Cassell Staying With Boston?

Baltimore Sun speaks:

Baltimore native and three-time NBA champion Sam Cassell said today he plans to become an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics after playing one more season.

Cassell, a 38-year-old guard who was part of the Celtics’ title run this year, told a reporter about his plans shortly before speaking at a City Hall news conference. “This is my last year playing with the Celtics,” he said. “Next week, I’ll sign the contract.”

After finishing the 2008-09 season, he plans to exercise an option to join the coaching staff. “I am playing this year,” he said. “After that, I have the option to do coaching for them.”

Celtics spokesman Brian Olive declined to comment.

Huh?

Well okay …. why? … wait … Boston has 15 guys under contract already …… somebody is going to get cut …. Miles and his non-guaranteed contract is a long shot to crack the roster.

Why do they want to sign a fourth point guard? Seems unnecessary.

What does this mean for Pruitt? Another season in the NDBL while not playing point guard? That’ll be great for his development.

I really don’t understand this move.

Update: Ainge confirms Cassell offer

Sam Cassell is expected to sign with the Celtics for the 2008-09 season, general manager Danny Ainge said yesterday.

“Sam made a comment that he would like to coach someday, and I already knew that,” Ainge said. “But we are working on a deal to bring Sam back as a player. There is nothing done yet, but we could get it done soon.

“We always bring four point guards to training camp. We love where Gabe [Pruitt] is and we also have Eddie House. Rajon [Rondo] is our starter and they are fighting for the backup spot.”