Wizards interview Sam Cassell for coaching vacancy

The Washington Wizards interviewed Philadelphia 76ers assistant Sam Cassell for their coaching vacancy on Tuesday, according to a report. 

The Athletic reported Washington met with Cassell as it looks to replace former coach Scott Brooks. This marks the Wizards’ second known interview — also having spoken with Celtics assistant Scott Morrison. Washington also reportedly requested to speak with Mavericks assistant Jamahl Mosley.

Cassell, 51, has been an assistant since 2009 — starting his coaching career with the Wizards under the late Flip Saunders. He spent five seasons with the franchise before joining Doc Rivers’ staff with the Los Angeles Clippers. When Rivers stepped down as coach of the Clippers this past year and then hired by the 76ers, Cassell followed Rivers to Philadelphia. 

Last September, Rivers endorsed Cassell for a promotion.

“Sam Cassell should be a head coach, period,” Rivers told reporters. “He’s got an incredibly high basketball IQ, and I just hope he gets a shot. … When they talk about paying dues, he’s paid every due that is possible and he’s yet to get a job. So, I’m hoping that happens.”

if hired, this would be Cassell’s first head coaching job. The hire would also represent a homecoming of sorts given that Cassell grew up in Baltimore.

Cassell, a former point guard, has worked with some of the game’s biggest stars, which figures to be a plus for the Wizards with Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal on the roster. Cassell, too, previously coached Beal for two seasons before departing for the Clippers.

Prior to getting into coaching, Cassell played in the NBA for 17 seasons — starting 690 of 993 games. He won three championships as a player, two with the Houston Rockets in the 1990s and one with the Boston Celtics in 2008. The latter was Cassell’s last season in the league. As a player, Cassell was known for his toughness and passing ability — as well as a certain signature celebration after big shots that included a crude gesture. 

The New York Times’ Marc Stein reported that the Wizards prefer to hire an up-and-coming assistant rather than a retread. Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard said the team would take their time with the search, only saying that he’d prefer to have someone in place before the start of free agency in August.