Several members of the 1994 and 1995 “Clutch City” championship teams appear to be endorsing former teammate Sam Cassell as a candidate to replace outgoing Houston Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni.
Cassell has worked as an NBA assistant for the last 11 seasons, including time with renowned Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers since 2014. “Mutual interest” was reported between Cassell and Houston shortly after D’Antoni informed the team that he wouldn’t return.
In recent days, former teammate Vernon Maxwell — who played in the backcourt alongside Cassell during the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons — has used his (often hilarious) Twitter account to promote Cassell’s candidacy. He’s even created his own slogan of sorts, with “Make Houston Clutch Again” as a clear reference to the “Clutch City” era.
Houston let’s bring Sam Cassell home and let’s make Houston clutch again. #houston #clutchcity
— Vernon Maxwell (@VernonMaxwell11) September 17, 2020
Sam Cassell deserves at being a head coach and what better place to start his head coaching career than the city where he started his professional playing career? #houston #clutchcity
— Vernon Maxwell (@VernonMaxwell11) September 16, 2020
On Tuesday morning, Maxwell attempted to draw a humorous distinction between Cassell and fellow Clippers assistant Ty Lue — who is also believed to be a serious candidate for the Houston job opening.
Ok maybe a caption is needed. Notice who Doc is asking for advice and who is sitting at the end of the bench. https://t.co/pZazjwMHy9
— Vernon Maxwell (@VernonMaxwell11) September 22, 2020
Fellow 1990s teammate Matt Bullard, who now works as a television analyst for Houston’s game broadcasts, posted an archived photo Tuesday with the tagline “Clutch City.” The image from their playing days features Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Mario Elie… and Cassell.
Elie quickly retweeted it, perhaps offering an endorsement of his own. Elie has previously served as an assistant coach for several NBA coaches, which could potentially make him a staff consideration, as well.
#ClutchCity pic.twitter.com/EGTIUAdylY
— Matt Bullard (@bull50) September 22, 2020
Sources: There is mutual interest between the Rockets and Clippers assistant coach Sam Cassell. Cassell started his playing career with the two-time champion “Clutch City” Rockets.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) September 13, 2020
Current Houston guard Austin Rivers, who played for Cassell in Los Angeles, has raved about Cassell’s offseason player development work. In particular, Rivers said Cassell helped him with his mid-range game, which Cassell was known for in his own playing days and could represent a philosophical contrast with the recent D’Antoni era.
During the 2020 playoffs, Doc Rivers made an emphatic case for why Cassell deserves to be hired for a lead job. Among his comments:
Sam Cassell should be a head coach, now. He’s got an incredibly high basketball IQ, and I hope he gets a shot. He’s paid every due that is possible and he’s yet to get a job, so I’m hoping that happens.
Doc Rivers to @sabreenajm on the head coaching openings and Sam Cassell – “Sam Cassell should be a head coach now. He’s got an incredibly high basketball IQ and I hope he gets a shot. He’s paid every due that is possible and he’s yet to get a job, so I’m hoping that happens.” pic.twitter.com/v1fkBmLruf
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) September 10, 2020
It isn’t yet clear if the backing of these big names will carry any weight, since GM Daryl Morey will be making the final decision. But it certainly can’t hurt, and if nothing else, it makes for a fun and entertaining trip down memory lane during the early days of Houston’s offseason.
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