New Orleans Pelicans: 3 assistants Stan Van Gundy should consider hiring

New Orleans Pelicans: Stan Van Gundy should consider Sam Cassell as an assistant coach.

Sam Cassell

The Los Angeles Clippers had quite a coaching staff this season. Not only did they have legend Doc Rivers leading the way but had top assistants Tyronn Lue and Sam Cassell.

After Rivers was fired, Lue took over in Los Angeles, but it is still unclear what he is going to do about a staff. He could clean house and start fresh or keep some of Rivers’ staff, and if Cassell becomes available the New Orleans Pelicans should pounce.

Cassell was actually one of my top choices for head coach, and one thing I like about hiring him is that the Pelicans could be hiring their head coach of the future. Cassell is going to get a shot at some point and most around the league think he’ll be a great head coach.

Cassell not only brings a winning history, deep knowledge of the game and instant respect, but he brings accountability. I watched him a lot on Doc Rivers’ bench and he was often the first one up to get in the face of a player who hadn’t run back on defense or completed their assignment.

Cassell had a lot of success in Washington, where John Wall credits him for helping to develop his game, and he has also been instrumental in recruiting veterans to the teams he’s coached.

Cassell would be a great addition for the young guards, who can learn a lot from a guy who won multiple titles.

Cassell is one of the top choices out there and could end up being the head coach if the Pelicans play this right. I wouldn’t mind a set up where Stan Van Gundy was grooming someone like Cassell to take over when he leaves.