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Sam Cassell

retired
Drafted #24 in the 1993 NBA Draft by the Rockets
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
Weight: 170 lbs (77 kg)
Position: PG
High School: Paul Laurence Dunbar High School (Maryland)
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
College: Florida St
Current Team:

Articles

NBA Scouting Reports, Atlantic Division (Part One)

Jonathan Givony
Jonathan Givony
Nov 30, 2008, 10:33 am
Overview:A veteran point guard who can still make an impact on occasion due to the unique offensive skills he possesses. Never had ideal athleticism, but is clearly past his prime now from an athletic standpoint. Has pretty good height for a point guard. Can't play as many minutes as he used to. Simply knows how to play the game. Reads defenders as well as anyone in the League. Makes a killing from the midrange. Draws fouls from the outside at an impressive rate. Knows how to set up his teammates as well. Won’t bring a lot of effort to the defensive end, but plays with a lot of savvy. Has been a good scorer since his days at San Jacinto Junior College and Florida State. Came into his own as a player when the Rockets won back to back NBA Championships in 1994 and 1995. One time All-Star. Known for his mouth as well as his game. As vocal as any player in the League. A respectable leader. Played that role for the 2008 NBA Champion Boston Celtics. Willingly mentors younger players. A great locker room presence. Will have a spot on a roster until his body can't keep up with the NBA game. Gradually getting to that point.

Offense:In his prime, was arguably the best midrange jump shooter in the League. Gets about a quarter of his offensive opportunities running the pick and roll with another fifth coming from fast breaks and one-on-one opportunities. Great jump shot. Displays tremendous footwork and shoots the same shot each time. Won’t do a whole lot of damage at the rim. Not quick enough to get there anymore. Doesn’t have to since he can nail shots off the dribble. Actually better as a jump shooter than a finisher. Likes to dribble left before he shoots. Great at using fakes to get his man off the ground. Will draw fouls shooting jumpers at an impressive rate. One of the best foul shooters around. Very savvy ball handler. Doesn’t turn the ball over very often for a point guard. Knows how to run an offense. Experience, talent, and offensive mentality make him one of the games most effective cerebral players. Incredible complimentary scorer.

Defense:A very average defensive player physically, but manages to be effective due to his personality and experience. Can really get into his man’s head with his constant chatter. Will use all kinds of little tricks to get his man out of rhythm. Isn’t quick enough to keep up with most point guards, but knows exactly how much space he needs to recover. Maximizes the quickness he still has in that way. Used to create quite a few turnovers, still gets his hand on the ball from time to time. Will give a smart foul when he can. Not afraid to try and muscle his man when he drives to save a basket. Not a great defender, but one of the most intelligent the game has to offer.