After firing Mike Budenholzer today, the Phoenix Suns are on the lookout for a new head coach. While there are a couple head coaches on the market, the Suns may find a diamond in the rough in a former NBA champion-turned-assistant coach.
According to Sporting News’ Dan Treacy, ex-Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Sam Cassell could be one of their top targets this offseason. Cassell has the experience and the knowledge to try and lead this Suns team to success.
“Another former Suns player, though only for 22 games, Sam Cassell has long been one of the NBA’s most respected assistant coaches,” Treacy wrote. “Cassell has paid his dues, as this season is his 17th on an NBA bench, and he was part of winning teams with the Clippers, 76ers and Celtics, finally winning a championship as part of Joe Mazzulla’s staff last season.”
With the Sixers, Cassell was a great assistant. In the three years he was there, the Sixers won 50+ games twice, and almost a third when the Sixers won 49 games his first year there. They also made the conference semifinals all three times, and were a normal-seeded playoff team.
In the two seasons since Cassell left, the Sixers were a Play-In team and lost in the first round, and just had their worst season in years, winning only 24 games.
Cassell has proven to be one of the best assistant coaches in the league, and if given a shot, he could prove to be one of the best head coaches as well. If he can turn around this Suns team, he definitely could be considered a top coach in the NBA.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
MORE PHILADELPHIA 76ERS NEWS
76ers legend claims Grizzlies former coach Taylor Jenkins is relieved to be free from Ja Morant’s antics
76ers key contributor Guerschon Yabusele speaks out on NBA future ahead of free agency
