The Coach Cassell Option

by Jeff Clark on Oct 13, 2008 5:00 AM EDT in Boston Celtics News & Links

Time is ticking down on the Celtics preseason and there's still no indication of what the team intends to do to get down to a roster of 15. If anything, it is looking more and more like the team will have to cut someone who can and will play somewhere in the league this year.

I think if you polled fans, their top two options would be to either make a 2 for 1 trade or simply cut Brian Scalabrine. However, Marc Spears does his best to shoot down those ideas.

Don't be surprised if the Celtics don't make the one needed cut to get to the 15-man roster until the deadline day, Oct. 27. It also looks very doubtful that they will make a trade. Don't expect Brian Scalabrine to be waived since the Celtics wouldn't eat his salary.

The next logical options seems to be Darius Miles, who has an non-guaranteed contract. Nobody really expected to see him ever play again, so nobody would be super surprised to see him sent home. Still, he's a lottery ticket that you'd hate to toss out before you get a chance to scratch it. Besides, costing the Blazers cap room is still in the best interests of the everyone not from Portland.

So what's the next best option?

How about sending Sam Cassell to the bench a year early? This is hardly an original idea. As soon as he talked about becoming an assistant coach after the year, many a fan uttered the phrase "why wait a year?" under their breath (or shouted it from a rooftop).

At first I dismissed the idea. Why would the team go through the process of signing him to a player contract only to cut him? Why would Sam be so certain about his status on the team to announce his plans for next year ahead of time? (You know, besides ego)

However, upon further review (and perhaps reading between lines that may not really be there) I'm giving this idea another shot.

First of all, the team may not have been 100% sure about the backup point position coming out of the offseason (I know I wasn't). Many see Eddie as an off guard and Gabe as a glorified rookie. However, the team often played very well with House in the linup and Gabe has impressed enough to earn some praise this week.

Say the team told Sam the following: "Hey, we appreciate your role on the team last year. We'd love to have you back in some capacity. We know you'd like to be an assitant coach but you'd also like to give playing one more chance. Why not come to camp? If we can find room for you, great. If not, you can pick up a clipboard and help us from the bench. Oh yeah, and if we suffer any injuries or need to shore up the point guard spot, you will be available to sign a short term contract and maybe even play out the rest of the year. Whaddayathink?"

On Celtics Stuff Live last week, Scott Souza made the point that Sam could, as an assistant coach, still practice with the team as much as he wanted. As an older player, he could even benefit from taking a few months off before joining the team for the stretch run, much like PJ Brown did last year (and many hope he will again this year).

This is just a theory. We could see the team simply cut Darius Miles and call it a day. However, Danny Ainge is nothing if not creative in his personnel moves. Honestly, would you put it past him to set something like this up? If I had my way, I'd like to see the team start the Coach Cassell experiment start a year early.

Tweet Comment 34 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

It’s between Sammy and Darius in my mind. The rest have shown enough to deserve their roster spots.

I expect Sam will be the one to stay. Doc will like having another veteran off the bench that he can call upon.

by Who on Oct 13, 2008 5:47 AM EDT reply actions

It’s still Sam, Darius and Gabe, in my mind. However, Darius had to be really impressive to earn a spot and I don’t think he’s done that, at least not enough to warrant not having a real veteran PG like Sam available.

by Surferdad on Oct 13, 2008 6:01 AM EDT reply actions

Here’s another option (scroll to bottom):

http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/scalabrine-sweepstakes-begin.html

by ZoSo on Oct 13, 2008 6:27 AM EDT reply actions

Scalabrine hasn’t shown enough to earn his roster spot. Maybe they ought to make him an assistant coach too.

