Cassell wore a brace on the wrist, got an X-ray, which came back negative, and said he would try to play in tonight's game against the Lakers. But the way he described his injury, it sounded unlikely that he'd be able to play.
"It's bad," he said. "I can't dribble a ball now."
Cassell hurt the wrist when falling on a TV camera in the Clippers' victory over Memphis on Wednesday night. He only played 14 minutes in that game because of the injury.
In the background of all of this is the fact that Cassell wants to be bought out of his contract so he can join a contender. The clock is ticking on that possibility because if a player joins a team after March1, he is ineligible to play in the postseason.
Over the past few days, Cassell has not come out and flat-out said that's what he wants. But earlier this season, he said he'd be a good fit with the Boston Celtics, and despite his diplomacy, it is obvious that he'd like to be bought out.
Cassell is making $6.1 million this season and is in the final year of a two-year deal. The word in the Clippers' organization is that it's possible the organization will go ahead and buy him out. If it doesn't, it will have to deal with a veteran whose heart isn't in remaining with the team. Also, there
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hardly is any motivation to keep him during a season in which the team is just about mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
Although the Clippers have been tight-lipped about its plans, there is a feeling that they will eventually buy him out.
Cassell might be bought out
By Joe Stevens, Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 02/24/2008 10:55:19 PM PST
One day after the Clippers let the trading deadline pass without dealing 38-year-old Sam Cassell, the veteran was scratched from Friday night's game against Utah with a sprained right wrist.
Cassell wore a brace on the wrist, got an X-ray, which came back negative, and said he would try to play in tonight's game against the Lakers. But the way he described his injury, it sounded unlikely that he'd be able to play.
"It's bad," he said. "I can't dribble a ball now."
Cassell hurt the wrist when falling on a TV camera in the Clippers' victory over Memphis on Wednesday night. He only played 14 minutes in that game because of the injury.
In the background of all of this is the fact that Cassell wants to be bought out of his contract so he can join a contender. The clock is ticking on that possibility because if a player joins a team after March1, he is ineligible to play in the postseason.
Over the past few days, Cassell has not come out and flat-out said that's what he wants. But earlier this season, he said he'd be a good fit with the Boston Celtics, and despite his diplomacy, it is obvious that he'd like to be bought out.
Cassell is making $6.1 million this season and is in the final year of a two-year deal. The word in the Clippers' organization is that it's possible the organization will go ahead and buy him out. If it doesn't, it will have to deal with a veteran whose heart isn't in remaining with the team. Also, there
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hardly is any motivation to keep him during a season in which the team is just about mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
Although the Clippers have been tight-lipped about its plans, there is a feeling that they will eventually buy him out.
Sam Wants a Buyout: Will He Get One?
February 24, 2008
Section: Sports
CLIPPERS REPORT
Cassell leans toward a buyout request
Jonathan Abrams
Times Staff Writer
The clock is ticking faster on Sam Cassell's time to arrange a buyout of his contract in hopes of signing with a playoff-bound team.
In order to become eligible to play elsewhere, Cassell would have to arrange a buyout by March 1.
"It's getting close ain't it?" he said.
Cassell, who went untraded by Thursday's deadline, appears to be leaning toward requesting a buyout, essentially a divorce between him and the team, which will cause him to forfeit some of his remaining $6.1 million.
When asked if that was the path he is seeking, Cassell responded on Saturday:
"The question is, will they give me a buyout?"
But Cassell, 38, has also said that he is willing to finish out the remainder of the season's 29 games and his contract with the Clippers.
He added he would rather focus on playing basketball and allow agent David Falk to handle the business aspects of it.
"That's what I hired David for," he said.
Section: Sports
CLIPPERS REPORT
Cassell leans toward a buyout request
Jonathan Abrams
Times Staff Writer
The clock is ticking faster on Sam Cassell's time to arrange a buyout of his contract in hopes of signing with a playoff-bound team.
In order to become eligible to play elsewhere, Cassell would have to arrange a buyout by March 1.
"It's getting close ain't it?" he said.
Cassell, who went untraded by Thursday's deadline, appears to be leaning toward requesting a buyout, essentially a divorce between him and the team, which will cause him to forfeit some of his remaining $6.1 million.
When asked if that was the path he is seeking, Cassell responded on Saturday:
"The question is, will they give me a buyout?"
But Cassell, 38, has also said that he is willing to finish out the remainder of the season's 29 games and his contract with the Clippers.
He added he would rather focus on playing basketball and allow agent David Falk to handle the business aspects of it.
"That's what I hired David for," he said.
2.23.2008
Will Danny throw Gabe Pruitt under the Bus?
With the news that the Danny Ainge is targeting Brent Barry, Sam Cassell, Flip Murray, and Jamal Magloire, one must ask exactly how many free agents the Boston Celtics might sign?
