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    "Them guys get the opportunity, and I can't knock the opportunity" – Sam Cassell on being overlooked for the NBA head coaching gig

    By Andrei de Guzman,

    10 hours ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1DHF3T_0uqkz0XZ00

    Amid various head coaching hirings in the league from this summer and even in the recent seasons, the majority continues to wonder why Sam Cassell couldn't land one of his own. By looking at his profile, the former star point guard is considerably more than qualified for the job given his extensive basketball knowledge, but other candidates still get favored over him for that golden opportunity to lead an NBA team.

    Despite witnessing constant shortcomings and his contemporaries obtaining the coaching nods, Cassell set the record straight that he isn't holding any embattled grudges in a recent appearance on the Knuckleheads Podcast.

    “That’s all I can do. Like, them guys get the opportunity, and I can't knock the opportunity because it's all about opportunities to be successful,” he argued. “I know I can be a head coach in this league, so I understand players.”

    Hoping for an HC gig

    Cassell is a bonafide hooper. After playing 15 productive seasons as a standout guard in the NBA, Sam instantly shifted towards coaching. Since entering the sidelines in 2009, he has been a mainstay as an assistant for four different franchises and is an admired player development cultivator who helped the growth of John Wall, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Tyrese Maxey.

    Unfortunately, Sam couldn't obtain the big-time break he deserves even with his rich experience, respected reputation, and understanding of winning as a three-time champion. While often being considered by various teams for a head coaching opening, he couldn't get over the hump as a candidate and a finalist.

    As such, the 54-year-old still has his fingers crossed that the day will arrive for him to become a full-time NBA tactician.

    I know what buttons to press to get the best out of players. When I was in the situation where I was developing players how to play, I understood what I need to say to get you going. I got to know you off the court if you play for me and I don't just want to know you on the court. That's the key. You got to know these guys off the court. It's just not basketball, and some of these coaches don't understand that aspect of it,” he said about his case of becoming a potential head coach.

    Related: “He literally had nothing left at the end of practice every single day” - When Kevin McHale knew Kevin Garnett was destined for success in the NBA

    A poor interviewee?

    As speculation persists about why Cassell is often being overlooked for an NBA head coaching role, Stephen Jackson pointed out that a major reason could be his poor performance during the interviews .

    "I just think it's making it hard for him, but you know, that's nothing new. He's not the first, and he's not the last. It happens. It's been going on for a long time. I think Sam is going to continue what he gotta do until the opportunity comes. If it doesn't come, I think it will be fu**** up, but I think Sam will continue to be a professional, continue to be one of the best assistant coaches he can, and stay as long as he can," said Jackson.

    Regardless of how he speaks, Cassell's competent resumé speaks more than anything about how he's already been due to obtain a chance to become a head coach. After all the years as an assistant, we can only hope that his long wait will finally end and that an NBA team will give him a rightful shot.

    Related: "We're gonna keep doing what we're doing" - Steve Kerr responds to criticism from Draymond Green and Co. about coaching Team USA

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