I wouldn’t cut Miles. He has too much talent. And Pruitt is showing promise. At least he stays in front of his man, which is something Cassell struggles to do these days.

by Brickowski on Oct 13, 2008 6:33 AM EDT reply actions

I think they are showcasing Pruitt to trade him for a future pick.

by Mahoney_jr on Oct 13, 2008 6:44 AM EDT reply actions

Yay, Sam Cassell and Master Po on the same picture…classic!

by Casperian on Oct 13, 2008 6:53 AM EDT reply actions

They can’t move Pruitt. Pruitt can play. If talent were the sole criteria, Scal would be gone. Why can’t they just eat the $3mil? They must have made enough money in the playoffs to afford doing that.

by Greg37 on Oct 13, 2008 7:08 AM EDT reply actions

Danny did not go out and get Cassell. He basically let him go. Cassell tried Denver. Could not find a taker. And then kind of pushed the “agreement” with the Celtics by going public with it being a done deal. We hear no response from management. Finally Danny acknowledges that we are likely going to sign Cassell. Which still does not happen for some weeks. We hear very little fanfare around the singing, rather Cassell shows up and participates with the club. Doc notes that Pruitt has to beat out either House or Cassell, but we could likely carry 4 points. We have yet to see him play a preseason game. We hear he is coaching Pruitt. Until I see him logging minutes in the preseason (which could occur in the next game), I would say Pruitt is proving himself at the point, and Cassell is assuming the role of coach. (with the option to play if needed)

by Bozo on Oct 13, 2008 7:12 AM EDT reply actions

Bozo said: Danny did not go out and get Cassell. He basically let him go. Cassell tried Denver. Could not find a taker. And then kind of pushed the “agreement” with the Celtics by going public with it being a done deal. We hear no response from management. Finally Danny acknowledges that we are likely going to sign Cassell.

I doubt that Danny makes decisions by reading what others say in the newspapers. Sam can do certain things, such as posting up opposing guards, which none of our other points can do. He can also go on a hot shooting streak which only Eddie House can do. Signing Sam gives us options. I also wouldn’t underestimate the importance of Sam’s influence on Pruitt who seems to listen to him. As fans in Boston we see Sam as an ego-centric player who once he gets the ball only lets it go toward the basket. I don’t know what he’s really like and I doubt many others on this blog do either. KG likes him as a person and so does Doc. I see him fooling around with Ray Allen. We’ll just need to wait and see who gets the 16th roster spot.

by TrueGreen on Oct 13, 2008 7:27 AM EDT reply actions

so i guess marc spears has the gospel truth on this one? just because a beat writer says not to expect something doesn’t necessarily mean it’s set in stone. a 2-for-1 trade is a possibility as is cutting scalabrine. beat writers have been wrong before, and danny ainge has thrown out many a smokescreen in the past…

by Andy Jick on Oct 13, 2008 7:38 AM EDT reply actions

Happy Days are here again. Sam get your clipboard. Just think Sam you can still say you were part of a repeat.

Everyone stays.

by Birdbrain on Oct 13, 2008 7:45 AM EDT reply actions

Brickowski says “Scalabrine hasn’t shown enough to earn his roster spot” and “maybe they out to make him assistant coach too” These two statements beg two questions to be asked: Has he ever really earned a spot on this team (not to me)? Those who can’t play coach? Wyc apparently has money to burn just like the governement when players fail and need a bailout. I vote for the Scali Bailout Plan: Give him a $3 Million bailout before he hurts someone on our team. Where is Barny Frank when you need him to tack on some pork to this bailout bill – wait Scal already has the pork attached to him.

Sam Cassell – I am for anything that stops him from shooting, and if that means a clipboard then by all means get him one.

by Master Po on Oct 13, 2008 8:08 AM EDT reply actions

This team does not need Cassell, as a coach or player, sorry but anyone who would be disspaointed in him getting cut did not watch the playoffs

by Pierce on Oct 13, 2008 8:34 AM EDT reply actions

birdbrain
Cassell has already been part of a repeat…so I take back my previous comment and him being around the team wont be as bad for that simple reason..he knows what it takes to be on a team that repeats

by Pierce on Oct 13, 2008 8:37 AM EDT reply actions

Two reasons for Cassell to play some this year.. First he has the ability to post up smaller guards. Second he and Perk are the only players on our team who will give a real hard foul when the game gets nasty. Sure he shoots to much but he didnt know the offense that well last year. I would say have him coach the beginning of the year but still continue to practice with the team and be avaibable to play if neededed after Febuary.

