What is Sam Cassell's Net Worth and Salary?
Sam Cassell is a renowned professional basketball coach and former player who boasts a net worth of $23 million. During his 15-year NBA career, Cassell accumulated $58 million in salary.
Currently, Cassell is an assistant coach for the NBA's Boston Celtics. His notable achievements include winning two consecutive NBA championships with the Houston Rockets in the 1990s and another with the Celtics in 2008. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the Milwaukee Bucks and the Minnesota Timberwolves reaching the Conference Finals and led the Los Angeles Clippers to their first-ever playoff series victory in 2006.
Early Life and High School
Born on November 18, 1969, in Baltimore, Maryland, Sam Cassell grew up honing his skills. He attended Paul Lawrence Dunbar Community High School in Baltimore. Subsequently, he spent a year at Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield, Maine, furthering his basketball prowess.
Collegiate Career
Initially recruited by DePaul University, Cassell couldn't join due to NCAA's Proposition 48 academic standards. He began his illustrious collegiate career at San Jacinto College, Houston, Texas, showcasing his scoring abilities. Later, he transferred to Florida State University for his junior and senior years, leading the team with an average of 18.3 points and 4.9 assists per game. Cassell played a vital role in taking the Seminoles to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament.
Houston Rockets
Selected by the Houston Rockets in the 1993 NBA draft, Cassell had an impressive rookie season. His contributions were crucial in the Rockets securing the 1994 NBA championship. The following year, the team clinched another title, sweeping the Orlando Magic. However, their streak ended in 1996 when the Seattle SuperSonics eliminated them in the playoffs' second round.
Phoenix Suns
Cassell's tenure with the Rockets concluded after three seasons. He briefly joined the Phoenix Suns, playing 22 games and averaging 14.8 points per game, significantly improving the team's performance.
Dallas Mavericks
By the end of 1996, he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. Cassell's time there was short-lived, featuring in only 16 games before another trade.
New Jersey Nets
Midway through the 1996-97 season, Cassell was traded to the New Jersey Nets. Despite contemplating a return to Houston, he re-signed with the Nets for six years. His 1997-98 season was remarkable, forming a strong backcourt duo with Kerry Kittles and averaging 19.6 points per game. However, the Nets were swept by the Chicago Bulls in the playoffs' first round. An injury in the 1998-99 season opener saw the team struggle with a 3-15 start.
Milwaukee Bucks
In March 1999, Cassell moved to the Milwaukee Bucks. His tenure saw some of his best performances, steering the Bucks to the 2001 Eastern Conference Finals and achieving a career-high 40 points against the Bulls. In the 2002-03 season, he surpassed 10,000 career points and notched a triple-double in a double overtime victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Minnesota Timberwolves
After four seasons with the Bucks, Cassell was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. His 2003-04 season was his best statistically, averaging 19.8 points and 7.3 assists per game. Thanks to Cassell’s efforts, the Timberwolves achieved a franchise-best 58-24 record and reached the Western Conference Finals, eventually losing to the Los Angeles Lakers. The following injury-plagued season saw the Timberwolves end 44-38, narrowly missing the playoffs.
Los Angeles Clippers
In 2005, Cassell was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, leading them to their best season yet. The Clippers posted a franchise-best 47-35 record, reached the playoffs for the first time since 1997, and clinched their first playoff series since moving to California in 1978. Despite Cassell's efforts, the Clippers fell to the Suns in the Conference Semifinals. The next season's injuries saw them missing playoffs by a narrow margin, and Cassell was waived in early 2008 amid a buyout.
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Boston Celtics
Cassell played his final NBA season with the Boston Celtics in 2008. He was instrumental in the Celtics finishing with a league-best 66-16 record, culminating in his third NBA championship. Though Cassell didn't play the following season, he acted as an unofficial assistant to head coach Doc Rivers. In early 2009, he was traded to the Sacramento Kings but was waived soon after. Instead of rejoining the Celtics, Cassell opted to sit out the 2009 season and announced his retirement in May.
Coaching Career
Post-retirement, Cassell transitioned to coaching, starting as an assistant with the Washington Wizards (2009-2014). He then joined the Clippers (2014-2020) followed by the 76ers (2020-2023). Returning to the Celtics, he took up the assistant coach role under Joe Mazzulla.
Personal Life
Sam Cassell has a son, Sam Jr., who played basketball at Iona College, Chipola College, and the University of Connecticut. In 2017, Sam Jr. joined the Cleveland Cavaliers' Summer League squad.
