http://www.latimes.com/sports/baske...133.story?coll=la-headlines-sports-nba-clippe CLIPPER REPORT Cassell, Coach Forged a Bond Right Away By Jason Reid Times Staff Writer December 9, 2005 Many NBA observers speculated that point guard Sam Cassell and Coach Mike Dunleavy would clash, but player and coach are doing just fine. Dunleavy's hands-on coaching style hasn't bothered Cassell, who in his first season has led the Clippers (13-5) to a franchise-best start. In fact, Dunleavy and the 12-year veteran quickly forged a bond that has grown stronger, and the Clippers have benefited. "Anybody who thought me and Mike would have problems just don't understand me or Mike," Cassell said. "Mike knows where I'm coming from, and I know what he wants. Mike has been in this game a long time, and Mike knows what I bring to the table. "When I sat down with Mike after the trade [from the Minnesota Timberwolves in August], he told me exactly what he wanted and what he needed from me. Mike knew what I could do for this team, and I've gone out there and done it." Because of Cassell's experience and skill, Dunleavy has given him significant on-court authority. Although Cassell and Dunleavy often have heated exchanges during games, that's just the way they communicate, Cassell said. "There's nothing to that; that's just the way me and Mike talk," Cassell said. "Mike knows how much I want to win, and I know how much he wants to win. Mike wants me to get the best out of this team, so he let's me know that. "He'll say, 'Sam, I need these guys to do this,' and then it's my responsibility to make it happen. I have to get it done. Mike is the boss, I'm just the guy who does what Mike needs to get done." BOTH #10 for the ROCKETS!
I don't think it would be very hard to form a bond w/ Dunleavy, he seems like a very easy going coach, like Rudy T.
I hope carroll dawson and les alexander sees what sam is doing as well as robert horry. if we had those 2, we'd have 2 more championships. the dream lineup pg cassell sg head sf tmac pf horry c yao
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=2260211 The trade was dismissed initially, similar to the free-agent pursuits of the big names, as a move Sterling sanctioned only because it only meant paying Cassell for one season. Dunleavy wasn't listening, convinced that Cassell -- especially in a contract year and after he was widely blamed for the Wolves' collapse -- would be eager to supply the Clippers with the backcourt stability and swagger they lacked. Dunleavy's only hesitation was Cassell's health, after a back/hip/hamstring issue lingering from Minnesota's 2004 run to the West finals limited the 36-year-old to 59 games last season. Yet after they huddled for two days, there was even less hesitation. Dunleavy and Cassell quickly discovered that their personalities were a closer match than anyone knew. "Beyond my wildest dreams," Dunleavy said. "I'm him on the court," Cassell adds.
gater, I really respect you as a poster even though I have disagreed with you a lot about Francis. but you have to accept the fact that the clippers are good and a big reason is sam. now maybe sam might not hold up the whole season, but he gives the clippers something they have missed and they don't get from brand, a closer. he's doing the samethings for them as he did for the Timberwolves. its the same situation.
It's just awesome seeing Sam and Cat succeeding in LA. And Dunleavy is a guy I've always liked too. Just a fun team, I'm rooting for them to succeed this season.
It is cool to see the Clippers doing so well. I hope they continue doing well, but this weekend, I hope they lose in a blowout.
With Cassell and Horry around, we probably won't get Yao and Tmac. Present is more important than what would have happened.
pgabriel - First, thanks for the compliment. Secondly, no prob about Francis. In fact, if you have NBALP you will probably see him playing the best basketball of his career IMHO. Brian Hill is forcing the Magic to play defense and he has (at least for now) gotten SF to trust his teammates. I have seen Steve regularly pass up shots and make the extra pass to Nelson, Stevenson and even Garrity. Lastly, my "problem" with the Clippers is that they have had a really easy schedule. About a week ago during a Rox nationally televised game, they displayed a graphic with Houston having the 5th toughest strength of schedule and the Clippers the 26th. Frankly, the Clipps haven't beaten anyone tough. That's why they were 10-5 in Nov and if the Rox beat them tommorow, they'll be 4-4 for Dec. If someone wants to be a bandwagon Clipps fan, or make them their second favorite after the Rox, it's all good. But I'm not a huge Sam or Mobley fan so I'm going to need something more substantial than sentiment to be impressed. Also, it would appear that there's a double standard at work when our own team and players are getting cruxified for a tough schedule and the Clipps get a free pass. In closing, my problem with Sam is that he has a history of going to a team, playing exceptionally well in Yr 1 and then being a distraction in Yr 2 and beyond. There's more than a passing coincidence why a guy with Sam's stats and low cost gets traded so often. So that you don't think I'm being personally unfair, here is a small sample of what exists on Sam's attitude... "Cassell's departure was not unexpected. Near the end of the regular season, with the team teetering on missing the playoffs, Minnesota owner Glen Taylor called the addition of Cassell and Sprewell two years ago a "failed experiment." Cassell, who griped about not getting a contract extension, reported a day late to training camp after skipping the team's media day and first day of pre-camp workouts. http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/basketball/nba/golden_state_warriors/12373704.htm Some in the Nets camp have interpreted his inactivity this season as an indication that he was unhappy with his contract. He recently went to Houston for a second opinion on his right ankle and was told that he doesn't have a sprain but a torn ligament. He had been hoping to return Sunday for the Nets game in Miami. Cassell is in the second year of six-year, $21-million deal that he signed prior to last season. He would have received $3 million had this been a full season. Gatling was to paid $4.3 million this season and will receive $4.9-million and $5.5 million in the next two seasons. Minnesota owner Glen Taylor, one of the first to confirm the trade Thursday, said that the Timberwolves had also considered the high-scoring Cassell, but concluded that Brandon was better for their team. http://www.jsonline.com/sports/buck/thu/bsid31199.asp
During the game, Cassell spotted former Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich sitting on press row and screamed out his name to get Tomjanovich's attention. Tomjanovich, the former Rockets and Lakers coach, currently works for the Lakers as a consultant and scout. oh the glory days http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=251220017