Currently, they only have two roster spots. But as the Detroit Pistons showed by waiving Flip Murray, every roster spot is subjected to a cold cost-benefit analysis.
Who is the most likely candidate to get the ax if Danny were to sign three free agents instead of two?
My vote is Gabe Pruitt, who has contributed little to nothing this year.
I can almost hear the press conference.
"We had the chance to acquire three veteran contributors in Brent Barry, Sam Cassell, and Jamal Magliore, and all we had to give up was a second round draft pick. Not too bad."
I'm not saying it's gonna happen.
I'm just saying I wouldn't be surprised.
The trade would be giving up a possible second unit role player in a year or two for an improved chance at a title this year.
Sounds like a no-brainer to me.
Currently, they only have two roster spots. But as the Detroit Pistons showed by waiving Flip Murray, every roster spot is subjected to a cold cost-benefit analysis.
Who is the most likely candidate to get the ax if Danny were to sign three free agents instead of two?
My vote is Gabe Pruitt, who has contributed little to nothing this year.
I can almost hear the press conference.
"We had the chance to acquire three veteran contributors in Brent Barry, Sam Cassell, and Jamal Magliore, and all we had to give up was a second round draft pick. Not too bad."
I'm not saying it's gonna happen.
I'm just saying I wouldn't be surprised.
The trade would be giving up a possible second unit role player in a year or two for an improved chance at a title this year.
Sounds like a no-brainer to me.
2.22.2008
Cassell May Push Agent to Pursue Buyout
By Jonathan Abrams, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
February 22, 2008
Link
Clippers leading scorer Corey Maggette, who has been involved in heavy trade talks the last two years and can opt out of the final year of his contract after this season, was hardly mentioned in talks this year.
Instead, the talk surrounded the Alien, Sam Cassell.
He is in the last year of his contract and it is extremely unlikely he will re-sign with the Clippers. Cassell, 38, would be a valuable commodity for playoff teams, but he is now in a holding pattern with the deadline passed.
Several teams made inquiries on the veteran point guard, who is earning $6.15 million this season.
"I'm not to the point where I'm frustrated, but it just comes to a point with everybody talking about it and if it happens, it happens," Cassell said. "I don't mind playing it out. If I have to play it out, I'll play it out. We'll see what happens."
The next move Cassell could seek is a buyout of his contract, which would essentially be a divorce between him and the Clippers.
Cassell said he would talk to David Falk, his agent, and discuss his options. If he seeks a buyout, it would have to occur by March 1, in order for Cassell to be eligible to be on the roster for a playoff team.
Cassell hit his wrist against a camera on a drive for a layup against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday and said he is unsure if he will play tonight against the Utah Jazz.
+++++++++++++++++++
Now let's recall what Cassell told the Boston Globe (yes, he later recanted, but both the Globe and Herald heard and recorded the same thing):
Cassell told the Boston Globe his agent, David Falk, has had conversations with the Clippers about a potential buyout and he is interested in joining the Celtics if such happens. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has said he is interested in finding “the right veteran point guard” and is rumored to have interest in Cassell.
“I’ve earned enough,” said Cassell, on his willingness to accept a buyout. “I’ve saved a little money. I put money away. I just want to win. Winning is the most important thing to me.”
Cassell said a buyout is “the only way I can get (to Boston).” An NBA source said the Clippers do not have any trades or buyout on the table for Cassell. Ainge does not comment on other team’s players.
“I think I’d be a nice addition (to Boston),” Cassell said. “It would be fun, but I don’t even know if I’m wanted that far yet. I’m playing for the Clippers now.”
February 22, 2008
Link
Clippers leading scorer Corey Maggette, who has been involved in heavy trade talks the last two years and can opt out of the final year of his contract after this season, was hardly mentioned in talks this year.
Instead, the talk surrounded the Alien, Sam Cassell.
He is in the last year of his contract and it is extremely unlikely he will re-sign with the Clippers. Cassell, 38, would be a valuable commodity for playoff teams, but he is now in a holding pattern with the deadline passed.
Several teams made inquiries on the veteran point guard, who is earning $6.15 million this season.
"I'm not to the point where I'm frustrated, but it just comes to a point with everybody talking about it and if it happens, it happens," Cassell said. "I don't mind playing it out. If I have to play it out, I'll play it out. We'll see what happens."
The next move Cassell could seek is a buyout of his contract, which would essentially be a divorce between him and the Clippers.
Cassell said he would talk to David Falk, his agent, and discuss his options. If he seeks a buyout, it would have to occur by March 1, in order for Cassell to be eligible to be on the roster for a playoff team.
Cassell hit his wrist against a camera on a drive for a layup against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday and said he is unsure if he will play tonight against the Utah Jazz.
