It looks like Sam Cassell may officially shut it down for the rest of the season. Cassell has been hampered by a variety of injuries, and while he's played through them as much as he could, his back spasms may finally force him to sit the rest of the way:
"I'm going to have to sit down a while and let this heal," Cassell said. "I'm going to need some time, maybe until the playoffs, because I'm hurting right now."
Cassell was easily the Clippers' most valuable player last season, and a big reason that the franchise got within one game of the Western Conference finals. When Sam's out there he basically acts as the head coach, constantly talking to his teammates to make sure they're doing what they're supposed to. This is especially true with Chris Kaman. It's no secret that the Clippers are disappointed with Kaman's play this season, and it's not a coincidence that his play has deteriorated without Cassell's leadership. Sam is also the only Clipper who's comfortable taking that big shot when it's needed, and the only one besides Elton Brand capable of going for 30 on any given night. His absence, more than anything else, has been the reason for the Clips' disappointing season.
This news is devastating to whatever slim hopes the Clippers had of making any noise in the playoffs. Even though the Clips are likely to end up as a seven or eight seed, with a healthy Cassell they could have at least put up a fight in the first round. Without him, they'll be lucky to win a single game against one of the top two teams in the league.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
He's the Cassell Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh.
Clippers having a fine season, no matter what.