5 player-turned-coaches the Houston Rockets could target

2. Sam Cassell

Sam Cassell is the most recognizable name on this list for Houston Rockets fans, as he spent the first three years of his NBA career in the Space City. Cassell won two titles with the Rockets, as he was a member of the Clutch City era.

Cassell joined the coaching profession during the 2009-10 season as an assistant coach with the Washington Wizards and played a large part in the growth and development of John Wall. It’s no surprise that Cassell was able to relate to Wall, as he was an All-Star point guard, just like Wall.

Wall praised Cassell for his knowledge of the game and for helping him develop his jumpshot during his tenure as the Wizards’ assistant coach.

“He was a big part of it. Definitely helped me with my jump shot. Just being a mentor, somebody who was a point guard who knew the game very well. It was big.”

Cassell spent five seasons in the nation’s capital before joining Doc Rivers’ staff with the LA Clippers in 2014. Cassell just wrapped up his sixth season with the Clippers and recently drew praise from Rivers for being ready to be a head coach.

The Rockets have been linked to Cassell and understandably so, considering his ties to the organization and his championship experience with the franchise. All in all, Cassell won three NBA titles as a player and coached fellow superstars John Wall, Bradley Beal, Chris Paul, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard.

Cassell has been an assistant coach for 11 years, and has easily paid his dues. At just 50 years of age, Cassell would provide a spark of excitement and energy and would seem to be a great fit for Houston Rockets superstars Russell Westbrook and James Harden, due to his playing career.

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