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Current assistant coaches that the Phoenix Suns should take a look at

By Khaleel Abdullah

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 23: Assistant coach Sam Cassell of the LA Clippers looks on against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on January 23, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 23: Assistant coach Sam Cassell of the LA Clippers looks on against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on January 23, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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#1 – Sam Cassell of the Los Angeles Clippers

Sam, at 49-years-old, was drafted 24th in the 1993 NBA Draft.

He played for eight different teams during his 15-year career and was selected to the NBA All-Star Game and All-NBA Team in the 2003–04 season. One of the things he was most known for was his knack for being able to hit clutch shots late to help his team win games.

He played in 993 games in his career and started 690 games, averaging 15.7 points, 6 assists and 1.1 steals per game. In 1996-97 he played 22 games for the Phoenix Suns.

From 2009-2014 he was an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards.  John Wall, the first overall pick by the Wizards in 2010, credits Cassell for his development into one of the league’s premier point guards.

During 2014 free agency, his former teammate Paul Pierce admitted he made the decision to sign with Washington after speaking with Cassell.

Since 2014 he has been a top assistant under Doc Rivers on the Clippers.

He’s long wished to be a head coach in the NBA and the Phoenix Suns would be smart to at least give him an interview. He deserves that, at the very least.

Being a pretty good point guard himself, he has been somewhat of a point guard whisperer for rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He’s challenged him all season and pushed him to reach his immense potential, daring him to take responsibility.

That led to a career-high 25 points in Game 4 against the Golden State Warriors recently, the team’s best playoff performance by a rookie in more than 40 years.

The Suns and their youth could really use a head coach like Sam Cassell. The front office should call him, gauge his interest and set up an interview.

Related Story. 5 College coaching candidates. light

These are my top candidates if the Suns go the direction of a current assistant coach. What do you say fans?

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