by FatjohnReturns on Oct 13, 2008 8:51 AM EDT reply actions

Gabe Pruitt is playing too well to cut. Cassell and his bad back can grab a clipboard. Cut Scalabrine and make a roster spot available for PJ in Feb. for the play off run:

PG: Rondo, House, Pruitt (TA in a pinch)

SG: Ray Ray, TA, House, Giddens (Pruitt in a pinch)

SF: PP, B-Walker, D-Miles, TA, Giddens & BIG BABY (yes, ha can play SF

PF: KG, Powe, BBD, Perk

C: Perk, POB, Powe, BBD & PJ in Feb. of 09

Very versitle crew that can go finesse or physical. Every postition can play D too.

by bring BIG AL back on Oct 13, 2008 8:56 AM EDT reply actions

we can classify scal and his contract as danny’s biggest mistake. so we keep him but he is the weakest link. keep sam as a coach and keep pruitt and miles and send giddens to the farm.

by nazzbo on Oct 13, 2008 9:47 AM EDT reply actions

OK fair enough this repeat and he can still expound his pearls of wisdom from the bench.

by Birdbrain on Oct 13, 2008 9:47 AM EDT reply actions

I’ve said it before, either way we still eat Scal’s $6.6M salary. We have both JR and Scal under contract. Whether Scal gets paid sitting at home or on the bench he’s nothing more than a practice player.
If it is in the Celts best interest to have JR play D-league then fine Scal stays. But if it is in the best interest of the Celts to have JR work with the big team then let Scal go for crying out loud.

The fallacy is we aren’t saving $6.6M you pay the dude either way. The ultimate question is what is best for the 12th guy on the bench. Like Pruitt last year, more beneficial to be with the big boys or D-League? That’s the only question that matters. This losing $6.6M by cutting Scal is a ridiculous argument.

by docextension on Oct 13, 2008 10:02 AM EDT reply actions

the argument for keeping Scal’s salary would seem to be more along the lines of keeping it available as a trade asset (more valuable next year when it is expiring)

by Jeff Clark on Oct 13, 2008 10:11 AM EDT reply actions

Yes, that’s the argument for keeping Sdcalabrine. But is that trade asset worth cutting a good young player? Or a player like Miles who might mean the difference between a championship and no championship? Miles can still play.

by Brickowski on Oct 13, 2008 10:25 AM EDT reply actions

Player Coach Sam we loose a guard to injury Sam takes his place.

by CelticsWin on Oct 13, 2008 10:25 AM EDT reply actions

Oh by the way – love the picture above. Lord of the Rings Part 4 – Gandalf’s Hippie Son (pictured left) talks with Gollum (right) about his new quest for The Ring (18)……….“my precious”.

by Master Po on Oct 13, 2008 10:34 AM EDT reply actions

I have been VERY impressed with Gabe Pruitt. The Poise, the attitude. He looked like an NBA player! I’d still like Darius Miles to make it. Cassell is now that odd man out here. Posey’s absence to me, has still been noticeable. I hope that is not a bad sign.

by afflatus on Oct 13, 2008 11:39 AM EDT reply actions

after watching this team play a few games, the one name that wouldn’t surprise me to be moved is big baby davis…i like him, but i really believe he has a low ceiling regarding his development, and it may be that he’s as good as he’s gonna get. put him and scals in a deal (2 for 1) and there might be a gm who would bite on that.

by Andy Jick on Oct 13, 2008 1:54 PM EDT reply actions

i still hope darius miles makes the team .and i think he can help us win

by celtics baller 27 on Oct 13, 2008 3:01 PM EDT reply actions

I don’t know the answer for sure, but let’s say the trade scenario works down the road. It is Scal and Baby and their $4M for a valued player in the same price range so trade #s work. Can’t we temporarily activate Scal and make the trade work? Didn’t Philly do something like that with Chris Webber?

