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Boston Celtics And Sam Cassell A Perfect Match

Dec 24th, 2007
But Rondo's stifling defense, lightning-‘quicks', and improving range have won over The Big Three and Celtic-nation. So, if the kid can play, should Boston chase a veteran table-setter like Gary Payton or Sam Cassell? Yes. Boston should consider Payton, but Cassell is the best option to back-up Rondo and provide bench scoring ... Boston Celtics And Sam Cassell A Perfect MatchRajon Rondo has silenced the haters. This summer, many wondered if the second-year point guard could lead a Boston side that featured superstars Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett.

But Rondo’s stifling defense, lightning-‘quicks’, and improving range have won over The Big Three and Celtic-nation. So, if the kid can play, should Boston chase a veteran table-setter like Gary Payton or Sam Cassell?

Yes. Boston should consider Payton, but Cassell is the best option to back-up Rondo and provide bench scoring.

Of course, last week, the Pistons exposed a chink in the green-and-white’s armor by applying full-court pressure on Boston’s back-up point guard. Meanwhile, out west, reports indicate the Clippers are listening to offers for Sam-I-am’s expiring contract.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Sam Cassell's name has popped up several times in regards to players rumored to be traded before the Feb. 21 trade deadline. No specific teams, however, were mentioned according to the Orange County Register.

A prime reason why Cassell is attractive trade bait is because with his experience and ability, he would be a solid addition to a team vying to go deep in the playoffs. Just as important, the 38-year old Cassell has an expiring contract.

So these two-the Celtics and Cassell-could be a match. The former All-Star and two-time NBA champ still has much to offer.

Cassell has experience. He’s got rings from his Houston days and has faced every possible situation. Remember, Allen, Pierce, and Garnett have zero combined finals appearances.

Cassell, at this stage in his career, would make an outstanding sixth man. Think Manu Ginobili with a mouth. He could scout for weaknesses in the first quarter from the bench, check-in for Rondo or Allen, and get-off on opposing second units.

Chemistry won’t be an issue, either. Remember, Garnett and Cassell are tight from their run in the frozen tundra of Minnesota. However, Allen and Cassell may have a slightly more tenuous relationship after Milwaukee. Both are professional enough to make things work.

Best of all, Cassell comes cheap. His mid-level contract comes off the books this summer, so there’s no financial commitment if injuries set-in. The only thing left is for Celtic GM Danny Ainge to make it happen.  

Payton or Cassell? Who should Boston go after? Let us know in the comment box below or in our .

Click here to read and subscribe to Oly Sandor’s NBA blog.

Comments (14)
a guest December 24, 2007
Boston Celtics And Sam Cassell A Perfect Match
Sam Cassell should be named Sem Cassell. Because there is a me in Sem. He is selfish and looks like a man from Mars.
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a guest December 25, 2007
Boston Celtics And Sam Cassell A Perfect Match
Cassell would certainly work, but his extreme personality is an issue!
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serious business December 25, 2007
Boston Celtics And Sam Cassell A Perfect Match
you obviously dont know b-ball if you think cassell won't work with the c's... Stick to posting on gamer sites
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oly sucks December 25, 2007
Boston Celtics And Sam Cassell A Perfect Match
Cassell makes to much to play for the celts, Put A leprecaun Hat on him he'll fit in pretty good i bet. They would have to give up a good rotation guy to get him, with a record of 20-3 and a cheesey loss to the pistons, They dont need him! They're a LOCK.
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Oly December 25, 2007
Boston Celtics And Sam Cassell A Perfect Match
"Oly Sucks"-Hold on, there. I like witty comments and user-names, notice I said witty. Your point makes no sense as usual. Cassell is in the last year of his mid-level exception deal. His contract comes off the books, so the Celts would be gaining flexibility even if he put them slightly over the tax for the season. And the Celts would not have to give up a good rotation player because frankly they don't have a lot of those. Perhaps, a prospect like Gabe Pruitt or their late first round pick this year. As for the Celts not needing a back-up one, clearly you missed the game against Detroit, where the Pistons chased Eddie House full-court. Nice informed comment. The back-up one spot is an issue, it's the Celts achilles heal. Do your homework before you come in here.
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Jim H December 25, 2007
Boston Celtics And Sam Cassell A Perfect Match
I think Pruitt will get more game time as the season progresses. He is the point guard of the future. Smooth as silk.
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Red A. December 25, 2007
Boston Celtics And Sam Cassell A Perfect Match
My first thought when I heard that Sam I Am is on the trading block was "future Celtic" baby! Sam and Horry came up together w/ the Rockets winning rings but since then Horry has been the one known as big shot Bob. Sam was more instrumental is those Houston Championships. If Cassell goes to Boston then Boston will be able to write another chapter of Celtic Pride. It's the final piece they need. A veteran point guard. Game on the line KG in the post or Pierce on the drive can kick it to either Ray or Sam beyond the arc.
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bravo December 25, 2007
Boston Celtics And Sam Cassell A Perfect Match
its to far from the trading deadline to make a move yet, who knows in another twenty games the celtics may need more than a backup to the one spot....
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Rondo PG of future December 25, 2007
Boston Celtics And Sam Cassell A Perfect Match
Jim H: Rondo is the PG of the future!!
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Steve B December 25, 2007
Boston Celtics And Sam Cassell A Perfect Match
Don't give up Gabe Pruitt or a first rounder for Cassal for one year.There has to be a better way.
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a guest December 26, 2007
Boston Celtics And Sam Cassell A Perfect Match
If Rondo is The Guard of the Future then Pruitt is expendable
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Lawb402 December 26, 2007
Boston Celtics And Sam Cassell A Perfect Match
Sam Cassell is the perfect fit for the Celtics. I am sure he would love to come to Boston and win a championship this year. And who knows how long he could play for?... One, two, three years? He is a true pro and will greatly strengthen the bench. Giving up Pruitt is an easy decision to make when you have Rondo. Pruitt is basically useless to the Celtics with Rondo. Cassell is valuable because he will teach Rondo a lot. Sammy is a seasoned vet, and so is the core of the Celtics team this year. There is no question in my mind the Celtics will sign Cassell. What a sweet jersey that will be!
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joe smith January 14, 2008
Boston Celtics And Sam Cassell A Perfect Match
Boston better take Sam now, and stop playing around,K.G and ray getting old dont wait for rondo to to develope,rondo going to be there for a while.
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BIGGIRD 1 January 19, 2008
Boston Celtics And Sam Cassell A Perfect Match
I said this to all my co workers at the begining of the season Danny go get Sam Cassell and we are going to win the NBA Championship this guy is a winner in all aspects. Was a major part of the Rockets in 94 and 95 with my favorite player of all time Hakeem. Not affraid to take the big shot, can penatrate,dish the rock, and hes been to and won the biggest games in NBA basketball. People knock him for his defense but I bet if he comes here you will see him playing the best defense because he knows just like Ray Allen knows playing defense for a winner is alot easier than playing defense for a loser. Danny as I said before go get Sam Cassell and we are going to the promise land
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