Cassell Willing But Is He Able?

OAKLAND -- He'll blow 38 candles out on his birthday cake next month. He suffered through aches and pains all last season. He has won championships and has little left to prove in the NBA.

Still, Sam Cassell, the Clippers' enigmatic court leader, would like to announce he's back. And not only for this year either. Be it with the Clippers or another NBA franchise.

Cassell, beginning his 15th season, is in the final year of a two-year, $13-million contract. He played in only 58 games last season and became basketball's version of a pinch-hitter toward the end of it, informing Coach Mike Dunleavy whether he could play mere moments before tipoffs.

Take it away, Sam:

"It was tough last year," Cassell said. "You see some of the guys struggling and I know how to get all these guys their shots and how to get them to play at a higher level."

"But I feel a lot better this year. A little bruised in the knee. But my back is fine. My abdominal muscle is fine. Everything else is fine.

"I'm definitely coming back next year. I don't want to be a starter, though. Maybe come off the bench and play 20 or 25 minutes. If the Clippers would welcome me back, I would have no problems here."

Cassell has long envisioned coaching after his career ends and said he also wouldn't mind playing a final season for a franchise where an assistant's job would be waiting afterward.

click for more details

source : latimes.com