In no way, shape, or form is somebody going out to grab Scal IMO. A rookie making less than $500,000 can do all what he does and more; plus have upside potential.

Like I said either way Scal gets his $6.6M. What should be most imperative is what is best for the young bubble guy on our roster- bench, D-league, or cut. There is no savings by keeping Scal, definitely not $6.6M. At best a youngster like JR gets moved off the big team but we are also under contract to him for $1M for 2 or 3 years.

by docextension on Oct 13, 2008 4:07 PM EDT reply actions

Trade Scal to Sactown with Big Baby for Sheldon Williams.

by Tradetime on Oct 13, 2008 4:26 PM EDT reply actions

The most simple scenarios are cutting Miles or Sam.

Another is cutting Scal – I don’t believe that both of his remaining years are guaranteed, which makes it less costly.

As for trades, Scal might have minor trade value (as cap filler). All possibilities have to be evaluated. If Miles shows he can play and it appears that POB has shown some signs of being a player then we might have extra bigs. Then trading Big Baby might be an option, possibly to Charlotte who are short on big men.

I’d like to keep Gabe, who seems to have shown signs that he might be an NBA player.

Course, when we get down this far on the roster, does it really make a difference. I think, the biggest thing for a 13-15th player is who has the most potential. I would say Miles or Gabe.

by badax33 on Oct 13, 2008 4:44 PM EDT reply actions

DONT CUT MILES- this guy may not be the explosive scorer he used to be, but he’s showing some nice blocking skills and really gives you size at SF.

Cassell definitely should be a coach, and they can send giddens down to the d-league

Best Roster
Active- 1-KG 2-P-squared 3-Jesus 4-Beast-rick Perkins 5- Rondo’d 6.Tony Allen 7. Mean Leon Powe 8. POB (beast backup) 9. House M.D. 10. Big Baby 11. D-Miles 12. Pruitt
Inactive- 13. Scal, there’s no way they eat his salary like he eats potatoes.
D-League- 14. Skywalker 15. Giddens
Then after 10 or so games, after punishing portland, you can either cut D-miles or make a trade to bring up Skywalker if he lights up the d-league (which I assume he will)

by celticsforlupper on Oct 13, 2008 5:52 PM EDT reply actions

docextension said:
I’ve said it before, either way we still eat Scal’s $6.6M salary. We have both JR and Scal under contract. Whether Scal gets paid sitting at home or on the bench he’s nothing more than a practice player.
If it is in the Celts best interest to have JR play D-league then fine Scal stays. But if it is in the best interest of the Celts to have JR work with the big team then let Scal go for crying out loud.

Please correct me if I’m wrong, but a player that goes to the D-League is still counted on the Celtics roster. So the above scenario cannot work.

by TrueGreen on Oct 13, 2008 6:37 PM EDT reply actions

This is a question—-If we cut Scals does it cost us his salary plus the luxury tax on his salary? Also, when is Scal’s contract up?

by TrueGreen on Oct 13, 2008 6:39 PM EDT reply actions

truegreen, you are wrong. roster is 15. active roster for a game is 12.

by celticsforlupper on Oct 13, 2008 6:44 PM EDT reply actions

celticsforlupper said:
truegreen, you are wrong. roster is 15. active roster for a game is 12.

I probably didn’t express myself clearly. I was trying to say that a player who goes to the D-League is still counted on the 15 man roster. So whether a player goes to D-League or not, one player will still need to be cut (roster now at 16). Am I correct on this? I do agree that Miles should stay based on what we’ve seen so far. Hopefully he’ll get some more playing time the next few games. I’m ambivelent about Scals. He does things defensively that the average fan doesn’t notice, but he makes mistakes offensively that he should not be making. It will be interesting to see what Danny does.

by TrueGreen on Oct 14, 2008 9:58 AM EDT reply actions