cassell is all class, a great speaker and motivator, flexible to making adjustments, thrives in pressure situations, and with a high bball IQ for the little nuances of the game. not sure about his managerial skills or ability to devise a team defense though...
I think Mario and Cassell could make a hell of a duo coaching the Rockets (perhaps next year). If I could re-title the thread I'd go with Mario (HC) and then Sam (AC).
Only if his postgame press conferences are subtitled. I love Sam I Am, but at times that dude was tough to understand. If we're gonna hire a former Rocket as coach, I'd prefer Mario Elie. He's been an assistant coach for a while and he worked under Pop. Plus he was known for his defense and toughness and Lord knows this team needs a lot of both.
John Wall has a great relationship with Cassel and said Cassel is a big reason why he has improved so much.
If the Rockets make a change at head coach during the offseason, I seriously doubt that they'd go with a first time coach. But, I'd be all for bringing in those two as assistants and grooming one or both. And get Rudy T the hell out of LA as well, no reason why he shouldn't be scouting here or in the Rockets' front office.
At the very least, bring them as assistants. Cassell always had an old man's knowledge of the game, and Elie would hopefully impart some of his toughness. Not sure either would be ready for a head coach gig yet (maybe Elie, if I had to pick one)
Yeah, at the minimum one of them should be brought in as an assistant. Good reminder on Rudy T he needs to be back with the Rockets ASAP -- Rudy with LA is bad mojo.
You guys wanna waste the primes of our 2 best players on a rookie coach? Stop, just stop. Hire George Karl and get the process over with. Let a rookie coach get his start with a team with less expectations
Have you seen what he does at Lakers games? He sits way up in the arena taking notes in the dark. Surely a more prominent role with the Rockets is more appealing than that! I think the only major impediment, besides leaving sunny California, is his health.
Of course I'd prefer Karl, either Van Gundy, or Lionel Hollins(Thibs is unlikely since he has 3 years left on his deal with the Bulls). But short of that, I'd gladly take Elie over McHale.