+++++++++++++++++++
Now let's recall what Cassell told the Boston Globe (yes, he later recanted, but both the Globe and Herald heard and recorded the same thing):
Cassell told the Boston Globe his agent, David Falk, has had conversations with the Clippers about a potential buyout and he is interested in joining the Celtics if such happens. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has said he is interested in finding “the right veteran point guard” and is rumored to have interest in Cassell.
“I’ve earned enough,” said Cassell, on his willingness to accept a buyout. “I’ve saved a little money. I put money away. I just want to win. Winning is the most important thing to me.”
Cassell said a buyout is “the only way I can get (to Boston).” An NBA source said the Clippers do not have any trades or buyout on the table for Cassell. Ainge does not comment on other team’s players.
“I think I’d be a nice addition (to Boston),” Cassell said. “It would be fun, but I don’t even know if I’m wanted that far yet. I’m playing for the Clippers now.”
“Whatever happens, happens,” Cassell said. “But it is a good situation, the Boston situation, with the pieces and (Garnett) gets healthy. I’ve played with him before. I’ve played with Ray Allen before. I don’t think the adjustment would be tough for me. I get with Paul during the summer (in Los Angeles). I get with Perk during the summer. There are a lot of guys on that team that I am familiar with…
“I think it’s realistic. It’s matter of just time. I don’t want to say too much. I’m optimistic about the whole situation. That’s why I got David Falk. That’s what he loves to do.”
At the end of the Clippers shoot around, Cassell looked in the rafters at TD Banknorth Garden at all the retired Celtics jerseys and pondered what it would be like playing for the storied franchise.
“You got to wonder,” Cassell said. “All the tradition is in the rafters. Maybe not in this building, but in the rafters. It’s crazy. You see these guys DJ (Dennis Johnson)… (Cedric) Maxwell, ‘Chief’ (Robert Parish). You got so many numbers (retired) you don’t even have numbers you can wear.”2.21.2008
Cassell Trades that Didn't Happen
- Cassell and Aaron Williams and a pick to Memphis for Mike Miller.
- Cassell to Denver for Eduardo Najera and a pick.
- Cassell to Cleveland for Ira Newble, Dwayne Jones, someone named Brown and a pick.
2.20.2008
Cassell's Number Retired at Florida State
Thirty-eight-year-old Sam Cassell played 30 minutes in the Clippers' 91-89 loss to Washington on Wednesday night, and then hopped aboard a red eye from Los Angeles for a ceremony he wasn't going to miss.
A 15-year NBA veteran, Cassell didn't mind giving up a good night's sleep and his first free day of All-Star weekend for a trip back to Florida State to have his No. 10 jersey retired at halftime of the FSU-Wake Forest game.
"This is the best honor an individual can get, to have his jersey retired at his alma mater," Cassell said Thursday. "That's better to me than winning an NBA championship."
Considering Cassell won NBA titles in his first two seasons in the league with Houston, that's saying something. Cassell helped the Noles to the Elite Eight in 1993 and the Sweet 16 in 1992, a two-year stretch that hasn't been duplicated since. He is only the fourth player in school history to have his jersey retired, joining former teammate Bob Sura, Dave Cowens and Hugh Durham.
One of his fondest memories at FSU came in the Noles' first ACC game after joining the conference: An 86-74 victory at the Dean Dome against heavily favored North Carolina in December 1991.
"When they introduced us, they laughed at us," Cassell said of Carolina fans. "We took that as an insult." Afterward, Cassell famously called the Carolina faithful a "wine-and-cheese crowd," prompting UNC officials to move the student section from the upper bowl to the lower bowl.
"It's good to be back home," Cassell told the crowd at halftime.
A 15-year NBA veteran, Cassell didn't mind giving up a good night's sleep and his first free day of All-Star weekend for a trip back to Florida State to have his No. 10 jersey retired at halftime of the FSU-Wake Forest game.
"This is the best honor an individual can get, to have his jersey retired at his alma mater," Cassell said Thursday. "That's better to me than winning an NBA championship."
Considering Cassell won NBA titles in his first two seasons in the league with Houston, that's saying something. Cassell helped the Noles to the Elite Eight in 1993 and the Sweet 16 in 1992, a two-year stretch that hasn't been duplicated since. He is only the fourth player in school history to have his jersey retired, joining former teammate Bob Sura, Dave Cowens and Hugh Durham.
One of his fondest memories at FSU came in the Noles' first ACC game after joining the conference: An 86-74 victory at the Dean Dome against heavily favored North Carolina in December 1991.
"When they introduced us, they laughed at us," Cassell said of Carolina fans. "We took that as an insult." Afterward, Cassell famously called the Carolina faithful a "wine-and-cheese crowd," prompting UNC officials to move the student section from the upper bowl to the lower bowl.
"It's good to be back home," Cassell told the crowd at halftime.
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